Why is LASIK not for everyone?

Because not all vision problems are able to be solved with LASIK.

Vision problems can be either Refractive (optical) or due to anatomic pathology (like cataracts or macular degeneration). [Often there can be both in older people.]

LASIK only works on one of the two focusing elements of the eye: the cornea. The other focusing part is the natural lens of the eye which can have its own problems such as Presbyopia in middle age. So LASIK basically can only correct optical problems of the eye off at a distance: primarily myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. If your vision is not fully correctable with glasses/contact lenses, it is not going to be able to be fully corrected with LASIK.

_Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic