LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular procedure designed to correct common vision problems. It aims to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the eye’s cornea. This article explores the typical longevity of LASIK results and explains how vision may evolve over time.
How Long LASIK Results Last
The reshaping of the cornea during LASIK is a permanent change to the eye’s structure. This surgical alteration aims to correct existing refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. For many individuals, the improved vision achieved through LASIK remains stable for a significant period.
Studies indicate that a large majority of patients experience lasting benefits from the procedure. Many maintain their improved vision for at least 10 years, with some reporting stable results for 20 years or longer. Patient satisfaction rates are notably high, with reports showing 95.4% to 96% of individuals satisfied with their outcomes.
Why Vision May Change Over Time
While the corneal reshaping from LASIK is permanent, other factors can influence vision over a lifetime. It is important to distinguish between changes related to the initial procedure and those that occur as a natural part of aging.
A minor shift back toward the original prescription, known as regression, can sometimes occur. This is a slight change, considered a healing response rather than a procedure failure. Some patients may experience enough regression over time to consider a touch-up.
A common age-related change is presbyopia, which typically begins around age 40. This condition causes difficulty with near vision, such as reading small print, and develops because the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible over time. LASIK corrects distance vision by reshaping the cornea and does not prevent the natural onset of presbyopia. Therefore, individuals who have had LASIK may still require reading glasses as they age.
Cataracts are another age-related eye condition that can develop years after LASIK. They involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry vision. LASIK does not cause cataracts, as the procedure focuses on the cornea, not the lens. Their development is a normal part of aging, regardless of prior LASIK.
Addressing Future Vision Needs
Should vision changes occur after LASIK, various options are available to address them. One possibility is a LASIK enhancement, sometimes referred to as a “touch-up” procedure. This involves re-lifting the original corneal flap and applying additional laser treatment to refine the vision. Eligibility for an enhancement depends on factors such as stable vision, sufficient corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
For minor vision changes, particularly those related to presbyopia, glasses or contact lenses can be used. Reading glasses are a common solution for age-related near vision issues that LASIK does not prevent. If cataracts develop, they can be treated with cataract surgery, which involves replacing the cloudy natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens. Having had LASIK does not prevent or significantly complicate cataract surgery, though specialized measurements are needed for optimal outcomes.