How Long Do the Results of LASIK Last?

When investing time, energy and money into laser eye surgery, it is reasonable that you would have questions about the results and how long they last. Understanding whether the results are permanent or whether additional treatment may be required, is part of being an educated, informed patient. That is why I want to set the record straight about how long LASIK lasts.

Permanent Laser Correction

The results of LASIK are considered permanent. During surgery, I use a state-of-the-art laser to remove microscopic bits of corneal tissue and reshape the cornea’s curvature to eliminate the imperfections that cause nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. After the tissue has been removed, it cannot grow back.

How the Eyes Can Change with Age

Keep in mind that your eyes can change over time as they age. Although they will never go back to the way they were before LASIK, a condition called presbyopia can set in around the age of 40. Presbyopia affects the lens — not the cornea. With presbyopia, the lens loses its flexibility and ability to focus on nearby objects. This is why you see so many people in their 40s and older holding their smartphones at arm’s length to focus on the small text, or using “readers” to see reading material clearly or perform other close-up tasks (i.e., sewing, knitting).

Another age-related problem that can affect the lens is cataracts, which normally occur when a person is in their 70s or older. A cataract is a clouding or opaqueness of the eye’s natural lens that can interfere with vision at any distance. Advanced cataracts require lens removal and replacement with an artificial lens implant to restore clear vision.

Whether you have LASIK or not has no bearing on whether you will develop presbyopia or cataracts. Having LASIK also does not impact your future vision correction treatment needs. If you had LASIK when you were younger, you can have lens replacement to treat presbyopia or cataracts.

Learn More about LASIK Surgery

If you have additional questions about LASIK, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me at my La Jolla LASIK practice. Call or email us today to request an appointment.

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