Who can have LASIK eye surgery? Consideration and procedure

LASIK has a certain “magic trick” reputation: you walk in wearing glasses, you walk out squinting at the clock across the room like, “Wait… I can read that?”
But LASIK isn’t a one-size-fits-all cheat code for eyesight. It’s a medical procedure that reshapes your cornea, and your eyes have to meet some very
specific criteria for it to be both safe and worth it.

This guide breaks down who typically qualifies for LASIK, who should avoid or postpone it, what happens at the screening appointment, and what the actual
procedure day looks like. We’ll keep it practical, detailed, and just funny enough to stay awakebecause your vision deserves your full attention.

LASIK in plain English

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery that corrects nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia),
and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea so light focuses more accurately on the retina.

During LASIK, a surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea, lifts it, uses a laser to reshape the underlying tissue, then puts the flap back in place.
The flap acts like a natural bandage while the surface heals.

Who is usually a good candidate for LASIK?

Most strong LASIK candidates share the same “boring but important” qualities: adult eyes that have stopped changing, a prescription within treatable ranges,
healthy corneas, and no medical issues that mess with healing.

A quick LASIK candidacy checklist

• Age: Typically 18+ (many surgeons prefer 21+ because prescriptions are more stable).
• Stable vision: Your eyeglass/contact prescription has stayed about the same for at least a year.
• Healthy eyes: No uncontrolled eye disease (like advanced glaucoma) and no corneal thinning disorders.
• Enough corneal tissue: Your cornea is thick/strong enough for safe reshaping.
• Manageable dry eye: Mild or treatable dry eye may be okay; severe dry eye can be a deal-breaker.
• Realistic expectations: LASIK can reduce dependence on glasses/contactsbut it won’t freeze time (hello, reading glasses later).

Age: yes, there’s a reason it matters

The minimum legal age is often discussed because younger eyes can still change, especially in the early 20s. If your prescription keeps shifting,
LASIK can feel like buying a perfectly tailored suit… for a body that’s still growing. That’s why many surgeons like to see stability before they
recommend surgery.

Stable prescription: the “boring” requirement that saves you trouble

LASIK corrects the prescription you have today. If your eyes are still changing, you might get great vision now and then drift back into
glasses territory later. This doesn’t automatically mean something went “wrong,” but it can mean you’ll need an enhancement procedureor you’ll be
back to eyewear for certain tasks.

What vision problems can LASIK treat?

LASIK is commonly used for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatismwhen the prescription falls within ranges your surgeon considers safe for your corneal
shape and thickness. If your prescription is very high, your surgeon may recommend a different approach (like implantable lenses) to avoid removing
too much corneal tissue.

Who should NOT have LASIK (or should postpone it)?

Some people don’t qualify because the risks outweigh the benefits. Others can become candidates later after treatment for dry eye, a medication change,
or a life-stage change (like finishing pregnancy and breastfeeding).

Common reasons LASIK may be a “no” (or “not right now”)

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Hormonal shifts can change vision and affect dryness and healing.
• Unstable prescription: If your vision changed significantly in the last year, surgeons usually wait.
• Severe dry eye disease: LASIK can worsen dryness, especially early in recovery.
• Keratoconus or corneal thinning/irregularity: LASIK can increase the risk of corneal weakening (ectasia) in susceptible corneas.
• Active eye infections or inflammation: These must be treated and fully resolved first.
• Advanced glaucoma or certain retinal issues: Depends on your case; your surgeon will weigh risk carefully.
• Cataracts affecting vision: If cataracts are the main problem, cataract surgery (not LASIK) may be the better path.
• Autoimmune disease or immune suppression: Some conditions can make healing less predictable and raise complication risk.
• Diabetes that isn’t well controlled: Can affect healing and refractive stability.
• Medications that affect the cornea/tears: Some drugs can increase dryness or healing risk (your surgeon will review your list).

Dry eye: the most overlooked “big deal”

Dry eye deserves special attention because it’s common even before surgery, and it’s one of the most common side effects afterward. Some people
have mild dryness that can be treated before LASIK (think prescription drops, warm compress routines, lid care, punctal plugs, or changes to contact lens use).
But if dryness is severe and stubborn, LASIK may make symptoms worseand that can affect comfort and visual quality.

Contact sports and “face risk” jobs

If you do activities where an eye injury is more likely (martial arts, boxing, certain contact sports, some tactical jobs), your surgeon may suggest PRK
instead of LASIK. Why? LASIK involves a corneal flap, and significant trauma to the eye can be a concern even after healing.

The LASIK consultation: how surgeons decide if you qualify

A proper LASIK screening is not a vibe check. It’s a data-heavy evaluation of your vision, corneal shape, corneal thickness, tear film, eye health,
and medical history. The goal is to match your eyes to the safest, most predictable vision-correction option.

