{"id":1773,"date":"2026-10-20T08:51:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/laser-suitability-test\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:55:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:55:53","slug":"laser-suitability-test","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-suitability-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Suitability quiz"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) Start -->\n<section class=\"page-hero\" id=\"top\">\n\t<div class=\"phero-inner pad with-media container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-left col-12 col-lg-7\">\n\t\t\t<div data-hero-in><ol class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/\">Home: eye surgery in Istanbul<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/treatments\/\">All eye treatments<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/\">Laser eye surgery in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Suitability quiz<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t<h1 class=\"t64 hero-title phero-title\" data-lines>Am I Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery? Take the 2-Minute Quiz<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 phero-lead\" data-hero-in><strong>Before you start:<\/strong> have your latest glasses prescription to hand if you can (contact-lens prescriptions are different). No prescription? Answer &#8220;I don&#8217;t know&#8221;; the quiz still works.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"phero-ctas\" data-hero-in><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"#tool\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Start the quiz<\/span><\/a><\/div><ul class=\"phero-meta\" data-hero-in><li><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg>Medically reviewed by <span class=\"ph\">{{surgeon name}}<\/span> \u00b7 <span class=\"ph\">{{date}}<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-right has-media col-12 col-lg-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"phero-media\" data-hero-in><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite-819x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Excimer laser suite for laser eye surgery\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite-819x1024.webp 819w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite-240x300.webp 240w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite-768x960.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inshort\" data-hero-in><p>Am I suitable for laser eye surgery? You probably are if you are over 18, your glasses prescription has changed by no more than 0.5 dioptres in two years, it is within about \u221210.00D of short sight, +4.00D of long sight or 6.00D of astigmatism, and your eyes are otherwise healthy (Royal College of Ophthalmologists). This free quiz checks these points in two minutes. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131 or Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram makes the final decision after scanning your eyes in Istanbul.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Eye Tool (Laser suitability check) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark tool-panel\" id=\"tool\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"tool-mount\" data-tool=\"suitability\" data-lang=\"en\" data-consult=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\" data-eyetest=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/online-eye-test\/\" data-laser=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/\" data-learn=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/\" data-howto=\"#what-your-laser-eye-surgery-suitability-result-means\"><\/div><noscript><p class=\"t22\">This tool needs JavaScript. Please enable it, or ask a surgeon directly.<\/p><\/noscript><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"tool-after prose\"><p data-reveal><strong>Before you start:<\/strong> have your latest glasses prescription to hand if you can (contact-lens prescriptions are different). No prescription? Answer &#8220;I don&#8217;t know&#8221;; the quiz still works.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><!-- Eye Tool (Laser suitability check) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"what-your-laser-eye-surgery-suitability-result-means\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>What your laser eye surgery suitability result means<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>The quiz puts your answers into one of four results. None of them is a diagnosis: only measurements of your eyes can confirm whether laser is safe for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"prose sec-pre\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Your result<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What it usually means<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Your next step<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Likely suitable<\/th><td data-label=\"What it usually means\">Your age, prescription and health match the usual criteria<\/td><td data-label=\"Your next step\">Send your prescription for a free surgeon review<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Possibly suitable: needs a closer look<\/th><td data-label=\"What it usually means\">Something (an eye condition, a health condition, an unknown prescription) needs checking<\/td><td data-label=\"Your next step\">Upload your eye reports so a surgeon can check before you travel<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Not right now<\/th><td data-label=\"What it usually means\">A temporary reason: under 18, a changing prescription, pregnancy or breastfeeding, some medicines<\/td><td data-label=\"Your next step\">Wait, then take the quiz again<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Another treatment may suit you better<\/th><td data-label=\"What it usually means\">A very high prescription, keratoconus or cataract<\/td><td data-label=\"Your next step\">Ask about implantable lenses, lens replacement or cornea treatment<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-list\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">What decides whether you are suitable for laser eye surgery?<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>Five things decide it: your age, a stable prescription, a prescription within the laser range, healthy corneas and good general health. According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth):<\/p>\n<ol data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> you must be over 18. