Is LASIK right for you?

LASIK is not a good fit for everyone, and a careful evaluation comes before any decision. This page summarizes guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Ophthalmology on who may be a poor candidate and how to prepare. This page is not medical advice.

Signs you may be a poor candidate

The FDA lists several signs that LASIK may not suit you. They include dry eyes, thin corneas, and pupils that become very large in dim light. They also include eye problems beyond needing glasses or contacts, an unusually strong prescription, and wearing glasses or contacts only part of the time.

Health matters too. The FDA says an autoimmune disease, another major illness, a chronic illness that could slow healing, or steroids and other drugs that interfere with healing can all be reasons to hold off. Only an eye doctor who examines you can say whether any of these apply.

Conditions the surgeon will ask about

The American Academy of Ophthalmology tells patients to ask whether other conditions rule out LASIK or need treatment first. Its list includes diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency, dry eye, uveitis, keratoconus, glaucoma and cataract, among others. It also asks patients to give the surgeon a full list of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, because some medications could affect LASIK.

Is your prescription stable and in range?

The FDA says a prescription that changed in the past year is a warning sign. The Academy suggests checking whether yours has stayed about the same for roughly the last year. It also says vision can fluctuate up to about age 25, during pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause, and after age 40 to 45, when presbyopia may begin.

The Academy adds that the FDA approves LASIK for certain degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. A severe refractive error lowers the chance of success and raises the chance of retreatment. The FDA says results are generally less good with large refractive errors.

Think about work and daily life

The FDA notes that your job may prohibit refractive surgery, so check any vision rules that apply to your work. The Academy asks patients to think about whether 20/40 vision would be enough for their work and hobbies, or whether they need 20/20. The Academy also says not everyone achieves 20/20 vision with LASIK.

If you already need reading glasses, the FDA says you may still need them after surgery.

How to prepare for the evaluation

The FDA says you must stop wearing contact lenses before the baseline exam and wear glasses instead. Soft lenses need 2 weeks. Toric soft lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses need at least 3 weeks. Hard lenses need at least 4 weeks. Tell the doctor about your medical and eye conditions, all medications including over-the-counter ones, and any allergies.

The FDA also advises arranging not to drive or work after the thorough exam, and taking time to ask questions before you sign the informed consent form. Do not let anyone pressure you. Take time to weigh the risks and benefits.

A checklist for the visit

Bring these points to the consultation.

Has my prescription changed in the past year?
Do I have dry eyes, thin corneas or large pupils in dim light?
Do any of my health conditions or medicines slow healing?
Does my job have vision rules that LASIK may not meet?
Would 20/40 vision be enough for my work and hobbies?
What would retreatment involve if I am under- or over-corrected?

Also on this site: LASIK risks and questions to ask your surgeon · all LASIK centers by state.

Sources

Read on November 9, 2026. Rules and advice change. If something here is out of date, the contact page is at the bottom.