Are You a Candidate for LASIK Surgery?

If you're considering LASIK, the first step is understanding if you qualify. UR Medicine is here to help you understand the basics of LASIK eligibility and what factors matter most.

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LASIK Eligibility Checklist

You may be a good candidate for LASIK if most of these apply to you:

• You are 18 years or older
• Your vision prescription has been stable for at least one year
• You have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
• Your eyes are generally healthy
• You are not pregnant
• You must be able to currently see to 20/40 or better while wearing your current contact lenses or glasses

LASIK may be a good fit even if you do not meet all these criteria, which is why we encourage patients to connect directly with our experts. We will help evaluate whether LASIK or a different procedure may be the best next step for your eye health.

LASIK vs. PRK: Candidacy Differences

Many people who don’t qualify for LASIK may still qualify for PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). PRK is a laser vision correction procedure that, unlike LASIK, does not create a flap of tissue in the process of reshaping the cornea. LASIK is often recommended if there is enough corneal thickness, while PRK may be recommended for people with thin corneas. UR Medicine experts can help determine whether LASIK or PRK is the best option for your eyes.

What Happens During an Evaluation?

A candidacy evaluation is thorough and personalized. It may include:

• Detailed measurements of your cornea
• Review of your vision history
• Eye health testing and imaging
• Discussion of your goals and lifestyle

Eye Testing Measures:

• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Astigmatism
• Thickness of your cornea
• Shape and architecture of your cornea
• Pupil size
• Eye pressure
• Optical abnormalities, using the wavefront sensing and corneal mapping

There is no pressure to proceed with surgery after an evaluation.

I cannot recommend Flaum Eye Institute enough!! From the informative webinar, to the caring and knowledgeable staff during my evaluation and pre-op visits, to the clear directions and preparation on my surgery day, I always felt well cared for.
— Beth, Custom All-Laser LASIK

Why LASIK May Not Be Recommended

LASIK may not be a good fit for you, but laser vision correction could still be an option.

LASIK may not be recommended if you have:

• Very thin corneas
• Severe dry eye
• Certain eye diseases, such as keratoconus or unstable corneas
• Advanced glaucoma or cataracts
• Eye infections or inflammation
• Certain retinal conditions
• Major prescription changes in the past year
• Medical conditions that affect healing
• Unrealistic expectations about what laser vision correction can treat