Can you have laser eye surgery with high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is common—especially in adults over 40. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you might wonder: “Does high blood pressure mean I can’t have laser eye surgery?”

In most cases, the answer is no. Many people with high blood pressure go on to have safe, successful laser eye procedures.

In this blog, we’ll explain:

When high blood pressure is a concern
What we check before surgery
How we make sure you’re safe
What your options are

Can I have laser eye surgery if I have high blood pressure?

Yes—as long as your blood pressure is reasonably well controlled.

We treat many patients who take blood pressure medication. If your readings are stable and you’re not experiencing complications, you are likely to be a good candidate.

Why does blood pressure matter?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can:

Increase the risk of bleeding or complications during surgery
Affect your general healing ability
Signal other health issues we need to consider.

That’s why we take it seriously—but we also know it’s manageable for most.

What do we check before surgery?

At your assessment, we:

Measure your blood pressure
Ask about medications and overall health
Check for related conditions (like diabetes or eye pressure problems)
Look at the blood vessels in your eyes.

We’ll make sure you’re medically fit before moving forward.

Does blood pressure affect healing?

It can—but again, if it’s under control, healing after LASIK, LASEK or TransPRK is usually normal.

We may advise:

Extra follow-up visits
A slower return to strenuous activity
Clear communication with your GP if needed.

What if my blood pressure is high on the day?

Some people feel nervous at medical appointments, which can raise blood pressure temporarily.

If that happens: