Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery?

Short answer: Most good LASIK candidates are at least 18 years old, have a stable vision prescription, healthy corneas, and no active eye disease. A comprehensive LASIK evaluation is the only way to confirm whether LASIK is safe and appropriate for your eyes.

Many patients considering laser vision correction ask the same important question: Am I a good candidate for LASIK? At Fagadau, Swanson & Mirza, M.D., our Dallas ophthalmologists perform comprehensive LASIK evaluations to determine whether LASIK is a safe and effective option for your eyes.

Who Is Typically a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK can be an excellent vision correction option for patients who meet certain eye health and lifestyle criteria. You may be a good LASIK candidate if you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription
• Are nearsighted, or have astigmatism
• Have healthy corneas with adequate thickness
• Do not have active eye disease or infection

Factors That Affect LASIK Eligibility

Not everyone qualifies for LASIK, which is why a professional evaluation is essential. During your LASIK consultation in Dallas, our doctors assess:

• • Corneal shape and thickness
  • Pupil size and visual demands
  • Overall eye health
  • Dry eye symptoms
  • Medical conditions that may affect healing

Conditions That May Disqualify LASIK

Some patients may not be ideal candidates for LASIK due to safety concerns or long-term outcomes. LASIK may not be recommended if you have:

• • • Thin or irregular corneas
    • Uncontrolled dry eye disease
    • Progressive vision changes
    • Certain autoimmune or connective tissue disorders
    • Advanced corneal conditions such as keratoconus

What If I’m Not a LASIK Candidate?

If LASIK is not the right choice, that does not mean you are out of options. Fagadau, Swanson & Mirza, M.D. offers a full range of vision correction alternatives, including:

• • • PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
    • EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
    • Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
    • Specialty and custom contact lenses

Our goal is always to recommend the safest and most effective solution for your individual eyes — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Why a Professional LASIK Evaluation Matters

Online quizzes and self-tests can be helpful starting points, but only a comprehensive in-office evaluation can accurately determine LASIK candidacy. Our Dallas LASIK consultations include advanced diagnostic testing and a personalized review of your vision goals.

Am I Too Old for LASIK?

There is no strict upper age limit for LASIK. However, patients over 40 may begin experiencing presbyopia, which affects near vision. In some cases, alternative procedures, such as refractive lens exchange, may yield better long-term outcomes.

Schedule a LASIK Candidacy Evaluation in Dallas

If you are wondering whether LASIK is right for you, the best next step is a professional evaluation. At Fagadau, Swanson & Mirza, M.D., our Dallas ophthalmologists take the time to answer your questions and help you understand all of your vision correction options.

Schedule your LASIK consultation today to determine whether you are a candidate for laser vision correction.

LASIK Candidacy FAQs

How do I know if my prescription is stable?

A stable prescription typically means minimal changes over at least one year. Our doctors will review your vision history during your consultation.

Can dry eye disqualify me from LASIK?

Dry eye does not automatically disqualify you, but it must be properly evaluated and treated before considering LASIK.

Do I need to stop wearing contact lenses before my LASIK exam?

Yes. Contact lenses can temporarily alter corneal shape. Our team will provide specific instructions before your evaluation.

Is LASIK permanent?

LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea. Natural age-related vision changes can still occur over time.