Who Is a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery has helped millions of people worldwide achieve clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. But is it the right option for you? Not everyone is a good candidate for laser vision correction, and determining your suitability is the first step toward making an informed decision.

General Eligibility for Laser Eye Surgery

While each clinic has specific guidelines, you may be a good candidate if you meet the following criteria:

• You are over 18 years old – Your vision should be stable before undergoing laser correction
• You have a stable prescription – If your prescription hasn’t changed for at least a year, it’s a good sign you may be eligible
• Your prescription falls within treatable limits – LASIK, PRK, and SMILE are effective for most common refractive errors, but extreme prescriptions may require alternative options
• You have healthy corneas – The thickness and shape of your corneas matter. Thin or irregular corneas may disqualify you from LASIK but could still make you a candidate for PRK
• You have no serious eye diseases – Conditions like keratoconus, glaucoma, or severe dry eye syndrome can impact eligibility
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding – Hormonal changes during these periods can temporarily affect your vision.

Pre-Surgery Screening: The Key to Safety

Before undergoing laser eye surgery, a thorough eye examination is essential. At Atlantic eye laser centre we offer free LASIK screening. At these screenings your surgeon will assess:

• Corneal thickness and health
• Pupil size and eye pressure
• Your overall eye health and any existing conditions
• Your prescription and stability

This screening ensures that the procedure will be safe and effective for your specific eyes.

Age and laser eye surgery

While 18 is the minimum age, many surgeons recommend waiting until your mid-20s when vision is more stable. If you are over 40, you may also be a candidate, but presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) should be considered. Some patients opt for blended vision treatments, such as Presbyond, to correct both distance and near vision.

Can you have laser eye surgery if you have astigmatism?

Yes! Laser eye surgery can correct astigmatism along with nearsightedness and farsightedness. However, the severity of your astigmatism will determine which procedure is best for you.

Who Might Not Be a Good Candidate?

While laser eye surgery is highly effective, some people are not suitable candidates, including:

• Individuals with unstable vision that continues to change
• Those with autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), which can affect healing
• People with severe dry eye syndrome, as it may worsen post-surgery
• Patients with thin or irregular corneas, making LASIK unsuitable (though PRK may still be an option)
• Those with unrealistic expectations – laser eye surgery improves vision but doesn’t always guarantee perfect eyesight

What if you’re not a candidate for LASIK?

If you don’t qualify for LASIK, there are still options. PRK is often a suitable alternative for those with thin corneas. Implantable contact lenses (ICL) and refractive lens exchange (RLE) are other choices for people with extreme prescriptions or age-related vision changes.

Not Sure if You Qualify? Take the Test!

The best way to know if you’re a good candidate is to take our free suitability self-test. Answer a few questions, and we’ll help you take the next step toward clearer vision.