Who Can Do LASIK Surgery? A Complete Guide to Eligibility, Requirements & Safety

LASIK surgery has helped millions of people around the world achieve clear, spectacle-free vision. It is one of the most popular laser vision correction procedures because it is fast, safe, and highly accurate. But while many want freedom from glasses or contact lenses, not everyone is aware of an important question: Who is actually eligible for LASIK?

If you’re considering LASIK, understanding the eligibility criteria will help you make an informed and confident decision.

What Is LASIK and Why Do People Choose It?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) reshapes the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye, using advanced laser technology. By adjusting the corneal curvature, LASIK corrects refractive errors such as:

• Short-sightedness (Myopia)
• Long-sightedness (Hyperopia)
• Astigmatism

The goal is simple: to reduce or completely eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, LASIK has one of the highest satisfaction rates among elective medical procedures.
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1. Age Requirements: When Can You Consider LASIK?

The first and most basic requirement is age.

You must be 18 years or older: The reason is that the eyes continue to grow and change during teenage years. A stable prescription ensures the best long-term results.

2. Stable Spectacle Power: A Critical Factor

Your prescription must be stable for 6–12 months: LASIK works best when the refractive power of the eye is not fluctuating. If your spectacle or contact lens power is still changing, it indicates that your eyes have not fully stabilised.

Typically, individuals with stable power experience predictable outcomes after laser vision correction. If you are unsure about your last change in prescription, an ophthalmologist can verify this during your exam.

3. Suitable for People with Refractive Errors

LASIK is ideal for individuals who have any of the following:

• Myopia (difficulty seeing far objects)
• Hyperopia (difficulty seeing near objects)
• Astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision at all distances)

The extent of refractive error that can be corrected depends on corneal thickness and overall eye health. Some extreme power levels may need alternative treatments like PRK, SMILE, or ICL.

4. Great for Those Uncomfortable with Glasses or Contact Lenses

Many people simply prefer life without glasses:

• Difficulty wearing glasses during sports
• Fogging due to masks
• Discomfort with long-term contact lens use
• Desire for a natural, glasses-free appearance

If these concerns sound familiar, LASIK may be an excellent option for you.

5. Strongly Recommended for Aspirants of Defence Services

A major group that actively considers LASIK includes candidates preparing for:

• Indian Army
• Indian Navy
• Indian Air Force
• Paramilitary forces

Most defence roles require clear unaided vision, and LASIK often meets those standards. However, each wing has specific medical guidelines, so candidates should confirm requirements before undergoing surgery.

6. Corneal Health: The Most Important Part of LASIK Eligibility

Even if you fit all the above criteria, your cornea must be healthy and strong.

Essential pre-LASIK tests include:

• Corneal topography – maps the shape of the cornea
• Corneal tomography – evaluates thickness and structural strength
• Pachymetry – measures corneal thickness
• Dry eye assessment – checks tear film quality

These tests determine whether LASIK is safe for your unique eye structure.

Individuals with thin corneas, irregular corneas, keratoconus, or certain eye conditions may not be ideal candidates but they may qualify for alternative procedures. Only a trained ophthalmologist, preferably a cornea specialist, can decide suitability.

7. Who Should NOT Do LASIK?

Some individuals may need to avoid or postpone LASIK:

• People under 18 years
• Those with unstable spectacle power
• Individuals with very thin or weak corneas
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to hormonal fluctuations)
• Those with uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune conditions
• Patients with active eye infections or severe dry eyes

A detailed evaluation will help identify the safest option for you.

8. Why a Detailed Consultation Matters

LASIK is a highly customisable procedure. The right approach depends on:

• Corneal thickness
• Refractive error type
• Lifestyle needs
• Occupation
• Long-term vision goals

A consultation ensures the safest and most suitable treatment is chosen.

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Conclusion: LASIK Is for Many People—But Not Everyone

Most healthy adults with stable vision and refractive errors can benefit from LASIK. The key is proper screening. If you’re looking for a safe, long-term alternative to glasses or contact lenses, a personalized eye evaluation will determine whether LASIK is right for you.

To explore more about LASIK and book a consultation, visit: Shekareye hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is LASIK painful?

No. LASIK is performed under numbing eye drops, so patients feel only mild pressure not pain. Most resume normal activities within 24 hours.

2. How long does LASIK recovery take?

Vision improves within a day, with clarity stabilising over 1–3 weeks. Full healing continues over a few months.

3. Can LASIK permanently remove glasses?

In most cases, yes. LASIK significantly reduces dependence on glasses or lenses. Rarely, mild power may return with age-related changes.