Am I a candidate for LASIK?

If you're tired of glasses or contact lenses, LASIK might be on your radar. It's quick. It’s effective. And for the right person, it can offer clear vision without the daily hassle of corrective lenses.

But not everyone is suitable for LASIK. So, how do you know if you’re a good candidate?

At Elite LASIK & Cataract, we take safety seriously. We don’t guess—we test. Here’s a breakdown of what makes someone a good fit for LASIK, and what might make us recommend another option instead.

You might be a candidate if…

Your prescription is within range

LASIK corrects short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

It works best for people with:

• Myopia: up to -10.00D
• Hyperopia: up to +4.00D
• Astigmatism: up to 6.00D

Even if your prescription is slightly outside those numbers, other laser options like PRK or SMILE may still work for you.

 Your vision is stable

We usually want your prescription to be stable for at least 12 months before considering LASIK. If your vision is still changing, the results may not last.

This is especially common in people under 25. That’s why we review your previous prescriptions to check for stability.

Your eyes are healthy

Good eye health is essential. We’ll scan your eyes for issues like:

• Keratoconus (a weakening of the cornea)
• Corneal scars or infections
• Severe dry eyes
• Cataracts or glaucoma

If your eyes are otherwise healthy, you’re already on the right track.

Your corneas are thick enough

LASIK works by reshaping your cornea. That means we need a certain amount of thickness to work with.

We use advanced imaging to measure this. If your corneas are thinner than ideal, we may recommend an alternative procedure like PRK, SMILE, or lens-based surgery.

You’re over 18 (but usually over 21 is better)

The minimum age for LASIK is 18. But most people do better waiting until their early 20s when their vision has settled.

There’s no upper age limit, but after 45, other procedures like lens replacement may work better—especially if you’re noticing problems with near vision.

You’re not pregnant or breastfeeding

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and nursing can affect your vision and healing response. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, we’ll recommend waiting a few months after you stop before considering LASIK.

You might not be a candidate if…

LASIK is not right for everyone. Here are a few reasons we might advise against it:

You have an unstable prescription

Changes in your vision suggest that your eyes haven’t settled yet.

Your corneas are too thin

If there’s not enough tissue, LASIK may not be safe.

You have certain eye diseases

Conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or uncontrolled glaucoma are usually deal-breakers.

You have a medical condition that affects healing

Autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes may interfere with your body’s ability to recover.

But don't worry—many people who aren’t suitable for LASIK still have great options, including PRK, SMILE, or lens-based procedures.

What about age?

Your age helps guide us toward the right treatment:

• Under 25: LASIK may still be an option, but only if your vision is stable.
• 25–45: This is the sweet spot for LASIK.
• 45–60: LASIK may still work, but we’ll also talk about presbyopia and reading vision. Lens replacement might be better.
• 60+: You may be starting to develop cataracts, in which case lens replacement is usually the best option.

The best way to know? Get tested.

We use high-resolution scans to map your eyes. We check your prescription, your corneal shape and thickness, your tear film, and more.

It’s a thorough process—but it’s how we make sure you’re getting a treatment plan that’s tailored, safe, and effective

Want to find out if you’re a LASIK candidate?

Take our quick self-test. It only takes a minute—and it’s the first step to life without glasses or contacts.