Are you a good candidate for lasik?
Who's a good fit for lasik — and who should reconsider, wait, or pick a different procedure.
Good candidates for lasik share a few things in common: realistic goals, stable health, and a clear understanding of what the procedure can and can't do.
You may be a good candidate if…
- You're in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to quit).
- Your weight has been stable for at least 6 months.
- Your concern is specific and definable.
- You have time built in for the recovery your surgeon describes.
- You're emotionally stable and not deciding under acute stress.
You may want to wait or reconsider if…
- You have uncontrolled medical conditions or are pregnant/nursing.
- Your expectations don't match what real cases show.
- You're still actively losing or gaining weight.
- A loved one wants the procedure for you more than you do.
Your consultation will cover
- Your medical history, medications, and prior surgeries.
- A focused physical exam.
- Standardized photographs and often AI/morphing previews.
- Risks, alternatives, and realistic outcomes for your anatomy.
- Cost, financing, and surgical scheduling.
Alternatives worth considering
PRK
No flap created. Better for thinner corneas, contact athletes, and military careers. Slower recovery (1–2 weeks of blurry vision).
SMILE / ReLex SMILE
Femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule extracted through a tiny incision. Less dry eye than LASIK; some surgeons consider it the new standard for myopia.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
Lens implanted behind the iris. Reversible; ideal for high myopia or thin corneas where LASIK isn't safe.
Glasses or contacts
Free of surgical risk. For patients with risk factors (thin cornea, dry eye), this is often the right answer.