Tests you can expect at a real screening

• Refraction: The “which is better, 1 or 2?” test to measure your prescription.
• Corneal topography/tomography: Maps the shape of your cornea to spot irregularities.
• Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness (important for safety).
• Pupil size measurement: Helps evaluate risk of glare/halos at night for some patients.
• Tear film and dry eye assessment: Because comfort and clarity depend on healthy tears.
• Eye pressure and health exam: Screens for glaucoma and other eye conditions.
• Retinal exam: Especially important for people with significant myopia.

Important prep: you may need to stop wearing contacts before evaluation

Contact lenses can temporarily change corneal shape, which can throw off measurements. Many clinics ask you to stop wearing them before your baseline evaluation.
A commonly used guideline is:

• Soft contacts: stop about 2 weeks before the initial evaluation
• Toric soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP): stop at least 3 weeks before
• Hard lenses: stop at least 4 weeks before

Your surgeon may adjust timing depending on your lenses and corneal stability. (Yes, this is inconvenient. Consider it your first post-LASIK flex:
you’re already practicing life without contacts.)

LASIK procedure: step-by-step (what actually happens)

LASIK is usually quickoften under 30 minutes for both eyesthough you’ll spend more time on preparation and post-op instructions than the laser part itself.

Before surgery

• You’ll review consent forms and your plan (including whether you’re aiming for distance vision in both eyes or something like monovision).
• Numbing drops go in your eyes (so no, you won’t “feel the laser” the way people imagine).
• Your eyelids are gently held open (glamorous, but effective).

During surgery

1. Flap creation: A thin flap is created in the cornea (often with a femtosecond laser).
2. Reshaping: The surgeon lifts the flap and uses an excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue.
3. Flap repositioning: The flap is placed back down, where it adheres naturally as healing begins.

Right after surgery

Many people notice clearer vision quickly, but it’s normal to have watering, light sensitivity, mild burning, or a gritty sensation at first.
You’ll need someone else to drive you home, and you’ll be told to rest your eyes (which is doctor-approved permission to do absolutely nothing).

Recovery: what the first day, week, and month can feel like

Recovery varies, but a common pattern is: fast improvement early, then smaller changes as your eyes stabilize. You may see well quickly, but your vision can
fluctuate a bit during the first weeks.

Typical recovery timeline

• First 24 hours: Rest, avoid rubbing your eyes, use your prescribed drops, and expect some irritation.
• First week: Vision often improves steadily; mild dryness and halos can occur.
• First month: Many people feel “mostly normal,” though dryness or night glare may continue improving.
• 3–6 months: For many patients, lingering dryness or visual symptoms continue to taper.

The “do not rub your eyes” rule (a love story)

If LASIK had a slogan, it would be: “Hands off your eyeballs.” Rubbing can irritate healing tissue and increases risk of complications.
If your eyes itch, use your drops and call your clinic for advice.

Risks, side effects, and how to think about them like a grown-up

LASIK has a strong safety record when patients are carefully screened, but it still has risksjust like every medical procedure that involves
lasers and eyeballs (two things you generally want treated with respect).

Common temporary side effects

• Dry eyes: Often improves over time, but can be more persistent for some people.
• Glare, halos, starbursts: Especially noticeable at night early on; often improves as healing progresses.
• Fluctuating vision: Up-and-down clarity during early recovery isn’t unusual.

Less common but more serious risks

• Infection or inflammation: Rare, but potentially seriousfollow drop instructions and show up to follow-ups.
• Overcorrection/undercorrection: You may still need glasses for some tasks or may consider an enhancement later.
• Reduced contrast sensitivity: Even with 20/20 vision, some people notice dim or low-contrast scenes feel different.
• Corneal ectasia: A rare weakening/bulging of the cornea, strongly tied to pre-existing risk factors and screening quality.

How to lower your risk

• Choose a surgeon, not a coupon: Experience and thorough screening matter.
• Be honest about symptoms: Especially dry eye, night driving issues, and medical history.
• Follow instructions: Drops, eye shields, follow-up visitsthese are not “optional accessories.”
• Talk about your lifestyle: Night driving, sports, outdoor work, screen-heavy jobsthese should shape the plan.

LASIK expectations: what it can and can’t do

What LASIK is great at

• Reducing dependence on glasses/contacts for distance vision
• Helping many people reach driving-level vision without correction
• Improving convenience for travel, sports, and daily life

What LASIK can’t promise

• Permanent “never need glasses again” vision: Prescriptions can change with age.
• Immunity from presbyopia: Most people eventually need reading glasses (or another strategy) as they age.
• Perfect night vision for everyone: Many do great; some notice glare/halos, especially early on.

If you’re not a LASIK candidate: strong alternatives

Not qualifying for LASIK is not the end of the roadit’s your eyes politely insisting on a different route.
Depending on your corneas, prescription, and lifestyle, your surgeon may suggest:

PRK

PRK reshapes the cornea without creating a flap. Recovery can be longer and more uncomfortable early on, but it can be a great option for thinner corneas
or for people with higher eye-injury risk.

