LASIK surgery is the laser removal of corneal tissue that slightly reshapes it to improve vision. It is a surgery that you can do to get rid of those pesky glasses or contacts. However, when considering LASIK surgery, one of the first things many people ask is if LASIK eye surgery is permanent?
Of course, if you are going to undergo surgery, it would be ideal that it lasts forever. That is mostly the case. LASIK is considered a permanent vision correction solution as it permanently corrects your current vision prescription.
Yet, a few specific factors contribute to answering the question of “how long does LASIK eye surgery last,” such as age and vision changes, including presbyopia or astigmatism.
Keep reading to learn more about how long LASIK eye surgery lasts, why some people need LASIK enhancement after 10 years and more.
How Long Does LASIK Last?
Short and Long-Term Results of LASIK
To answer the question of “how long does LASIK last,” we must look at the long-term and short-term LASIK results.
In the short term, you should expect immediate results from your LASIK surgery. You will see an increase in clarity in just 4 to 5 hours after surgery. After letting your eyes rest for a day or two, you can resume your normal activities with your new and improved vision.
However, many people want to know about LASIK after 10 years. As time goes on, some people might see some blurriness return. This sometimes occurs with age-related changes but can be corrected.
Most people still see the effects of their LASIK forever. However, some may need to have enhancement LASIK surgery after 10 years. The reason for this can vary depending on the age when getting LASIK and vision health.
Can LASIK Wear Off?
There is a myth that LASIK, after 10 years, wears off. But, LASIK is permanent. LASIK permanently corrects the vision prescription that you have at the time of surgery. This means that it cannot wear off. However, any underlying conditions such as presbyopia that progress over time can cause changes to your vision, making the original LASIK procedure less effective.
For example, as you age into your 40s and 50s, the crystalline lens of the eye becomes stiffer, causing presbyopia which is a vision condition that makes it difficult to focus on near-sighted items. This is where at what age you have the LASIK surgery done can impact if LASIK is permanent.
Another reason your vision could change is due to an underlying medical condition that develops like cataracts. While it is a common belief that LASIK surgery can prevent cataracts, many people can still develop them. After you get LASIK eye surgery, developing cataracts can impact your vision’s clarity, making it necessary for additional vision correction.
LASIK Enhancement After 10 Years
After 10 years, your doctor may suggest LASIK enhancement surgery if you begin to notice the results of LASIK fading. The procedure for LASIK surgery enhancement after 10 years is almost identical to the initial surgery. Instead of cutting a new flap in the eye, the surgeon will lift the previous one and make small changes as needed to reshape the cornea.
According to a study that examined LASIK’s permanence, only 3.5% of LASIK patients needed LASIK enhancement after 10 years. Most of the time, needing to repeat LASIK surgery after 10 years might be necessary because of an underlying condition that changes the vision over time, such as cataracts or presbyopia.
Some changes to your vision could need other vision correction procedures rather than LASIK. In the end, your ophthalmologist will be able to best tell you based on your situation.
Improve Your Vision With Carrot LASIK & Eye Center
At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, we want the best for your eyes. Our ophthalmologists use years of experience to help you understand your LASIK results and find the best treatment for you. To achieve this, Carrot LASIK & Eye Center uses our unique Advanced Ocular Analysis to provide you with the most accurate vision solution. This analysis helps you and our ophthalmologists get a detailed look at every aspect of your vision health.
Ready to see clearly again? Contact Carrot LASIK & Eye Center at 480-561-6000 or online to schedule a consultation today!
