Refractive screener · 2 minutes

Refractive surgery candidacy (LASIK / SMILE / ICL)

Eight quick questions about your refraction, age, prescription stability, and known eye conditions. Result tells you whether you're a likely LASIK / SMILE candidate, a phakic ICL candidate, or whether evaluation isn't appropriate yet.

← All self-assessments

1 of 80% complete
Question 1

Your age

Educational tool — not a diagnosis. Candidacy screener informed by 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology refractive-surgery preferred practice patterns. Final candidacy requires corneal topography, pachymetry, and aberrometry.

Frequently asked

Plain-language answers about vision correction, this screener, and what evaluation costs at a Class A hospital in China.

What does LASIK / SMILE cost in China?
Bilateral SMILE at a Class A ophthalmology centre (Zhongshan Eye, Aier) is typically $1,800–2,800 vs $4,200–6,500 US. LASIK $1,400–2,400. ICL implantation (high myopia) $4,200–6,800.
What's the difference between LASIK and SMILE?
Both correct myopia / astigmatism. SMILE is flapless (small incision), preserves more biomechanical strength and has lower dry-eye risk; LASIK has decades of follow-up data and a slightly broader prescription range. Decision is patient-specific.
When is ICL preferred over LASIK?
ICL (implantable collamer lens) is preferred for high myopia (over -8 to -10 D depending on cornea), thin corneas, dry eye, or keratoconus suspects. It's reversible — the lens can be removed if needed.

About this screener

Candidacy screener informed by 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology refractive-surgery preferred practice patterns. Final candidacy requires corneal topography, pachymetry, and aberrometry.

What this screener covers

  • Myopia(ICD-10 H52.1)
  • Astigmatism(ICD-10 H52.2)

Medical review

Reviewed by Panda Touring Care medical team (Ophthalmology coordinator review) · last reviewed 2025-04-01