SMILE

SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is another laser-based option for certain prescriptions. It uses a smaller incision and no large flap, which may be
appealing in some cases. Not everyone qualifies, and availability can vary.

Implantable lenses (ICL)

For higher prescriptions or certain corneal limitations, implantable contact lenses placed inside the eye can be an optionespecially for people who want
correction without removing corneal tissue.

Refractive lens exchange (RLE)

For some older adultsespecially when presbyopia or early lens changes are part of the picturelens-based surgery may be discussed instead of corneal laser surgery.

Choosing a clinic: smart questions to ask

• What tests are included in the candidacy screening?
• Am I better suited for LASIK, PRK, SMILE, ICL, or something elseand why?
• How do you evaluate and treat dry eye before surgery?
• What is your enhancement policy if I’m undercorrected or my vision changes?
• What visual side effects are most common in patients like me (night driving, dryness, halos)?

Frequently asked questions

Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?

Many people with mild to moderate astigmatism do very well, as long as corneal shape and thickness are suitable. Your screening results matter more than the label.

Can I have LASIK if I’m over 40?

Possiblyage alone isn’t an automatic “no.” But around this age, presbyopia becomes a factor. You may want to discuss monovision, blended vision strategies,
or alternative procedures depending on your goals.

Does LASIK hurt?

Most patients describe pressure and some discomfort rather than sharp pain during the procedure (thanks to numbing drops). The first few hours after can feel
scratchy, watery, and light-sensitive.

How soon can I drive?

Many people can drive within a day or two after their post-op check, but you should follow your surgeon’s clearanceespecially if your job depends on reliable night driving.

Final thoughts: who should seriously consider LASIK?

LASIK tends to be a great fit for adults with stable prescriptions, healthy corneas, manageable dryness, and realistic expectations about aging eyes.
The best next step isn’t guessing based on an internet checklistit’s a thorough evaluation with a qualified refractive surgeon who can show you the data behind the recommendation.

If you qualify, LASIK can be a high-impact convenience upgrade. If you don’t, that’s not a failureyour screening just saved you from forcing your eyes into a plan they didn’t sign up for.

Real-world experiences (added)

To make all of this feel less like a textbook and more like real life, here are a few “what it’s actually like” snapshotsbased on common patient themes you’ll hear in clinics.
These aren’t promises (eyes are not smartphones and do not come with identical operating systems), but they show how candidacy and recovery can play out.

Experience #1: The night-driver who didn’t mention halos (until after)

One common story: someone chooses LASIK because they’re tired of glasses fogging up or contacts drying out. They do fine overallbut they also do a lot of night driving,
and they notice halos around headlights during early recovery. The important part is that many patients improve over weeks to months, but the “lesson” here is candid:
if night driving is a huge part of your life, say so. A good surgeon will talk through pupil size, dry eye risk, and what visual symptoms are most likely in your case.
Patients who feel happiest long-term often say the best part wasn’t “perfect vision,” it was being prepared for the normal weirdness during healing.

Experience #2: The dry-eye patient who became a better candidate by treating first

Another common path: someone shows up excited, and the screening reveals dry eye that’s worse than they realized (especially if they stare at screens all day).
Instead of rushing into surgery, the clinic treats the dryness firstlid hygiene, warm compresses, prescription drops, punctal plugs, or lifestyle changes.
A few weeks later, the corneal surface measurements are more stable, vision testing is more reliable, and the patient may become a safer candidate.
People in this group often say the unexpected win was learning how much comfort and clarity improved before any laser entered the chat.

Experience #3: The “I want zero glasses forever” expectation reset

Some patients arrive with a dream: never wear glasses again at any distance for the rest of their life. The best clinics handle this kindly but directly:
LASIK can reduce dependence on glasses, but it doesn’t stop normal aging changes like presbyopia. Patients who do best emotionally are the ones who choose a goal
like “drive, work out, and live day-to-day without glasses,” while staying flexible about reading glasses later. In other words: LASIK can be a fantastic upgrade,
but it’s not a time machine.

Experience #4: The contact-sport athlete who chose PRK instead

If you play a sport where you might take an accidental elbow, ball, or glove to the face, your surgeon may steer you toward PRK. Some athletes initially feel
disappointed because PRK recovery can be slower. But many later feel relieved they chose the option that fits their risk profile, especially if they’ve seen teammates
deal with eye injuries. The takeaway: the “best” procedure isn’t the most popular oneit’s the one that matches how you actually live.

Experience #5: The “enhancement” conversation that surprised people

A smaller group of patients ends up slightly undercorrected or notices their vision changes over time. Sometimes an enhancement is possible; sometimes glasses are
used for specific tasks. Patients who felt least stressed were those who asked up front: “If I need a touch-up, what’s your policy and what determines eligibility?”
Having that conversation before surgery makes the future feel planned instead of scary.

The common thread in the best experiences is not luckit’s screening quality, dry eye management, realistic expectations, and following post-op instructions closely.
LASIK can be life-changing, but the boring steps (testing, honesty, aftercare) are what make the “wow” part possible.