Are you a candidate for LASIK?

The short answer: maybe, but many people are not candidates

LASIK is not a simple yes-or-no based on age or how much you dislike glasses. Candidacy is personal. A surgeon has to measure your cornea, check your prescription, look for dry eye, and screen for eye diseases or other reasons surgery may be unsafe.

Some people are good LASIK candidates. Some are better suited to PRK, SMILE, or an implantable lens. Some should avoid elective vision-correction surgery entirely. That is not a sales problem. It is a safety issue.

A careful surgeon may say no if the risk is too high. That is often a good sign.

If you are early in your research, it can help to read about the exam process first: candidacy and exam.

Also important: LASIK has real risks. These can include dry eye, glare, halos, under-correction, over-correction, flap complications, infection, and in rare cases loss of vision. Results vary from person to person. No honest service or surgeon should guarantee 20/20 vision or promise that surgery is right for you.

Who may be a reasonable LASIK candidate

In general, LASIK may be worth discussing with a surgeon if most of these sound like you:

• You are 18 or older, and many surgeons prefer your prescription to be stable for at least a year.
• Your glasses or contact lens prescription has not been changing a lot.
• You have healthy eyes without certain corneal diseases, active infections, or major untreated dry eye.
• Your prescription falls within a range that LASIK can sometimes treat safely.
• Your corneas are thick enough and regular enough for the laser treatment being considered.
• You understand that surgery can reduce dependence on glasses or contacts, but it may not remove the need for them completely.
• You are comfortable with the fact that every surgery carries risk and that results are not guaranteed.

These are only general signs. They do not mean you are a candidate. A licensed ophthalmologist must examine your eyes in person.

If you want a broader overview of the procedure itself, see LASIK.

Common reasons someone is not a LASIK candidate

A lot of people are surprised to learn they are not good LASIK candidates. Here are some common reasons:

1. Your corneas are too thin or irregular
LASIK reshapes the cornea. If there is not enough safe tissue, or the shape looks unstable, LASIK may increase risk.

2. Your prescription is still changing
If your vision has not stabilized, treating it now may leave you unhappy later.

3. Dry eye problems
LASIK can make dry eye worse, especially in the short term. For some people, that risk matters a lot.

4. Very high nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
Some prescriptions are outside what a surgeon considers safe or predictable for LASIK. Another procedure may fit better.

5. Eye disease or past eye problems
Examples may include cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, corneal scars, retinal problems, or active inflammation. Some conditions rule out LASIK. Others may require different treatment first.

6. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Hormonal changes can affect vision and dry eye. Many surgeons prefer to wait until vision is more stable.

7. Unrealistic expectations
If someone expects perfect vision in every situation with zero risk, LASIK may not be a good choice. Reading glasses can still be needed later in life, even after successful surgery.

Sometimes not being a LASIK candidate does not mean "no surgery at all." It may mean PRK, SMILE, ICL, or lens surgery is worth asking about. Sometimes it means the safest choice is to keep glasses or contacts. That is okay.

What to do before you book a consultation

You do not need to decide on a procedure before speaking with a surgeon. What you do need is a smart plan.

• Compare more than one consultation if you can. You are choosing who to trust.
• Ask what testing is included in the exam and who reviews the results.
• Ask why the surgeon thinks you are, or are not, a candidate.
• Ask what risks matter most in your case, especially dry eye, glare at night, and the chance of needing an enhancement or glasses later.
• Ask what alternatives might fit your eyes better than LASIK.
• Ask for a realistic cost range for your situation. In the US, LASIK often runs about $2,000-$3,000 per eye, but the real price depends on the eyes, the technology, and the area. Insurance rarely covers elective refractive surgery.

A few practical notes:

• Do not send us medical records. Sightlume only collects contact details so we can help you connect with licensed eye surgeons near you.
• If you wear contact lenses, the surgeon's office may tell you to stop wearing them for a period before your exam so measurements are more accurate.
• Bring your questions in writing. Many people forget them once the visit starts.

If you want help finding consultations near you, get matched. Sightlume is a free matching service, not a medical provider, and no surgery happens without an exam first.

Common mistakes people make when deciding about LASIK

Marketing around vision correction can make this feel simpler than it is. A few mistakes come up again and again:

• Choosing based on price alone. Low advertised pricing may not reflect your real total cost or whether the option is right for your eyes.
• Assuming LASIK is the best procedure for everyone. It is not. Some people are better suited to PRK, SMILE, ICL, or no surgery.
• Ignoring risk because the procedure is common. Common does not mean risk-free. Read about LASIK risks and side effects before you decide.
• Believing a screening or online quiz equals approval. It does not. Only a full exam can decide candidacy.
• Hiding concerns because you want surgery badly. Be honest about dry eye symptoms, night driving worries, and your expectations.
• Feeling pressured to act fast. Elective surgery should allow time to think. It is always okay to wait.

A good consultation should leave you feeling informed, not rushed. If the explanation is unclear, ask again in plain language. If needed, bring a family member or friend to help you listen and take notes.

Your next step: get clear answers, not a sales pitch

If you are wondering whether LASIK could be right for you, the next step is simple:

1. Learn the basics.
2. Book one or two consultations with licensed eye surgeons.
3. Compare what they say about safety, risks, options, and cost.
4. Take your time before making any decision.

You can also review more background on are you a candidate for LASIK and how to choose a surgeon at how to choose an eye surgeon.

Most important, remember this: this page is general information, not medical advice. Sightlume does not diagnose, examine, or tell you which surgery to choose. Only a licensed eye surgeon, after an in-person exam, can tell you whether LASIK is a safe and reasonable option for you.