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) adds that candidates are ideally over 21, when vision is more likely to have stopped changing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stable prescription:<\/strong> no change greater than 0.5 dioptres in the last two years.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prescription range:<\/strong> you are most likely to be suitable with up to \u221210.00D of short sight (myopia), up to +4.00D of long sight (hyperopia) or up to \u00b16.00D of astigmatism. Laser can work for higher prescriptions in some people, and some people with lower prescriptions are better served by a lens implant.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Healthy, thick-enough corneas:<\/strong> the AAO lists thin corneas, corneal scarring and keratoconus among the reasons not to have LASIK.<\/li>\n<li><strong>General health:<\/strong> conditions that slow healing, such as autoimmune disease or poorly controlled diabetes, can rule laser out.<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">Who is not suitable for laser eye surgery?<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>Laser eye surgery is usually not advised, or is postponed, if you have any of the following (AAO, FDA, EyeWiki):<\/p>\n<ul data-reveal>\n<li>a prescription that is still changing, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding;<\/li>\n<li>keratoconus, an irregular corneal shape, corneal scarring or very thin corneas;<\/li>\n<li>severe dry eye, advanced glaucoma, uveitis, a past herpes infection of the eye, or a cataract affecting your sight;<\/li>\n<li>uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease, or you take isotretinoin for acne;<\/li>\n<li>a sport such as boxing or martial arts, where blows to the face are common (this usually changes the method rather than ruling laser out).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-reveal>Can you have laser eye surgery with astigmatism? Yes: up to about 6.00D of astigmatism is within the usual range, and laser can correct it at the same time as short or long sight.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">Can I have laser eye surgery if I&#8217;m over 40 or 50?<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>Often, yes, but your age changes the best option. From the mid-40s, surgeons often correct one eye for distance and the other for arm&#8217;s length, so that both eyes together cover more of your range (RCOphth). In the retirement age group, when early cataract is common, lens replacement is often preferred to laser.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">What if I&#8217;m told I&#8217;m not suitable?<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>A &#8220;no&#8221; to laser is rarely a &#8220;no&#8221; to clear vision. The RCOphth says implantable lenses (phakic IOLs such as the ICL) are often a good alternative for younger people whose prescription is outside the laser range, and lens replacement suits many older patients. If your scans show keratoconus or a thin, irregular cornea, Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer (Do\u00e7. = Associate Professor), our cornea specialist, reviews your case.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">What the examination in Istanbul checks<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>Your quiz result is only a first filter. Before any treatment, your surgeon measures the shape and thickness of your cornea, your tear film, your pupils and eye pressure, and checks the health of the whole eye. EyeWiki lists an abnormal corneal shape on these scans as a reason not to have LASIK. If you wear contact lenses, leave them out first so your cornea returns to its natural shape: the FDA advises 2 weeks for soft lenses, at least 3 weeks for toric or rigid gas-permeable lenses, and at least 4 weeks for hard lenses.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Note (Callout) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\" id=\"disclaimer\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"callout line\" data-reveal><p data-reveal>This quiz is general information, not a medical assessment. It can&#8217;t measure your eyes or tell whether laser eye surgery is safe for you; only a full examination by an eye surgeon can. If you notice any sudden change in your vision, see a doctor urgently.<\/p><\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Note (Callout) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Call to Action (Panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel grad cta-panel\" id=\"which-laser-treatment-might-suit-me\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"cta-panel-inner row\">\n\t<div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"cta-panel-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Which laser treatment might suit me?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Your surgeon chooses the method after your scans. As a guide:<\/p><p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Compare every method in our guide to <a href=\"\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/\">laser eye surgery in Turkey<\/a>, see <a href=\"\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/cost\/\">what laser eye surgery costs in Turkey compared with the UK, US and EU<\/a> (the price includes your examination, surgery, medication, follow-up checks and interpreter; hotel and airport transfers are a separate charge), or browse <a href=\"\/en\/treatments\/\">all eye treatments<\/a>.<\/p><p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Use our <a href=\"\/en\/free-consultation\/\">free online consultation<\/a> to send your quiz answers and upload your prescription or eye reports. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131 or Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram, our laser surgeons, will tell you which treatments may suit you, and Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer reviews any cornea questions. You get a reply within <span class=\"ph\">{{response time}}<\/span>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"check-list\" data-reveal><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong><a href=\"\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/lasik\/\">LASIK &amp; Femto-LASIK in Istanbul<\/a>:<\/strong> suits most prescriptions and gives the fastest visual recovery.