Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, has transformed the lives of millions by offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses. As one of the most sought-after procedures under Advanced eye surgery in Vadodara, LASIK reshapes the cornea to improve how light is focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
But LASIK is not for everyone. If you’re considering this treatment, it’s crucial to understand who makes a good candidate — and who should explore alternative vision correction options. At Desai Eye Hospital, we have put together this comprehensive LASIK eligibility checklist to help you make an informed decision.
Who Can Get LASIK Surgery
LASIK is suitable for most adults who have healthy eyes and a stable prescription. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ideal candidate profile:
- Age Requirements
- Ideal Age Range: Most surgeons recommend patients be at least 18 years old, with a stable prescription for at least one year.
- Why It Matters: Vision can still change during adolescence. Performing LASIK too early may require repeat procedures later.
- Stable Prescription
- Your glasses or contact lens prescription should not have changed by more than ±0.50 diopters in the last 12 months.
- Stability ensures long-term results and reduces the risk of regression.
- Healthy Eyes
- No active eye infections, injuries, or severe dry eyes at the time of surgery.
- The corneal thickness must be adequate for safe reshaping.
- Patients with good tear film quality generally experience better healing.
- Clear Corneal Shape
- During pre-surgical screening, your cornea will be mapped using advanced imaging.
- People with irregularly shaped corneas may still be eligible for other forms of refractive surgery like PRK or SMILE, which we also offer at our eye hospital in Vadodara.
- Realistic Expectations
- LASIK significantly reduces dependence on glasses, but may not always guarantee perfect 20/20 vision.
- Some patients may still require glasses for reading or night driving.
Who Cannot Get LASIK Surgery
Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, and that’s okay — there are many other options available for vision correction. You might be unsuitable for LASIK if you have any of the following:
- Unstable Vision
- Rapidly changing prescriptions can indicate underlying eye conditions such as keratoconus.
- LASIK in such cases could worsen vision instead of improving it.
- Thin or Irregular Cornea
- LASIK involves removing a small amount of corneal tissue.
- If the cornea is too thin, performing LASIK may lead to complications such as ectasia (bulging of the cornea).
- Advanced Eye Conditions
- Severe dry eye, uncontrolled glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal diseases can make LASIK unsafe.
- In such cases, other eye treatments in Vadodara — such as ICL (implantable contact lens) surgery or cataract surgery — may be more appropriate.
- Systemic Health Concerns
- Autoimmune disorders (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) may slow down healing.
- Uncontrolled diabetes can also delay recovery and increase infection risk.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Hormonal changes can cause temporary vision fluctuations, so LASIK is usually postponed until vision stabilizes postpartum.
The Pre-LASIK Evaluation at Desai Eye Hospital
At Desai Eye Hospital in Vadodara, we follow a rigorous pre-surgery evaluation process to ensure patient safety and successful outcomes. Our LASIK screening typically includes:
- Comprehensive Eye Exam – Visual acuity, prescription stability, and general eye health assessment.
- Corneal Mapping (Topography) – To evaluate thickness, shape, and detect early keratoconus.
- Tear Film Analysis – To check for dry eye issues that might interfere with healing.
- Retinal Examination – To rule out retinal tears or detachment risks.
- Medical History Review – Includes discussion of medications, allergies, and systemic conditions.
Only after thorough evaluation do we confirm eligibility for LASIK or recommend alternative options.
Benefits of LASIK for Eligible Candidates
For patients who qualify, LASIK offers a range of life-changing benefits:
- Quick Recovery: Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours.
- Painless Procedure: Topical anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout.
- Long-Lasting Results: With a stable prescription, results can last many years.
- High Success Rate: LASIK has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective surgery worldwide.
Alternatives if You’re Not Eligible
If you don’t qualify for LASIK, don’t worry — our hospital specializes in other solutions:
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Ideal for patients with thinner corneas.
- ICL (Implantable Contact Lens): For high prescriptions or irregular corneas.
- Refractive Lens Exchange: A good option for patients over 40 with early lens changes.
- Cataract Surgery: If your blurry vision is caused by a cataract, our best cataract surgeon in Vadodara can restore clear vision with advanced lens implants.
Why Choose Desai Eye Hospital for LASIK?
Desai Eye Hospital is a leader in advanced eye surgery in Vadodara with a patient-centered approach. Here’s why thousands trust us with their vision:
- Experienced Surgeons: Our specialists have performed numerous successful LASIK and refractive surgeries.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: We use advanced femtosecond lasers for precision and safety.
- Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique eye health and lifestyle goals.
- Comprehensive Eye Care: From diagnosis to post-surgical follow-ups, we are with you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
LASIK can be a life-changing solution for the right candidates. But proper screening and realistic expectations are essential for a successful outcome. If you’ve been considering freedom from glasses or contact lenses, schedule a consultation at Desai Eye Hospital in Vadodara. Our team will perform a thorough assessment and guide you toward the best eye treatment in Vadodara — whether that’s LASIK or another advanced vision correction option.