How Long will my LASIK last?

When considering any surgical procedure, you hope the results will be permanent. The good news is that LASIK is regarded as a permanent procedure and can provide clear vision without visual aids for many years to come.

However, a few factors can affect your vision in the long term, even if you get LASIK. Aging and vision changes such as astigmatism and presbyopia could affect your vision in the long term. 

Read on to learn how long your LASIK results will last and why some people choose to have LASIK enhancement surgery.

Short and Long-Term Results of LASIK

As you likely know, most people who receive LASIK at Mid Ohio Eye in Columbus, OH, immediately experience great results. Many people notice a significant improvement in their vision within just a few hours of the procedure. 

LASIK patients often return to normal activities, like driving and working, as soon as the next day. Overall, the short-term results of LASIK are remarkable.

The long-term results of LASIK are also impressive. Studies have shown that most people with LASIK still enjoy clear vision many years later. In one study, 90% of people who had LASIK had 20/20 vision or better after ten years.

Can LASIK Wear Off?

One of the most common questions about LASIK is whether the results can wear off over time. The answer is that, in most cases, LASIK results are permanent. 

This is because LASIK works by reshaping the cornea, which is the clear, round dome at the front of your eye. Once your cornea has been reshaped, it will maintain its new shape.

However, it’s important to note that your vision could change as you age, even if you’ve had LASIK. Conditions such as presbyopia, cataracts, and glaucoma, which progress over time, could cause changes to your vision.

LASIK and Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a common age-related vision problem that can affect people who have had LASIK. Presbyopia usually develops in your 40s, making it harder to focus on close-up objects, like a book or smartphone.

If you develop presbyopia after LASIK, you may need to wear reading glasses or bifocals to see close-up objects. However, this doesn’t mean your LASIK results have worn off – it’s just a natural part of aging.

LASIK Enhancement Surgery

In less than 5% of cases, your initial procedure may not achieve quite the level of vision correction you were hoping for. If this is the case, you may choose to receive a LASIK enhancement surgery.

LASIK enhancement surgery is slightly more common in the long term but is still rare. Only 10% of patients need it even after ten years and just 20% after twenty years. 

If your vision changes significantly following your initial LASIK procedure, you may need enhancement surgery. Talk to your eye doctor at Mid Ohio Eye if you think your initial LASIK treatment does not provide the clarity it once did.

Similar to the initial procedure, LASIK enhancement surgery is usually simple and quick. It also boasts a very high success rate, with an even lower % of patients requiring additional enhancement procedures.

LASIK can provide you with clear, sharp vision for many years, potentially even a lifetime. While your vision may still change as you age, the results of LASIK are usually permanent. 

If you experience any changes in your vision after LASIK, enhancement surgery can often help you achieve the best possible results. Do you have questions? Be sure to talk to your eye doctor at Mid Ohio Eye to see what treatments may be right for you!