Medically reviewed by Krishna Surapaneni, MD, board-certified ophthalmologist and cataract, cornea, and refractive surgeon at SuraVision in Houston.
Most healthy adults with stable vision are good candidates for LASIK. But not everyone is, and a surgeon who tells you “yes” before examining your eyes is not doing you any favors. This guide walks through the same checklist we use in the exam room, so you know what matters before you ever sit in the chair.
The short answer: you are likely a candidate if you are over 18, your prescription has been stable for about a year, your corneas are thick enough, and your eyes are healthy. The only way to know for certain is a candidacy exam with measurements of your eyes. At SuraVision, that exam ends with a straight answer and, if LASIK fits, your exact price in writing.
The basic LASIK candidacy checklist
You are probably a good candidate if all of these are true:
- You are at least 18 years old
- Your glasses or contact prescription has stayed about the same for a year or more
- Your prescription falls within the FDA-approved range for LASIK
- Your corneas are thick enough for treatment
- Your eyes are free of conditions like keratoconus, active infection, or uncontrolled dry eye
- Your general health does not interfere with healing
- You are not currently pregnant or nursing
Miss one item? That does not always mean no. It sometimes means “not yet,” or it means a different procedure fits you better. More on that below.
Age and a stable prescription
The FDA has approved LASIK for adults 18 and older. Many surgeons prefer the mid-20s, because prescriptions often keep shifting into early adulthood.
Stability matters more than the number on your birthday cake. If your prescription changed meaningfully in the last year, LASIK would correct a moving target. Waiting until it settles protects your result. There is no hard upper age limit, though after your mid-40s we also talk about presbyopia (age-related near focus loss) and whether a lens-based option would serve you better long term.
Your prescription range
LASIK is FDA-approved to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism within defined limits. As a general guide, the approved ranges cover nearsightedness up to about -12.00 diopters, farsightedness up to about +6.00, and astigmatism up to about 6.00 diopters, depending on the laser platform. At SuraVision, we typically treat nearsightedness up to about -8.00 diopters. Above that, a lens-based procedure usually gives a better result.
Yes, LASIK treats astigmatism. That surprises many patients who were told otherwise years ago. If your numbers sit outside these ranges, you may still have excellent options, such as the EVO ICL for stronger prescriptions.
Corneal thickness
LASIK reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. That requires enough tissue to work with, both for the treatment itself and for a healthy margin afterward. Corneal thickness varies from person to person and is measured in microns during your exam.
If your corneas run thin, modern surface treatments like PRK often remain an option, since they preserve more tissue. We cover this in detail in our guide to LASIK alternatives for thin corneas.
Eye health
Certain eye conditions rule out LASIK, and finding them is exactly what the candidacy exam is for:
- Keratoconus or corneal thinning disorders
- Active eye infection or inflammation
- Significant untreated dry eye
- Cataracts that already affect your vision
- Certain retinal or optic nerve problems
Some of these are treatable. Dry eye, for example, can often be managed first, then LASIK reconsidered. Others point clearly toward a different procedure. If a cataract is the real issue, cataract surgery corrects your vision at the lens instead of the cornea.
General health, pregnancy, and medications
Conditions and medications that affect healing can affect LASIK results. Autoimmune conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, and some medications deserve a careful conversation before surgery, as the FDA notes in its LASIK guidance. They are not always automatic disqualifiers, but you and your surgeon should decide together with your full history on the table.
Pregnancy and nursing temporarily change hormones and vision. If that applies to you now, the answer is usually “wait a few months,” not “no.”
What if another office already told you no?
Candidacy standards are not identical everywhere, and neither is technology. A “no” based on an older laser platform, a borderline measurement, or a busy screening day is worth a second look. Sometimes the answer is still no, and we will tell you that plainly. But often the right answer is a different procedure: PRK for thin corneas, the EVO ICL for high prescriptions, SMILE for certain nearsighted patients, or refractive lens exchange when presbyopia or early lens changes are the real story.
You deserve a straight answer either way. That is how we run every consultation: a full set of measurements, a clear yes or no on LASIK, honest reasons, and your exact price in writing before you leave. LASIK at SuraVision is $2,800 per eye. No pressure and no moving quote.
What happens at a LASIK candidacy exam
Plan for about 60 to 90 minutes. You can expect:
- A detailed vision check and health history
- Corneal mapping and thickness measurement
- Pupil size and tear film evaluation
- A dilated look at the inside of your eye
- Time to ask every question you have
One practical note: soft contact lens wearers usually need to stay out of lenses for a short period before these measurements, since contacts can temporarily change the shape of the cornea. We will give you exact instructions when you book. To learn more about what is included in your price, see our LASIK cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get LASIK if I have astigmatism?
Yes, in most cases. LASIK is FDA-approved to treat astigmatism up to about 6.00 diopters. Your exam confirms whether your specific correction falls in range.
How long does my prescription need to be stable?
About one year is the common standard. Your surgeon compares your current measurements to your prior records to confirm stability.
Is there an age limit for LASIK?
You must be at least 18. There is no set upper limit, but after the mid-40s, lens-based options like refractive lens exchange may fit your goals better. That is a conversation, not a cutoff.
Can I have LASIK while pregnant or nursing?
Surgeons generally recommend waiting until a few months after pregnancy and nursing, because hormone shifts can temporarily change your prescription.
What if my corneas are too thin for LASIK?
PRK treats the surface of the cornea and preserves more tissue, and the EVO ICL adds a lens without removing any corneal tissue. Many patients turned down for LASIK are good candidates for one of these.
Ready for a straight answer?
Ready to take the next step toward clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about the LASIK process. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!