How Long Does LASIK Eye Surgery Last?

How Long Does LASIK Eye Surgery Last?

LASIK eye surgery involves the laser-reshaping of the cornea to enhance vision. This operation may help one get rid of contacts or glasses. But most patients considering LASIK will have one question: “Is LASIK surgery permanent?”

Discover how long LASIK eye surgery lasts and why some may require enhancement years later.

Vision Problems LASIK May Correct

LASIK eye surgery aims to correct refractive defects of the eye. Normal refraction occurs when light strikes the cornea and is focused on the retina located at the back of your eye. When the cornea is unable to bend and focus the light properly, blurry or hazy vision can occur.

The three basic categories of refractive defects that LASIK surgery can correct include:

1. Nearsightedness (Myopia)

A person with this condition will have no trouble seeing nearby items, but distant objects will be hazy and out of focus.

2. Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

If a person has hyperopia, nearby objects may appear blurry, while those in the distance appear clearer.

3. Astigmatism (Faulty Eye Curvature)

Vision might become fuzzy due to astigmatism, which is brought on by a flaw in the frontal form of your eye.

LASIK treats these issues by using lasers to reshape the cornea so that proper refraction can occur. The result is clear, sharp vision up close and at a distance.

Vision Changes After LASIK

Many patients report improved vision at 20/20 or better following a successful LASIK procedure by a skilled surgeon. There may be some discomfort right after surgery, but healing often only takes a short while. Patients can resume regular activities within a few days. Many patients will see clearly and will not need their glasses or contacts for most activities.

LASIK surgery only fixes current problems and cannot prevent eye changes. The blurriness may return as the eyes change over time due to age or other complications. For most people, the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, but some might require LASIK enhancement later.

Reasons for Vision Changes

LASIK will permanently correct the vision prescription at the time of surgery. The treatment may become less effective if patients develop a disorder or if pre-existing conditions worsen.

One of the most common reasons for vision changes after LASIK surgery is presbyopia. Presbyopia is an age-related vision issue that makes it challenging to focus on near-sighted objects. The eye’s crystalline lens becomes stiffer as people age into their 40s and beyond. Anyone can suffer from presbyopia, whether they have had LASIK before or not.

Cataracts could also affect vision after a successful LASIK surgery. Despite the idea that LASIK surgery can stop cataracts from developing, some people may still get them. Cataracts may affect vision clarity, necessitating cataract surgery for vision correction.

LASIK Enhancement Procedure

Ophthalmologists may recommend LASIK enhancement surgery to patients who find their LASIK results diminishing with time. The ophthalmologist will reexamine the cornea using the same techniques as the initial LASIK treatment to determine if enhancement is possible. Occasional use of eyeglasses may help those unable to have LASIK enhancement surgery.

LASIK adjustment surgery is similar to the original LASIK technique. The surgeon uses special instruments to lift the flap created on the eye’s surface during the initial surgery. Then the surgeon reshapes the cornea with an excimer laser.

Only a small percentage of LASIK patients may need LASIK enhancement later on. An ophthalmologist can advise based on individual circumstances.

LASIK Eye Surgery Near You

LASIK eye surgery can cause long-term improvements in vision and reduce the costs of replacing contacts and glasses. Find a qualified ophthalmologist near you for an eye assessment and advice on the best treatment for improved vision.