LASIK Candidacy, Risks and Alternatives

Key principle

LASIK may reduce dependence on glasses or contacts, but it is not suitable for every eye or every person. An online self-test can help organize questions; it cannot measure corneal shape and thickness, tear film, pupil size, prescription stability or retinal and optic-nerve health.

Candidacy is a clinical decision, not a quiz result

The National Eye Institute says deciding whether LASIK is appropriate requires a comprehensive dilated eye examination. The examining clinician should review your eye history, general health, medications, occupation and expectations.

Sources: National Eye Institute: Surgery for refractive errors · FDA: Before, during and after LASIK

Factors that may change or postpone a plan

The FDA identifies refractive instability, certain diseases or medications that affect healing, pregnancy or breastfeeding, active participation in contact sports and age under 18 among considerations that can make LASIK inappropriate or require caution. Eye conditions such as keratoconus, significant dry eye, infection, glaucoma or cataract can also affect the decision.

This is not a checklist for ruling yourself in or out. The relevance of each factor depends on the examination and the specific procedure. Share complete medical and eye information with the surgeon, including prior surgery and all medications.

Sources: FDA: When LASIK may not be appropriate · National Eye Institute: Surgery for refractive errors

Understand common effects and serious possibilities

Temporary dryness, glare, halos, double vision, blurred vision and light sensitivity can occur. The National Eye Institute notes that these effects often improve over months but can rarely persist. Infection, healing problems and loss of best-corrected vision are less common but important risks.

LASIK can undercorrect or overcorrect, and glasses, contacts or another procedure may still be needed. Presbyopia continues with age, so someone who sees well at distance after LASIK may later need reading correction. Results and risks vary by person, device and surgeon.

Sources: National Eye Institute: Surgery for refractive errors · FDA: LASIK risks and choosing a doctor

Alternatives are part of informed consent

Alternatives include continuing with glasses or contact lenses, PRK or another surface procedure, SMILE for eligible prescriptions, phakic implantable lenses, and lens-based surgery in selected cases. Each option has different eligibility, risks and recovery; “newer” does not automatically mean better for a particular eye.

Doing nothing is a legitimate option when glasses or contacts work well. The FDA recommends weighing elective surgery against your own values and avoiding pressure from friends, advertising or a clinic.

Sources: National Eye Institute: Surgery for refractive errors · FDA: LASIK risks and choosing a doctor

Recovery has more than one timeline

Many people function sooner than the eye fully heals. The National Eye Institute says vision continues to clarify as healing progresses and may take two to three months to finish. Driving, screen work, exercise, swimming and eye makeup may each have different restrictions.

Arrange a ride home and to the first follow-up if advised. Follow the surgeon’s drop schedule and activity instructions, and know how to reach the clinical team for increasing pain, a sudden vision change, discharge or another urgent concern.