Can You Get LASIK? A Straightforward Candidacy Guide
Not everyone qualifies for LASIK. Understanding the requirements before you book a flight saves time, money, and disappointment. Here's what disqualifies you, what might disqualify you, and what doesn't matter at all.
Key TakeawayApproximately 80% of glasses and contact lens wearers are LASIK candidates. The main disqualifiers are severe corneal thinning, unstable prescriptions, autoimmune diseases affecting the eyes, and pregnancy/nursing. Age itself is not a disqualifier — patients from 18 to 60+ undergo LASIK successfully.
Candidate Checklist
| Requirement | Details | Flexible? |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18+ (21+ preferred for stability) | Firm minimum at 18 |
| Stable prescription | No change >0.50 diopters in 12 months | Must demonstrate stability |
| Corneal thickness | >500 microns typically required | PRK available for thinner corneas |
| Prescription range | Myopia up to -12, astigmatism up to 6 | Higher prescriptions: ICL may be better |
| General health | No uncontrolled autoimmune disease | Case-by-case evaluation |
| Eye health | No keratoconus, glaucoma, or active infection | Active conditions must be treated first |
| Pregnancy/nursing | Not currently pregnant or nursing | Wait 3 months after nursing stops |
| Contact lens pause | Soft: 1-2 weeks off. Hard/RGP: 3-4 weeks off | Non-negotiable for accurate diagnostics |
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What If You're NOT a Candidate?
If LASIK isn't right for your eyes, you have options. PRK works for patients with thinner corneas (no flap required). SMILE is an option for moderate myopia with less corneal disruption. Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) work for very high prescriptions where laser correction isn't sufficient. A qualified ophthalmologist in Medellín will evaluate you for all available options — not just push LASIK because it's what you asked about.
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