Are You a LASIK Candidate? Find Out at OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA
LASIK has helped millions of people achieve clear, comfortable vision without glasses or contact lenses — but it is not the right fit for everyone. At OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA, Dr. George Salib performs a thorough pre-operative evaluation to determine whether LASIK is safe and appropriate for your unique eyes. Understanding the candidacy criteria is the first step toward making an informed decision about your vision. Call (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office to schedule your LASIK evaluation today.
LASIK Candidacy: Key Criteria We Evaluate
LASIK is a highly effective refractive procedure, but its success depends on careful patient selection. The consultation process at OC Eye Institute is thorough and individualized, covering your complete vision and health history as well as a detailed examination of your eyes. The following are the primary factors we evaluate when assessing LASIK candidacy.
Age: Candidates must be at least 21 years of age. We generally prefer that vision has been stable for at least 12 months prior to surgery, which is more likely in patients who are in their 20s or older. Prescription changes in the year before surgery can affect long-term outcomes.
Overall health: Good general health is essential. Conditions such as diabetes must be well controlled. Immune system health is also important, as patients taking medications that suppress the immune response — or those with autoimmune conditions — may face increased healing challenges that could affect surgical outcomes.
Eye health: We specifically evaluate for conditions that could disqualify a patient from LASIK, including corneal disease, keratoconus (an irregular thinning of the cornea), active cataracts, glaucoma, and herpes zoster or herpes simplex infections affecting the eye.
Active or recurring eye problems: Conditions such as strabismus (muscle imbalance), amblyopia (lazy eye), or a history of eye injury can affect LASIK outcomes. Keloid scarring or a history of poor wound healing may also be a concern. It is important to report all ocular and general health issues to Dr. Salib during your consultation.
Corneal thickness: A minimum corneal thickness of approximately 0.5mm is required for safe LASIK. The laser treatment removes a small amount of corneal tissue, and sufficient thickness must remain after surgery to maintain structural integrity. Patients with thinner corneas may be better suited for PRK.
Dry eye: Chronic dry eye can worsen after LASIK and negatively affect the healing process. Patients with significant dry eye concerns may be candidates for dry eye treatment prior to surgery, or may be directed toward PRK as an alternative. We will evaluate tear production and ocular surface health during your examination.
Stable prescription: Your vision prescription should not have changed significantly in the 12 months prior to surgery. Instability in the prescription can lead to regression of LASIK results over time.
Pregnancy and nursing: LASIK is not performed on pregnant or nursing women, as hormonal changes can temporarily affect the cornea and the metabolism of post-operative medications.
Contact lens wear: Contact lens wear — particularly rigid gas-permeable lenses — can temporarily alter the shape of the cornea. You may be asked to discontinue contact lens use for a period of time before your evaluation to ensure accurate corneal measurements.
What If You Are Not a LASIK Candidate?
Not qualifying for LASIK does not mean you are out of options. At OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA, we offer a full range of vision correction alternatives. PRK is an excellent laser option for patients with thinner corneas or other characteristics that make LASIK unsuitable, delivering equivalent long-term visual results with no flap creation. Patients over 40 dealing with presbyopia may benefit from monovision correction or refractive lens exchange. Our team will take the time to present every available path to better vision during your consultation. Call (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office or visit our appointments page to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Candidacy
What is the minimum age for LASIK?
Patients must be at least 21 years of age to be considered for LASIK. In practice, we often prefer candidates to be in their mid-20s or older, as vision tends to be more stable by this age. Prescription stability for at least 12 months before surgery is one of the most important factors for a successful, lasting outcome. Contact OC Eye Institute at (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office to schedule a candidacy evaluation in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA.
Can I get LASIK if I have astigmatism?
Yes. LASIK is an effective treatment for mild to moderate astigmatism. Dr. Salib will evaluate the degree of your astigmatism, your corneal shape, and other factors during your consultation to determine whether LASIK will fully address your correction needs. Patients with higher degrees of astigmatism or corneal irregularity may be better served by PRK or lens-based options such as the toric IOL.
Does dry eye disqualify me from LASIK?
Significant chronic dry eye is a concern for LASIK candidates, as the procedure can temporarily worsen dry eye symptoms. However, not all dry eye conditions are disqualifying. In many cases, patients can undergo dry eye treatment to improve their ocular surface health before proceeding with LASIK. During your evaluation at OC Eye Institute, our team will assess your tear production and surface health to determine the safest path forward for your eyes.
Can I have LASIK if I have glaucoma?
Active or uncontrolled glaucoma is generally considered a contraindication for LASIK, as the procedure temporarily raises intraocular pressure during surgery, which can be problematic for glaucoma patients. Patients with well-controlled glaucoma may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Salib will review your complete eye health history during your consultation to determine the safest and most appropriate treatment option for you.
How long do I need to stop wearing contact lenses before a LASIK evaluation?
Soft contact lenses should typically be discontinued for at least two weeks prior to your LASIK evaluation. Rigid gas-permeable lenses may need to be removed for a longer period — sometimes four weeks or more — because they can temporarily alter corneal shape and affect the accuracy of pre-operative measurements. Our team will provide you with specific instructions based on the type of contacts you wear when you schedule your consultation at OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA.
If I am not a LASIK candidate, what are my other options?
There are excellent alternatives for patients who do not qualify for LASIK. PRK offers equivalent visual outcomes without creating a corneal flap, making it ideal for patients with thinner corneas. Monovision correction addresses presbyopia. Refractive lens exchange is a powerful option for patients over 40. Our team at OC Eye Institute will present all available alternatives during your evaluation so you can make the most informed decision for your vision.
How do I schedule a LASIK candidacy evaluation at OC Eye Institute?
Scheduling is easy — simply call (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office or submit a request through our online appointment form. During your evaluation at OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA, Dr. Salib will perform a comprehensive examination of your eyes and provide a clear, honest assessment of whether LASIK is the right option for you. New patients are always welcome; visit our new patients page to learn what to expect at your first visit.