What are the LASIK surgery requirements?

LASIK is one of the most effective and popular vision correction procedures, helping millions of people worldwide achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. If you’re considering LASIK surgery at Special Eye Hospital "Dr. Kozomara",it’s important to understand the requirements and whether you meet the eligibility criteria.

General LASIK surgery requirements

To undergo LASIK surgery, you must meet the following general criteria:

• Age requirement

1. 1. • You must be 18 years or older (preferably 21+) because your vision should be stable before undergoing laser correction.

• Stable prescription

1. 1. • Your vision prescription should have been stable for at least 12 months before surgery. Frequent prescription changes may indicate ongoing changes in your vision, making LASIK less effective in the long run.

• Healthy eyes

1. 1. • You should not have any active eye infections, injuries, or diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, keratoconus, or severe dry eye syndrome.

• Sufficient corneal thickness

1. 1. • Your cornea must be thick enough to allow safe reshaping during LASIK. If your cornea is too thin, alternative procedures like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses)

• Overall good health

1. 1. • Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) or uncontrolled diabetes, may affect healing and increase the risk of complications.

• Not pregnant or breastfeeding

1. 1. • Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily affect vision, making LASIK results less predictable.

• Normalna veličina zjenica

1. • Large pupils may increase the risk of post-surgery glare, halos, or night vision issues.

Additional factors that affect LASIK candidacy

• Refractive error range

• • • LASIK is most effective for correcting:
      • Nearsightedness (myopia) up to -9.00 D
      • Farsightedness (hyperopia) up to +4.00 D
      • Astigmatism up to -5.00 D
    • If your prescription is beyond these limits, other vision correction options may be recommended.

• Lifestyle considerations

• • If you have a physically demanding job or participate in contact sports like boxing or MMA, LASIK might not be ideal due to the risk of corneal flap dislocation. PRK or SMILE surgery may be better alternatives.

How do I know if I qualify for LASIK?

The best way to determine if LASIK is right for you is through a comprehensive eye examination at Special Eye Hospital "Dr. Kozomara". However, you can start by taking our free suitability self-test to see if you meet the basic requirements.