LASIK eye surgery can be life-changing—letting you clearly see without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. But as simple and beneficial as the surgery is, it’s not right for everyone. Here are answers to the five most commonly asked questions about qualifying for the procedure.

What to Know About Being a Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery

Am I old enough?

You’ll need to be at least 18 years old to qualify. There’s no upper age limit for LASIK. However, if you’re over 40, you may still need reading glasses even after the surgery.

Are my eyes healthy enough?

Your eyes must have no conditions that would prevent them from properly healing. Conditions that would disqualify you from surgery include some eye injuries, conjunctivitis, and severe dry eye syndrome. Any of these conditions would need to be corrected before surgery. Additionally, you must also be without signs of glaucoma or keratoconus.

Does my vision stability matter?

It’s common for people under 20 to have prescription changes each year. If your vision has altered in the last year, you’re not a good candidate. Fortunately, this isn’t a problem for most adults.

Does my prescription matter?

Yes, if you currently wear a very high prescription, LASIK may not be the right choice for you. For high-refractive vision errors, surgery outcomes are less predictable. Your doctor may suggest an alternative eye surgery.

Can I get the procedure if I’m pregnant or nursing?

No, if you’re pregnant or nursing, you’ll need to wait. This is because hormonal changes from pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily affect your vision. It may take two to three months for your hormones to return to normal levels.

If you’re looking for a doctor who can properly advise you on eye surgery, visit Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight in Crestview Hills, KY. Serving the greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky area, the medical team has experience working with a wide range of eye conditions and specializes in laser surgery. Visit their website to take the free LASIK evaluation or contact them at (859) 525-6215 to schedule an appointment.