Am I a Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery? Free 60-Second Eligibility Check
Direct answer: You are likely a candidate for LASIK if you are 18 years or older, have had a stable eye prescription for at least 12 months, possess healthy corneas of adequate thickness, are not pregnant or nursing, and are free from uncontrolled autoimmune disease or active eye infections. Approximately 90% of Indian adults with myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism qualify after a free 90-minute diagnostic at Centre for Lasik.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK candidacy is determined by a combination of age, refractive stability, corneal anatomy, ocular health and systemic medical history. A qualified refractive surgeon evaluates these parameters using Pentacam corneal tomography, pachymetry, aberrometry and a dilated retinal examination before recommending a procedure such as Standard LASIK, Contoura Vision, SMILE Pro, or WaveLight Plus InnovEyes.
The 6 Core Eligibility Pillars
- Age 18+ — eyes must be fully developed.
- Stable prescription for at least 12 months (≤0.5 D change).
- Healthy cornea — adequate thickness, no keratoconus.
- No active eye disease — infections, severe dry eye, or glaucoma.
- Not pregnant or nursing — hormonal shifts affect refraction.
- Controlled systemic health — no uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease.
60-Second LASIK Eligibility Checker
Answer 6 quick questions — instant indicative result. A specialist will confirm during your free 90-minute diagnostic.
Are you 18 years or older?*
Has your eye prescription been stable for at least 1 year?*
Are your eyes free from active infections or diseases?*
Do you have adequate corneal thickness? (confirmed during screening)
Are you NOT currently pregnant or nursing?*
Are you free from uncontrolled autoimmune conditions?*
Detailed LASIK Eligibility Criteria — 2026 Standards
Side-by-side ideal vs acceptable vs disqualifying parameters used by Indian and international refractive surgeons.
| Parameter | Ideal Candidate | Acceptable | Disqualifying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 21–40 years | 18–20 or 41–55 | Below 18 or unstable Rx after 55 |
| Refractive Stability | Stable ≥12 months | Stable 6–12 months | Changing >0.5D in last year |
| Myopia (Short-sight) | −1.00 D to −8.00 D | Up to −10.00 D | Above −12.00 D (consider ICL) |
| Hyperopia (Long-sight) | +0.50 D to +3.00 D | Up to +5.00 D | Above +6.00 D |
| Astigmatism (Cylinder) | Up to −3.00 D | Up to −5.00 D | Above −6.00 D |
| Corneal Thickness | ≥520 µm | 480–520 µm (SMILE/PRK) | <460 µm |
| General Health | No autoimmune/diabetes | Controlled diabetes | Uncontrolled autoimmune, keratoconus |
| Pregnancy | Not pregnant/nursing | — | Currently pregnant or breastfeeding |
Reference: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), US FDA LASIK guidance, and Indian Refractive Surgery Society (IRSS) clinical protocols.
Who Is Not a Candidate for LASIK?
Approximately 8–10% of patients are deferred or referred to alternative procedures. Common contraindications include:
- Keratoconus or corneal ectasia (progressive corneal thinning)
- Active corneal infections such as herpes simplex keratitis
- Severe dry eye syndrome with Schirmer test <5 mm
- Glaucoma with optic nerve damage or unstable IOP
- Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >7.5%)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (defer 3–6 months)
- Age below 18 years or unstable refraction in last 12 months
- Uncontrolled autoimmune diseases (RA, lupus, Sjögren's)
If you fall into any of these groups, explore our Alternatives to LASIK guide covering ICL, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Phakic IOLs.
Which LASIK Procedure Fits You Best?
Once you qualify, the right technology depends on your prescription, corneal thickness and lifestyle.
Standard LASIK
Best for: Budget-conscious patients, low-to-moderate myopia
Contoura Vision
Best for: Patients seeking 20/20+ vision with topography-guided precision
SMILE Pro
Best for: Athletes, military aspirants, thin-cornea patients (flapless)
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes
Best for: Premium AI-guided personalised treatment, best night vision
LASIK Eligibility — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common candidacy questions, optimised for voice search and AI assistants.
4.9/5 from 12,480+ verified patients
Trusted by patients across 3,700+ cities in India — Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and more.
Book Your Free 90-Minute LASIK Diagnostic
No obligation. Pentacam corneal tomography, dry-eye test, dilated retina exam — all included.
Get Your Free LASIK Evaluation
Our specialist will call you within 30 minutes
Ready to Ditch Your Glasses?
Fill in your details and our LASIK specialist will call you within 30 minutes to answer all your questions and help you choose the right procedure.