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong><a href=\"\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/smile-pro\/\">SMILE Pro in Istanbul (VisuMax 800)<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/relex-smile\/\">ReLEx SMILE in Istanbul<\/a>:<\/strong> no flap, often chosen by active people.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong><a href=\"\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/prk-lasek\/\">PRK \/ LASEK in Istanbul<\/a>:<\/strong> surface laser, often recommended for thinner corneas and contact sports.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong><a href=\"\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/no-touch-laser\/\">No-touch laser (Trans-PRK) in Istanbul<\/a>:<\/strong> surface laser in one step, with nothing touching the eye except the laser.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"cta-panel-side\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Call to Action (Panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) Start -->\n<section class=\"faq pad\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"faq-grid\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-side\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Am I suitable for laser eye surgery? Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"acc\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item is-open\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"faq-fd06b15d-a1\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-q1\">What disqualifies you from laser eye surgery?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-a1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-fd06b15d-q1\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>The most common reasons are a prescription that is still changing, thin or irregular corneas (including keratoconus), severe dry eye, a cataract, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and health conditions that affect healing, such as poorly controlled diabetes. Many of these are temporary or point to a different treatment rather than none.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-fd06b15d-a2\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-q2\">What is the age limit for laser eye surgery?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-a2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-fd06b15d-q2\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>The minimum age is 18, and the AAO says candidates are ideally over 21. There is no strict upper age limit, but from the mid-40s blended-vision laser or lens replacement often suits better.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-fd06b15d-a3\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-q3\">What is the maximum prescription for laser eye surgery?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-a3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-fd06b15d-q3\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>The RCOphth gives the usual range as up to \u221210.00D of short sight, +4.00D of long sight and \u00b16.00D of astigmatism. Some people outside this range can still have laser; others are better treated with an implantable lens.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-fd06b15d-a4\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-q4\">Can I have laser eye surgery with thin corneas?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-a4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-fd06b15d-q4\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Sometimes. Surgeons leave enough untouched cornea behind, at least 250 microns under a LASIK flap according to EyeWiki, so thin corneas often point to surface laser (PRK) or an implantable lens instead.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-fd06b15d-a5\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-q5\">Can I have laser eye surgery if I have dry eyes?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-a5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-fd06b15d-q5\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Often, yes, once the dryness is treated. The RCOphth says many contact-lens wearers are wrongly told they have dry eyes and cannot have laser. Severe dry eye is a reason to wait or choose another option.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-fd06b15d-a6\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-q6\">Can I have laser eye surgery if I have diabetes?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-a6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-fd06b15d-q6\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Possibly, if it is well controlled and your eyes are healthy. The AAO lists poorly controlled diabetes as a reason not to have LASIK, so bring your latest results and eye reports to your consultation.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-fd06b15d-a7\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-q7\">Can I have laser eye surgery while pregnant or breastfeeding?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-a7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-fd06b15d-q7\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>No. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change your prescription, so the FDA and EyeWiki advise waiting until afterwards.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-fd06b15d-a8\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-q8\">Is laser eye surgery available on the NHS?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-fd06b15d-a8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-fd06b15d-q8\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Not to replace glasses or contact lenses. The RCOphth says it is not an NHS procedure and not covered by private health insurance.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What disqualifies you from laser eye surgery?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The most common reasons are a prescription that is still changing, thin or irregular corneas (including keratoconus), severe dry eye, a cataract, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and health conditions that affect healing, such as poorly controlled diabetes. Many of these are temporary or point to a different treatment rather than none.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the age limit for laser eye surgery?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The minimum age is 18, and the AAO says candidates are ideally over 21. 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Surgeons leave enough untouched cornea behind, at least 250 microns under a LASIK flap according to EyeWiki, so thin corneas often point to surface laser (PRK) or an implantable lens instead.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I have laser eye surgery if I have dry eyes?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Often, yes, once the dryness is treated. The RCOphth says many contact-lens wearers are wrongly told they have dry eyes and cannot have laser. Severe dry eye is a reason to wait or choose another option.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I have laser eye surgery if I have diabetes?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Possibly, if it is well controlled and your eyes are healthy. The AAO lists poorly controlled diabetes as a reason not to have LASIK, so bring your latest results and eye reports to your consultation.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I have laser eye surgery while pregnant or breastfeeding?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change your prescription, so the FDA and EyeWiki advise waiting until afterwards.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is laser eye surgery available on the NHS?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Not to replace glasses or contact lenses. The RCOphth says it is not an NHS procedure and not covered by private health insurance.\"}}]}<\/script><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><details class=\"sources\" data-reveal><summary class=\"t22\">Sources for the facts on this page<\/summary><ol>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology, <em>LASIK \u2014 Laser Eye Surgery<\/em>: 18 or older, ideally over 21; prescription not changed significantly in the past year; corneas thick and healthy; who should not have LASIK (unstable prescription, prescription beyond treatable levels, severe dry eye, thin corneas, corneal scarring or disease, keratoconus, advanced glaucoma, cataract affecting vision, certain eye infections, poorly controlled diabetes). https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/treatments\/lasik<\/li>\n\t\t<li>US Food and Drug Administration, <em>When is LASIK not for me?<\/em>: no lasers approved for LASIK under 18; refractive instability (under 25, hormonal changes from diabetes, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medicines); autoimmune disease, immunodeficiency, diabetes and steroids affecting healing; contact sports (boxing, wrestling, martial arts); some jobs prohibit refractive procedures; blepharitis, large pupils, thin corneas, previous refractive surgery, dry eye, herpes, glaucoma, uveitis, eye injury, keratoconus. https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/lasik\/when-lasik-not-me<\/li>\n\t\t<li>US Food and Drug Administration, <em>What should I expect before, during, and after surgery?<\/em>: stop soft lenses 2 weeks, toric soft or RGP at least 3 weeks, hard lenses at least 4 weeks before the initial evaluation; tell your doctor about all medical and eye conditions and medicines. https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/lasik\/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology), <em>Preoperative Evaluation for LASIK Surgery<\/em>: surgery typically deferred until after 21; refraction stable 1\u20132 years; residual stromal bed at least 250 \u00b5m (some prefer 300 \u00b5m); abnormal topography and percent tissue altered as ectasia risk factors; contraindications incl. keratoconus, unstable refraction, uncontrolled dry eye, uncontrolled autoimmune disease, diabetes or glaucoma, pregnancy or lactation, isotretinoin, herpes keratitis; trauma risk may favour surface ablation or SMILE. https:\/\/eyewiki.org\/Preoperative_Evaluation_for_LASIK_Surgery<\/li>\n\t\t<li>NHS, <em>Laser eye surgery and lens surgery<\/em>: not usually offered on the NHS; suitability depends on age and eye health. https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/tests-and-treatments\/laser-eye-surgery-and-lens-surgery\/<\/li>\n\t<\/ol><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) Start -->\n<section class=\"cta-band\" id=\"assessment\">\n\t<div class=\"contact-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"cta-inner pad container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-7\"><div class=\"cta-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t64\" data-reveal>Want a surgeon&#039;s opinion on your eyes?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Send us your quiz answers and your prescription, and one of our surgeons will tell you honestly whether laser, or another treatment, may suit you. There is no obligation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-actions\" data-reveal><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Get my free consultation<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/4915783739465?text=Hello%20Laser%20Istanbul%20Clinic%2C%20I%20would%20like%20some%20information%20about%20eye%20treatment.%20Sent%20from%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flaseristanbulclinic.com%2Fen%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">WhatsApp: +49 157 8373 9465<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-5\"><div class=\"proof-card\" data-reveal>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"proof-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"t48\">3 eye surgeons<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\">Your case is reviewed by a named surgeon, not a salesperson. Reply within <span class=\"ph\">{{response time}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"avatars\" aria-label=\"Our surgeons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) End -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1773","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1773","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1773"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2919,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1773\/revisions\/2919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}