For many appropriate candidates LASIK gives stable vision correction over many years. But to say that is LASIK permanent? which it is not is to mislead.
LASIK which is a procedure that changes the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. What the corneal correction does is meant to be a permanent solution. But also it is important to note that LASIK does not put an end to natural eye changes as you age. You will still get presbyopia, cataracts and changes in your prescription which will in turn affect your vision as you get older. The American Academy of Ophthalmology for instance reports that which is a fact LASIK does not do anything to prevent presbyopia, the age related loss of near focus.
Comprehending what is involved in the LASIK procedure as well as what to expect from your eyes post treatment will set you up for realistic LASIK results from it.
How Does LASIK Correct Vision?
LASIK, also known as laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a type of laser eye surgery which changes the shape of the cornea. In the procedure a thin corneal flap is created by the surgeon which then uses a laser to remove a precise amount of corneal tissue. This in turn changes how light focuses on the retina.
For individuals with myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, we see that correcting the corneal shape greatly reduces the use of glasses or contact lenses. But what we find is that LASIK is to reduce dependence on the use of corrective lenses which is to say perfect vision for life is not guaranteed. The FDA also reports that LASIK is a procedure which reduces the need for glasses or contact lenses.
So, Is LASIK Permanent?
During the refractive correction in LASIK permanent it is designed to be a permanent change, but your vision may still change in the future.
LASIK will not set the clock back to your present age or eye prescription. As we age the lens, cornea and focus will change.
In the long term LASIK has been proven to be durable which at the same time reports some people may experience refractive regression. In a 12 year follow up study of patients treated for myopia and myopic astigmatism we see that LASIK performed very safely still however there was a progressive reduction in results for some and also some loss of predictability which was observed in some eyes that also reported myopic regression.
Therefore when we discuss LASIK results ,think in terms of long term correction which is what we can promise you instead of a lifetime guarantee.
Why Can Vision Change After LASIK?
Over the years there are factors that may cause someone to require glasses again after they had successful laser eye surgery.
One of the also very common is presbyopia. At age 40 we usually begin to notice it, as a natural process in which the eye’s ability to focus on close objects breaks down. LASIK which is done for distance vision does not in fact prevent this process.
Someone who had excellent distance vision afterLASIK results in their 20s or 30s may still need reading glasses later in life. That does not necessarily mean the procedure has “worn off.”
A small variation in the original refractive error may present in some patients over time. Hyperopic corrections in some cases may return to pre-treatment conditions. The FDA reports that results from LASIK which is a treatment for farsightedness may reverse with age.
Age related conditions like cataracts also affect vision apart from prior LASIK surgery.
How Long Do LASIK Results Usually Last?
There isn’t a universal number for everyone. Many do indeed see useful results of the laser eye surgery, for years’ at the same time others may get a different prescription or age related focus issues.
Over long term research which has gone beyond 10 years LASIK has generally been found to still be effective and safe for appropriate patients although regression does happen at times especially with larger refractive corrections.
Your long term LASIK results may be based on your age, original prescription, the stability of your pre op prescription, corneal characteristics and changes which take place in the eye over time.
This is why you should have a full exam with an eye specialist before deciding on LASIK.
Can You Need LASIK Again?
In some cases patients will report having persistent or again acute refractive error post their first surgery. In certain conditions an eye specialist will put in an upgrade procedure.
However, we do not have a one size fits all approach to repeat laser eye surgery. A patient’s corneal thickness, corneal shape, present refractive error and the state of overall eye health will be looked at before we can recommend a second treatment.
The FDA reports that vision may change in the first few months post-LASIK and usually stabilizes at 3 to 6 months. If further correction is done, wait until measurements stabilize.
An experienced eye doctor will determine which of the options for correction; glasses, contact lenses, a corrective procedure or some other option is the best for you.
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of LASIK?
For appropriate candidates a great benefit of LASIK is that you will see less of a need for glasses and contact lenses. This also applies to many day to day activities like going to the gym, traveling and outdoor sports.
Patient satisfaction is also very high. FDA supported PROWL studies which reported that over 95% of the participants had better vision after LASIK.
These results do not include all patients which will have the same result. Individual health situations, what to expect realistically and thorough pre-operative screening are important elements in quality eye care.
Are There Risks or Side Effects?
Like in any surgical procedure, LASIK has risks. Issues may include dry eyes, glare, halos, starbursts, double vision, under correction, over correction and night vision issues. Also very rare but serious complications may occur.
Some reports note that as eyes heal some symptoms improve. The FDA also notes that visual fluctuations, glare and halos may continue for the first few months as vision stabilizes.
Before you go in for laser eye surgery,it is best to go over the benefits, alternatives and possible complications with your ophthalmologist instead of counting on guaranteed 20/20 vision.
Who Is More Likely to Have Stable LASIK Results?
Good results in the long term from a procedure begin with careful patient selection. Prior to surgery the ophthalmologist does an in depth exam and determines if the eyes are a good fit for LASIK. The FDA says to do a baseline eval and a thorough discussion of the case, risks, benefits and alternatives before treatment.
Your prescription is also out to be checked for stability, also we pay close attention to the health of the cornea and other eye conditions.
Visiting a full service eye hospital for a detailed evaluation will also help to determine what, if any, laser or other eye treatments may be best for your individual vision needs.
Is LASIK Permanent After Age 40?
When at 40 people ask is LASIK permanent what they are really bringing up is presbyopia.
While LASIK may still give distance vision improvement in the right patients it does not prevent the natural age related loss of near vision. It is true that after LASIK which may correct distance vision you may still require reading glasses as presbyopia sets in.
Your eye doctor can discuss with you what options are available based on your age, prescription, lifestyle and visual priorities.
Conclusion
So, is LASIK permanent? What LASIK does is create a lasting alteration in the cornea which in turn may provide stable vision correction for many people. It is to be noted that LASIK does not put a stop to the natural aging process, presbyopia, cataracts or any other future change in your prescription.
The outcome and durability of LASIK results is a factor of many individual elements which is why proper screening and setting of realistic expectations is key.
If you are thinking of having LASIK, visit the ophthalmologists at Vasan Eye care for a full evaluation. The right assessment will help to determine what is the best option for your eyes and which will suit your long term visual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is LASIK permanent for life?
The cornea correction from LASIK is designed to be long lasting. But, your eyes do continue to age. Prescription changes, presbyopia and cataracts which affect vision also play a role at a later stage. Thus when we ask if is LASIK permanent the answer is that the correction may last for many years’ but we cannot guarantee lifetime spectacle free vision.
2. Can eyesight become weak again after LASIK?
Yes. Some years after surgery some people will notice changes in their vision, also it is at the stage of age in which some develop presbyopia or cataracts. Vision changes do not always indicate that the initial LASIK procedure has done so poorly.
3. Will I need glasses after LASIK?
Some people may in fact still need glasses for some activities, and reading glasses by the time of presbyopia development tend to become a requirement with age. Also the FDA reports that some patients may still require glasses or contacts after LASIK.
4. Can LASIK be done twice?
And in some cases we may look at which is for the patients that still have refractive error which in turn may return. It is based on corneal thickness, eye health and stable measurements. Prior to that we do a very detailed exam.
5. Does LASIK prevent cataracts?
No. LASIK changes the cornea, also cataracts form in the natural lens within the eye. Having LASIK doesn’t prevent the normal aging of the lens.