“Does LASIK wear off?” is a common question we hear at Kugler Vision in Omaha, NE. LASIK “wearing off” is one of the most common myths regarding LASIK surgery. In fact, the effects of LASIK are permanent and should last indefinitely in the vast majority of cases. During LASIK surgery, an excimer laser changes the shape of the cornea, which is the clear outer structure of the eye, and treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The changes that the laser makes are permanent and do not change over time.
A small percentage (<3%) of patients heal differently than normal patients and require an enhancement of their original treatment, but this is not because the effect of the original procedure wore off. Typically surgeons are able to tell within the first 12 months after LASIK whether the patient will need an enhancement surgery, and there should not be any healing-related changes beyond that time. A small percentage of patients may develop a small degree of myopia, also known as nearsightedness, in their 20s, typically seen in students who are reading intensely during those years. This change is due to a lengthening of the eyeball and is not related to the LASIK surgery, as the cornea changes made by the laser are permanent.
Understanding Your Vision Changes
One major source of confusion, and the main reason for the wearing-off myth, is the onset of Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome, often referred to as Presbyopia. As aging occurs, everyone, whether they’ve had LASIK or not, experiences natural vision changes in the internal lens of the eye. These lens changes are not related to LASIK surgery nor are they caused by LASIK surgery. They occur in every eye! Fortunately, there are solutions for Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome.
If you have had LASIK and are finding yourself having trouble with your vision, schedule your consultation today with Lance Kugler, MD to learn more about your vision and why it is changing. We can help.
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
