How do I know if I'm a candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK — and that's a good thing. The screening exists precisely to make the procedure as safe and effective as it is. Here are the main factors that decide it.
A stable prescription
Your vision should have been roughly stable for about a year. If your prescription is still changing, it's usually best to wait until it settles, so the correction lasts.
Healthy eyes and adequate corneal thickness
LASIK reshapes the cornea, so it needs to be healthy and thick enough. Conditions like significant dry eye or certain corneal issues don't always rule you out, but they shape the plan — and sometimes point to an alternative like PRK or ICL.
Age and general health
Most candidates are adults whose eyes have finished developing. Some health conditions matter too, which is why the consultation reviews your overall health, not just your eyes.
The only way to be sure
Online checklists are a useful starting point, but candidacy can only be confirmed by a detailed eye exam. Our 60-second quiz gives you an honest first read, and a consultation settles it for certain — with no obligation.
Wondering if it’s right for you?
Take the 60-second candidacy quiz, or book a consultation with Dr. Mahmoud Said.
This article is educational and not a substitute for a medical consultation.