LASIK can be life-changing for the right person – but it is not right for everyone, and a good surgeon will tell you so. Suitability is decided by a careful assessment, not by a quick glance at your glasses prescription.

What makes someone a good candidate

• Aged 18 or over, with a prescription that has been stable for around a year
• Healthy eyes, with no significant dryness or surface disease
• Adequate corneal thickness and a regular corneal shape
• Realistic expectations about the result

Who may not be suitable

Laser correction may not be advisable during pregnancy, with certain corneal conditions such as keratoconus, with thin corneas, or with some eye diseases. For these eyes, lens-based options can sometimes be a safer route. The assessment is designed precisely to find these factors.

What the assessment involves

We check your prescription and its stability, map your cornea, measure its thickness, and assess your tear film and overall eye health using advanced imaging. Only then can we say – honestly – whether LASIK is safe and sensible for you, and which option fits best.

Common questions

Does LASIK hurt?

The eye is numbed with drops, so the procedure is not painful. Mild discomfort and watering for a short while afterwards is normal.

Will LASIK last forever?

LASIK corrects your current prescription. It does not stop the natural changes of ageing, so reading glasses are still commonly needed later in life.

Related: LASIK – Refractive surgery – Cornea care

This article is for general awareness and does not replace a consultation with an eye specialist.