LASIK is a popular procedure because it is quick, comfortable and has a high success rate. But patients often ask, “How long does LASIK last?” Let’s unpack that question in today’s blog.
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. What LASIK cannot do is proactively fix other vision changes that may occur as you age.
With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about how long LASIK lasts and what could be happening if you experience vision changes years after LASIK.
The effects of LASIK are permanent (but the eyes still change over time)
LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea, which allows light to focus clearly on the retina. This means LASIK is designed to help patients eliminate their need to wear glasses or contact lenses to see clearly for most daily activities.
However, it is important to note that LASIK does not prevent the natural aging of the eye. As we age, our eyes naturally change, and these changes can affect vision. For example, presbyopia is a condition that makes it difficult to focus on near objects, and it typically begins to develop as people reach their 40s.
Cataracts are another common age-related vision problem, and they occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Everyone who lives long enough will at least begin to develop cataracts that could affect vision. Many conditions that develop after LASIK can be addressed separately—often with a different laser vision procedure.
Treatment for presbyopia and cataracts
While LASIK cannot prevent presbyopia or cataracts, there are other treatments available for these conditions.
For presbyopia, there are several basic options, such as reading glasses, bifocals or contact lenses. In many cases, the condition can be treated with an implantable lens (IOL) which replaces the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens that corrects vision at multiple distances.
For cataracts, the most common treatment is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. This lens can correct any other refractive errors that may have developed after the original LASIK surgery.
LASIK can help people of all ages.
LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for people of all ages, from young adults to seniors. In fact, certain types of LASIK are often recommended for older adults who are experiencing presbyopia, as it can help them reduce or eliminate their need for reading glasses.
By eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses, LASIK can make it easier to perform everyday activities, such as driving, reading and playing sports. It can also boost self-confidence and make people feel more comfortable in social situations.
LASIK is a permanent solution for many vision problems. While it cannot prevent the natural aging of the eye, LASIK and other laser eye surgery options can help people see clearly at all stages of life.
As modern vision correction specialists, we at Kugler Vision are committed to serving our patients’ needs on the journey to a life free from visual barriers. Take the first step with a thorough eye analysis and find out if you qualify for Modern LASIK or one of our 6 other advanced vision correction treatments. Book online at LASIKOmaha.com.
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.
