If you’re scheduling a vision correction surgery like LASIK for yourself, you’ll want to know how long does LASIK last? Several factors come into play, impacting the results. Although you can go for years without trouble, the timeline can vary. Here’s what you must expect.
Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK is a laser eye surgery performed by an ophthalmologist to reshape the corneal tissues and improve your sight. You’ll benefit from this treatment if you want to get rid of your glasses or contacts and are looking for something more permanent. Most patients are happy with the results right on the day of the surgery. The next day, i.e., the day of your follow-up appointment, you should be able to get further guidance on what activities to do and avoid. There may be several other appointments in the first year and, after that, yearly checkups. LASIK is considered a permanent solution to correct your prescription, but does it really last forever? Let’s find out.
Short-Term Results
In the short term, you can expect immediate results from the procedure. Within hours, you would be able to see better than before. There can be increased clarity in just 4-5 hours, and you can do some light housework without much difficulty.
After the surgery, your eyes might feel a little gritty, dry, and itchy. Since the ophthalmologist used numbing drops, its effect can also cause some discomfort. There might be some soreness, light sensitivity, and blurriness, so wear sunglasses when leaving the clinic and have someone drive you back home. Allow your eyes to rest for the rest of the day and you should be able to resume most of your daily activities in just 24 hours with your improved vision.
Long-Term Results
If you’re 18 or older, have had stable vision for at least the last two years, and don’t have a major disease, you’re a good candidate for LASIK. The procedure is safe, takes minutes, and is often permanent. You can achieve a 20/20 vision and have a clear sight for decades. The results don’t necessarily wear off, but underlying conditions can certainly cause some changes in your eyes.
So, how long does LASIK last? As time passes, many people complain of slight blurriness, but that’s often just an age-related (and correctable) change. Most people can have an improved vision for life, while others might need enhancement every 10-15 years. Since no two patients are the same, your LASIK surgeon should be able to suggest how long your results would last.
What Happens After 10 Years?
There is no need to worry if you can see fine even a decade after LASIK eye surgery. You can still schedule a general eye checkup and keep up with your eye health. If there are any changes, your ophthalmologist should be able to suggest options to correct your vision.
The enhancement procedure is similar to the original one. The only change is that instead of cutting a new flap on your cornea, your ophthalmologist will lift the previous one to make the necessary changes. According to studies, only around 4% of the patients need enhancement after a decade. Most times, your vision will function problem-free.
Factors That Affect the Results
Generally, younger adults have a better chance of longer-lasting results. Age is a primary factor determining how long your corrected vision lasts. People between 18 and 30 will have a more precise correction. If you’ve had your LASIK eye surgery in your early 20s, you can expect the results to last around 20 years.
As you age, the eye’s lens becomes less flexible and loses its ability to focus, altering your vision. Regardless of the age, most people in their 40s, 50s, and above will experience a slight decline in their visual acuity and may still require glasses. Your LASIK surgeon will be able to provide you with proper expectations on the visual acuity you can expect to gain.
Even in your 60s, you could be an ideal candidate for LASIK, but how long does LASIK last at this age? Your age will limit the longevity of the results. You might also require more frequent enhancement for minor corrections. In other cases, eye conditions, like cataracts, presbyopia, or glaucoma, can progress with age and impact the stability of the results. LASIK can indeed prevent issues like cataracts, but you can still develop it, making follow-up treatments necessary. You’ll generally not face much trouble after LASIK, but these factors can affect the results and should be discussed with your eye surgeon.
Improve Your Vision with LASIK at Woodhams Eye Clinic
At Woodhams Eye Clinic, we are of Atlanta’s most experienced eye doctors. We offer personalized vision correction surgery procedures that are safe, comfortable and effective. Woodhams Eye Clinic has been honored to introduce many new procedures to the Atlanta and Georgia areas. Our team uses their years of experience and knowledge to help you achieve optimal results. If you’re ready to see clearly again, call 770-394-4000 now or schedule a consultation online.