LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a widely performed elective surgical procedure designed to correct common refractive errors. These errors include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The primary objective of LASIK is to reshape the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, to improve how light focuses on the retina, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
How Long LASIK Results Last
For the vast majority of individuals, the vision correction achieved through LASIK is long-lasting, often considered permanent. The procedure involves using a laser to precisely reshape the corneal tissue, and this altered shape is stable and does not diminish or “wear off” over time. Studies indicate that most patients experience stable vision for many years following the procedure.
The permanence of LASIK stems from the fact that the laser physically removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, creating a new, stable curvature that effectively corrects the existing refractive error. While the surgical correction itself is permanent, eyes are living organs that can undergo natural changes over a lifetime, which are separate from the LASIK procedure.
A study in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery reported that over 94% of patients were not wearing distance prescription lenses five years after LASIK. The procedure aims for a stable, lifetime correction of the specific refractive error present at the time of surgery.
Influences on Vision Stability After LASIK
While the corneal reshaping from LASIK is permanent, a person’s vision can still change over time due to natural biological processes or the development of unrelated eye conditions. The most common reason for vision changes after successful LASIK is presbyopia, an age-related hardening of the eye’s natural lens. This typically begins around age 40 and affects near vision, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. This is a normal part of aging and is not a sign that LASIK has failed.
Other, less frequent factors can also influence vision stability. Some patients may experience a slight return of their original refractive error, known as regression or progression, particularly if their eyes continue to grow in younger individuals or in cases of higher initial prescriptions. This can involve a subtle shift in the corneal shape or remodeling of the corneal epithelium. Additionally, new eye conditions, such as cataracts (clouding of the lens), glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve), or diabetic retinopathy, can affect vision regardless of whether LASIK was performed previously. These changes are generally not a result of the LASIK procedure itself but rather normal physiological changes or new medical conditions that can impact anyone’s vision.
When Further Treatment Might Be Needed
If vision changes significantly after LASIK, further vision correction might be considered. One option is a “LASIK enhancement” or “touch-up” procedure, which is a secondary, minor LASIK surgery performed to refine the initial results if there’s regression or under-correction. This procedure involves lifting the original corneal flap and using a laser to perform additional reshaping.
Not all patients are suitable candidates for an enhancement, as it depends on factors like sufficient remaining corneal thickness and overall eye health. For those whose vision changes are not amenable to a LASIK enhancement, alternative vision correction methods are available. These may include wearing glasses or contact lenses for new prescriptions, such as reading glasses for presbyopia. Other surgical alternatives, like Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), which reshapes the corneal surface without creating a flap, or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), where the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial one, can also be considered for addressing new vision needs like presbyopia or early cataracts. Consulting with an eye care professional is important to assess any vision changes and discuss the most appropriate solutions.