Why can’t LASIK eye surgery be performed on everyone?LASIK eye surgery is a popular and effective procedure for correcting vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. Understanding why LASIK isn’t an option for certain individuals can help you make an informed decision about your vision correction options. Here are the key factors that determine LASIK candidacy.1. Age and Eye DevelopmentAge: LASIK is typically not recommended for individuals under 18 because their eyes are still developing. Vision can continue to change throughout adolescence, making it difficult to ensure long-term results. Ideally, candidates should be at least 21 years old with a stable prescription for at least one to two years.Eye Development: Even in adulthood, eyes can undergo changes. For LASIK to be effective, your vision needs to be stable. Frequent changes in your prescription might indicate that your eyes are still adjusting, which could affect the surgery’s outcomes.2. Prescription StabilityStable Prescription: A stable prescription for at least one to two years is essential for LASIK candidates. Significant changes in your vision could mean that your eyes are still changing, making it challenging to achieve lasting results from the surgery. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your prescription history to ensure stability before proceeding with LASIK.3. Corneal ThicknessCorneal Thickness: LASIK involves reshaping the cornea, so adequate corneal thickness is crucial. If your cornea is too thin, the procedure could compromise the structural integrity of your eye, leading to complications. For individuals with thin corneas, alternative procedures like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) might be recommended, which do not require the creation of a corneal flap.4. Eye HealthOverall Eye Health: Certain eye conditions can disqualify you from being a LASIK candidate. These include:Keratoconus: A progressive thinning of the cornea that can worsen after LASIK.Severe Dry Eye: LASIK can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, leading to discomfort and impaired vision.Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens that affects vision.Glaucoma: Increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve.A comprehensive eye exam will help your ophthalmologist determine if you have any of these conditions and whether LASIK is suitable for you.5. General HealthGeneral Health: Certain systemic health conditions can affect the healing process and the success of LASIK surgery. These include:Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can impair healing.Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can affect the eyes and healing post-surgery.Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect vision stability, making it advisable to postpone LASIK until after this period.6. Lifestyle and Occupational ConsiderationsLifestyle and Occupation: Certain lifestyles and professions might influence the decision to undergo LASIK. For instance, professional athletes or individuals in occupations with a high risk of eye injury might need to consider the impact of a corneal flap created during LASIK. Alternative procedures like PRK, which do not involve a flap, might be more suitable.While LASIK offers significant benefits for many individuals, it’s not the right choice for everyone. A thorough evaluation by a qualified ophthalmologist is essential to determine if LASIK is suitable for you. Factors such as age, prescription stability, corneal thickness, eye health, general health, and lifestyle considerations all play a crucial role in this decision.If you’re considering LASIK surgery and want to find out if you’re a good candidate, take our self-test today. It’s a quick and easy way to determine your suitability for LASIK and take the first step towards clearer vision.Home » LASIK » Why can’t LASIK eye surgery be performed on everyone? Search for: ARE YOU SUITABLE?Check your laser eye surgery suitability online with our free LASIK self-testTAKE SUITABILITY SELF-TESTOUR MOST POPULAR PROCEDURESLASIKSmartSightICLLens ReplacementPRKRefractive cataract surgeryFAQsWHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY…“Very friendly and professional staff. Dr Russell is extremely informative and has a really positive presence. The doctor and all of the staff ensured all my questions were answered fully. 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You’ll get a clear answer from our experts on your suitability and vision correction optionsBOOK A FREE ASSESSMENTHi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russell, your laser and cataract surgery specialistHI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALISTWith over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.Dr. Matthew RussellMBChB, FRANZCO MORE ABOUT DR. RUSSELL