How long does LASIK last?

LASIK surgery is designed to permanently reshape the cornea. This means that, once you’ve undergone this life-changing procedure, you might not have to wear glasses or contact lenses in the decades to come.

LASIK can help with a variety of refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

Vision change: A common LASIK misconception, explained

Today’s LASIK technology is designed to do one thing: permanently reshape your cornea. A long-term, peer-reviewed study reported that out of a select number of patients who underwent LASIK for cases of myopia that were stronger than -10.0 D (extreme blurriness when seeing from far distances), just 6% opted for a LASIK enhancement within 10 years because their eyesight had regressed.

Many former LASIK patients claim that the change is so subtle that for the most part, it barely even registers. In other instances, they have to wear their glasses for select activities—mainly driving at nighttime—but for the most part can still enjoy the lasting results of their surgery.

For patients approaching or past their 40s, it would be good to discuss presbyopia (age-related up-close reading vision loss) with an eye care professional. We offer two long-term solutions for presbyopia, so ask us about our PresbyVision™ procedures.

Lastly, having LASIK does not stop the development of cataracts, unless you have undergone a lens replacement procedure, which prevents the need for future cataract surgery.

Here’s why you should consider getting LASIK

There’s a reason why millions of people have chosen to pursue refractive surgery (surgical procedures that correct common vision problems) versus the more conventional means of correcting vision, like glasses or contact lenses. Upon first becoming widely available, people were blown away by the possibility of getting rid of their glasses with help from a laser. Today, not only has the novelty not worn off, but has actually become more popular.

In fact, the American Refractive Surgery Council (ARSC) deemed LASIK the “most popular vision correction procedure.” And it’s easy to see why: LASIK is widely considered to be one of the safest elective procedures in modern medicine. From surgeon experience to advancements in medical technology, vision correction procedures have only improved. What’s more, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that those who wear contact lenses are 500 times more susceptible to infection than with LASIK.

Patient Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction is at an all-time high: Between the years 2008 and 2015, the ARSC looked at more than 4,400 clinical studies examining how patients felt about their decision to get laser vision correction surgery. The data showed that over 98% of patients are totally satisfied with the outcome of their procedure. Compare this to the satisfaction rate in contact lens users, which has plunged in recent years, according to a three-year study conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Surgery touch-ups

It’s important to know that should your vision change in the years after surgery, you might be eligible for a touch-up, or enhancement surgery. Regression is unlikely, but sometimes vision can change simply due to age-related conditions like presbyopia. At LASIK MD, we offer enhancement plans in the unlikely event that you need a LASIK touch‑up.

Is LASIK right for me?

Want to know if LASIK is right for you? The next step is to determine if you’re a candidate for laser vision correction by booking a free, no-obligation consultation.

If you would like more information about LASIK, download our free information booklet to learn about all the life-changing vision correction procedures we offer.