Question: “How long does LASIK eye surgery last?”
Answer: “One of the most common myths of corrective laser eye surgery (LASIK) is that it is not permanent. This, however, is untrue. The shape changes made to your eye during LASIK surgery are indeed considered permanent. But, just as you may have needed minor updates in your glasses prescription over time, you may experience slight changes in your vision over the years after LASIK.
For the most part, people aren’t bothered by any minor change and don’t feel the need for additional intervention. Some choose to wear a thin, light pair of prescription eyeglasses for specific activities (driving at night for example), and others may opt for a “touch up” procedure (also called an enhancement). If desired, your LASIK surgeon should be able to discuss whether you are a good candidate for an enhancement. To possibly reduce the need for a future enhancement, it helps to choose a highly skilled surgeon who uses the latest technology and who evaluates candidates carefully.
One of the main reasons for the “wearing off” myth is the onset of an age-related phenomenon known as presbyopia. Presbyopia develops as the natural lens of the eye begins to harden and lose flexibility. It begins in one’s 40’s and continues into their late 50’s and is usually noticed when it becomes difficult to read small print.
Undergoing LASIK does not prevent presbyopia, but an accepted strategy called “monovision” is widely used to help deal with it. With monovision, one eye is corrected for clear distance vision and the other eye is then purposefully corrected to yield better vision up close. This typically reduces or eliminates the need for wearing glasses while reading and driving. While monovision is a great option and works well, it’s certainly not a solution for everyone. It can take a patient’s eyes and brain several weeks to adjust with this setup. In order to determine if monovision might be right for you, a contact lens trial is often used to simulate post-operative results.
Since its approval by the FDA in the late 1990s, LASIK surgery has revolutionized the way individuals become independent form spectacles and contacts, and enjoy clearer vision for many years. If you are considering LASIK, I encourage you to attend one of our upcoming FREE seminars for more information.”
– Dr. Yannis Kolettis, Fellowship-trained Refractive Surgeon
