What conditions make you unsuitable for LASIK?

Hi, it’s Dr. Chotiner from Memorial Eye Institute. When I tell people I’m a LASIK surgeon, some of them ask me: “What conditions make you unsuitable for LASIK?”

Your prescription is the main thing we use to determine your suitability for LASIK eye surgery. For those with stronger prescriptions, it may be that ICL or PRK treatments are better suited to your optical needs, as opposed to LASIK.

Your age may also play a factor in your suitability, as can some medical conditions including:

  • Blepharitis (eye infections) − your eyes need to be clear of infection
  • Increased internal eye pressure − eye pressure needs to be under control
  • Dry eyes, epilepsy, MS − depending on the status of the condition
  • Diabetes − OK if well-controlled with healthy retinas
  • Very large pupils with a high prescription
  • Your prescription is low (under 0.75) and you do not have astigmatism
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please wait three months after weaning before coming in for a consultation.

Importantly, before a LASIK procedure, your eye surgeon will need to assess your eyes to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. Factors like age, vision prescription and eye health will be considered, and detailed measurements will be taken.

If you really want to have LASIK surgery but aren’t sure if you’re a suitable candidate then Memorial Eye Institute is here to help. To learn more about LASIK, book online for a free virtual vision assessment on our website today.

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The first step to free yourself from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses is to book a free suitability appointment. Book below to discover your options and get an answer about whether LASIK is right for you.

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What patients say about us

I was well taken care of. They took good care of my things. Dr. Erik Chotiner did an excellent job. I am so happy to see quite clearly with my eye that has macular degeneration.
S.D.H.
Very happy with all the staff, from check in, check out and nursing in pre op. Amazing. Very clean facility. Dr. Chotiner is so efficient and fast. Would recommend him to everyone.
Vey Love
Excellent care and personal attention are provided at Memorial Eye. Hats off to Dr. E. Chotiner, nurses and staff for making my experience there so great!
Q. Bender
I had cataract surgery and correction of an astigmatism. In one word......excellent!
Ray Jaffev
Wonderful practice with kind and supportive employees. The doctors are top notch and excellent!
A. Hendrix
I am a first time patient at your practice. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. Overall it was a great experience. I did not realize how bad my vision was. I am amazed! The get well flowers were a nice touch!
J.B.
Surgery was quick and easy. Staff was very pleasant. Would recommend Dr. Chotiner very highly.
Patricia Scheidler
Service is very complete and professional. Dr. Erik Chotiner was very friendly and able to answer all of my questions. I am very pleased with service and will recommend.
A. Lawrence
I would recommend Memorial Eye Institute and Dr. Erik Chotiner for their expertise. They are all very professional and caring for their patients. It was an excellent experience.
Joyce Keefer

Take this quick quiz to see if you can be free of glasses and contacts

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK. Your options change depending on your eyes, your age and your lifestyle. Find out which type of treatment (if any), is right for you by taking this 2 min quiz now:

Recognized leaders in Harrisburg LASIK eye surgery

CHOOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED LASIK SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …

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Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …

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