LASIK eye surgery has helped millions achieve clear vision without glasses or contacts. But not everyone is a good candidate for this popular procedure. If you’re wondering whether you qualify for LASIK, this comprehensive guide covers all the medical conditions, eye health factors, and physical characteristics that might disqualify you.
How LASIK Works (Brief Overview)
Before discussing disqualifications, let’s quickly understand what LASIK does:
- The surgeon creates a thin corneal flap
- A laser reshapes your cornea to correct refractive errors
- The flap is repositioned to heal naturally
This process requires specific corneal thickness, stable vision, and good overall eye health – which brings us to potential disqualifiers.
12 Reasons You Might Not Qualify for LASIK
1. Corneas That Are Too Thin
LASIK requires adequate corneal thickness (typically at least 500 microns):
- Thinner corneas risk instability after flap creation
- Alternative procedures like PRK may be options
- Measured during pre-op evaluation with pachymetry
2. Unstable Vision Prescription
Your glasses prescription should be stable for:
- At least 12 months for adults under 40
- Potentially longer for older patients
- Frequent changes suggest you’re not ready
3. Extreme Nearsightedness, Farsightedness or Astigmatism
LASIK has limits on what it can correct:
Myopia: Typically up to -12.00 diopters
Hyperopia: Usually up to +6.00 diopters
Astigmatism: Generally up to 6 diopters
Beyond these, other procedures may be considered.
4. Certain Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions that affect healing may disqualify you:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
These can lead to poor surgical outcomes or complications.
5. Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome
LASIK can temporarily worsen dry eyes:
- Severe pre-existing dry eye may disqualify you
- Must be well-managed before consideration
- Special testing (Schirmer’s test) evaluates tear production
6. Pregnancy or Nursing
Hormonal changes affect vision stability:
- Vision often fluctuates during pregnancy
- Medications used may affect breastfeeding
- Typically advised to wait several months postpartum
7. Certain Eye Conditions
Specific ocular health issues may prevent LASIK:
- Keratoconus or corneal thinning disorders
- Glaucoma (depending on type/severity)
- Severe cataracts
- Herpes infections of the eye
- Retinal diseases or detachments
8. Age Restrictions
LASIK candidates should be:
- At least 18 years old (21 in some practices)
- With stable vision before consideration
- Without significant presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) if older
9. Unrealistic Expectations
Psychological factors matter:
- Expecting “superhuman” vision
- Not understanding potential risks
- Unwilling to accept possible need for glasses later
10. Occupational Restrictions
Some jobs have specific vision requirements:
- Military personnel in certain roles
- Professional athletes in contact sports
- Those with hazardous work environments
11. Certain Medications
Drugs that affect healing or vision:
- Accutane (recent use)
- Steroids (long-term use)
- Some autoimmune medications
12. General Health Conditions
Systemic issues that impact surgery:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Poor wound healing history
- Compromised immune system
Temporary Disqualifications That May Change
Some conditions only delay LASIK eligibility:
- Recent contact lens wear (requires discontinuation)
- Active eye infections
- Recent changes in vision prescription
- Certain temporary medications
Alternative Vision Correction Options
If LASIK isn’t right for you, consider:
- PRK (similar to LASIK but no corneal flap)
- ICL (implantable contact lenses)
- Refractive lens exchange
- Continued glasses/contacts
The Importance of Comprehensive Screening
A thorough pre-operative evaluation includes:
- Complete medical history review
- Detailed eye examination
- Corneal topography mapping
- Pupil size measurements
- Tear film assessment
- Discussion of lifestyle factors
What to Do If You’re Disqualified
Don’t be discouraged if initially turned down:
- Some disqualifiers are temporary
- Technology advances may change options
- Alternative procedures may work
- Get second opinions when appropriate
Conclusion
While LASIK has helped millions, it’s not right for everyone. Understanding these disqualifying factors helps set realistic expectations. The best approach is a comprehensive consultation with an experienced refractive surgeon who can evaluate your unique situation. Even if LASIK isn’t an option today, other vision correction solutions may be available.
Remember: The goal is lifelong eye health, not just quick vision correction. A qualified surgeon’s “no” to LASIK often represents their commitment to your long-term ocular wellbeing.
Related topics:
How Awake I Was During LASIK Eye Surgery?
Does It Hurt To Get Lasik Eye Surgery?
Can You Get Lasik Eye Surgery With Astigmatism?
