---
title: Is laser eye surgery suitable if you have glaucoma?
description: "Laser eye surgery can be considered in some people with stable glaucoma, but it is not suitable for everyone and needs joint planning with a glaucoma specialist. ## When it may be considered In carefully selected cases, refractive laser can…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/suitability/is-laser-eye-surgery-suitable-if-you-have-glaucoma/"
updated: "2025-12-23"
category: Suitability
---

# Is laser eye surgery suitable if you have glaucoma?

Laser eye surgery can be considered in some people with stable glaucoma, but it is not suitable for everyone and needs joint planning with a glaucoma specialist.

## When it may be considered

In carefully selected cases, refractive laser can reduce dependence on glasses without worsening well-controlled glaucoma.

- Stable eye pressure and visual fields over time
- No advanced optic nerve damage or very thin nerve fibre layers
- Glaucoma medications and past laser or surgery clearly documented
- Awareness that future pressure checks are more complex after LASIK due to thinner corneas
- Preference for surface procedures such as PRK in some higher-risk eyes

## When glaucoma makes laser unsuitable

In more fragile optic nerves, preserving safety and monitoring often outweighs the benefits of spectacle freedom.

- Advanced field loss or "end‑stage" glaucoma
- Poorly controlled pressures or frequent medication changes
- Need for thick, reliable corneas for accurate tonometry readings
- Planned or recent glaucoma surgery where corneal laser could complicate care
- Recommendation to continue glasses or consider lens-based options instead