How to Know if You’re a Good Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK has helped millions of people around the country reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contact lenses. If you live an active lifestyle in Louisiana and want more visual freedom, LASIK could be a game changer. But how do you know if you’re a good candidate?

At Louisiana Eye & Laser, we help patients across Central and North Louisiana determine if LASIK is the right fit through personalized evaluations and expert care.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a minimally invasive procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive vision problems. Using a precise laser, your eye surgeon creates a flap in the cornea, reshapes the underlying tissue, and repositions the flap—all in just minutes.

LASIK can correct:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia)
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia)
  • Astigmatism

Why LASIK Is Popular in Louisiana

Many people in Louisiana enjoy outdoor activities, sports, and work in environments where glasses and contacts can be inconvenient. LASIK provides long-term vision correction, making it an attractive option for those who want more freedom and clarity in their daily life.

Ideal LASIK Candidate Criteria

You may be a good LASIK candidate if you:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Have a stable prescription for at least one year
  • Have healthy corneas and overall eye health
  • Are free from severe dry eye or uncontrolled health conditions

You may not qualify if you’re pregnant, have keratoconus, glaucoma, or certain autoimmune disorders. However, other options may still be available.

How We Evaluate You at Louisiana Eye & Laser

Before recommending LASIK, we perform a detailed pre-surgery evaluation. This includes:

  • Corneal thickness measurement
  • Pupil size and tear production tests
  • Vision prescription stability check
  • High-resolution corneal mapping using wavefront technology

Our advanced diagnostic tools help us ensure your safety and maximize your outcomes.

Alternatives if LASIK Isn’t Right for You

If you’re not a LASIK candidate, we offer alternatives such as:

  • PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) – great for thinner corneas
  • ICLs (Implantable Collamer Lenses) – ideal for high prescriptions
  • Traditional corrective lenses – custom fit for comfort and clarity

Our team will guide you to the best option for your lifestyle and vision goals.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

The LASIK procedure takes about 15 minutes for both eyes. Here’s what happens:

  • Numbing eye drops are applied
  • A protective flap is created
  • A laser reshapes the cornea
  • The flap is repositioned—no stitches needed

Most patients feel only mild pressure and can go home shortly after.

LASIK Recovery and Long-Term Results

Healing is fast—many people return to work within 1 to 2 days. You’ll notice clearer vision almost immediately, with continued improvement over the next few weeks.

LASIK results are long-lasting. While some people may need reading glasses later in life, most enjoy sharp vision for years without needing corrective lenses.

Why Choose Louisiana Eye & Laser for LASIK?

  • Experienced LASIK surgeons who use the latest laser technology
  • Extensive pre-op screening to ensure ideal outcomes
  • Locations across Central and North Louisiana for your convenience
  • Thousands of successful procedures and satisfied patients

Financing and Payment Options

We believe cost shouldn’t hold you back from better vision. We offer:

  • Competitive LASIK pricing
  • Financing plans with affordable monthly payments
  • HSA and FSA eligibility to offset out-of-pocket expenses

Our team will walk you through your options and help you find the best fit for your budget.

Ready to See Clearly Without Glasses?

LASIK can change how you see the world—and how you live in it. Contact Louisiana Eye & Laser to schedule your LASIK evaluation today and take the first step toward visual freedom.

[Book your LASIK consultation](/request-an-appointment target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”).

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK

  1. How do I know if I qualify for LASIK?
    A comprehensive eye exam is needed to evaluate your prescription, eye health, and corneal structure.
  2. Is LASIK permanent?
    Yes, the correction is permanent, although age-related vision changes may still occur later in life.
  3. Can LASIK fix astigmatism?
    Yes, LASIK effectively corrects astigmatism in most cases.
  4. What if I’m over 40—can I still get LASIK?
    Yes, many patients over 40 benefit from LASIK. We’ll discuss options like monovision for reading needs.
  5. Is there an age limit for LASIK?
    There’s no strict age limit, but candidacy depends on eye health, not just age.
  6. What if my prescription changes after LASIK?
    Minor changes can happen, but most people enjoy stable results for many years.
  7. How long is the LASIK recovery period?
    Initial recovery takes 24–48 hours. Full healing and visual stabilization may take several weeks.
  8. Does LASIK hurt?
    No. Numbing drops are used, and most patients report little to no discomfort.
  9. Are there side effects like dry eyes or halos?
    Some may experience temporary dryness or light sensitivity, which usually improves with time.
  10. How much does LASIK cost at Louisiana Eye & Laser?
    Costs vary by case, but we offer competitive pricing and flexible payment plans.