Am I a Candidate for Laser Vision Correction?

Laser vision correction (LVC) has helped millions of people around the world reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. But one of the first questions most people ask is: “Am I even a candidate for this procedure?”

The answer depends on several factors, including your age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle. In this post, we’ll break down what makes someone a good candidate, as well as some reasons why it may not be suitable.

Who Can Get Laser Vision Correction?

You might be surprised just how many people are suitable for laser vision correction. With advances in technology and new procedures it’s no longer a case of having to accept that poor eyesight is something you need to live with. While nothing can replace the expert advice you get from a personalised consultation, the below factors are some of the main criteria we look at when determining if you are suitable for laser vision surgery.

Age and prescription stability

Most people considering laser vision correction fall between 18 and 50 years old, and at EyeHub we typically treat patients between the ages of 20 and 60. This is because your prescription needs to be stable for at least 12 months before surgery is recommended.

If you are too young your eyesight might still be developing, which could mean your vision changes again after the procedure.

Even though you may still be eligible if you’re over 60, certain conditions like cataracts or presbyopia (age-related near vision changes) may mean other treatments are more appropriate.

Overall eye health

Your eye health plays a major role in determining suitability, and a thorough eye examination is needed to check:

• Corneal thickness and shape: healthy corneas are required to safely reshape the eye.

• Overall eye health: conditions such as keratoconus, glaucoma, or severe dry eye may rule out LVC.

• Stable prescription: frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription may indicate instability.

Type of vision problem

Laser vision correction can successfully treat many common vision issues, including:

• Short-sightedness (myopia)

• Long-sightedness (hyperopia)

• Astigmatism

However, very high prescriptions or complex eye conditions may limit suitability.

Lifestyle factors

Your lifestyle can also influence whether laser vision correction is the right choice.

• Active lifestyles: If you play sports, swim, or travel often, LVC can make life significantly easier.

• Work environment: For jobs that require excellent vision without glasses (e.g., pilots, athletes, first responders), laser correction can be a huge benefit.

• Expectations: It’s important to have realistic expectations. The goal is excellent functional vision, though some people may still need glasses for certain tasks like reading small print.

When Laser Vision Correction Might Not Be Suitable

While many people are excellent candidates, there are some cases where surgery may not be recommended. These include:

• Ongoing prescription changes

• Certain corneal or retinal diseases

• Untreated severe dry eye

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (temporary hormonal changes can affect vision)

In these cases, your ophthalmologist will discuss alternative options that may be more suitable.

So, am I suitable for laser eye surgery? Why a personal assessment matters.

The only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate is through a comprehensive eye assessment with an experienced ophthalmologist. At EyeHub, we use advanced diagnostics to measure every aspect of your eyes and confirm the safest, most effective treatment for you.

We’re also the only clinic in Queensland with the ZEISS VisuMax 800 and MEL90 laser suite – the most advanced technology available today. That means faster treatments, greater comfort, and exceptional results you can trust.

Book your free eye consultation today to see if you are a candidate for laser vision correction.