How Long Do LASIK Results Last?

Do you hate searching for your readers every time you get a text? Do your ears and nose have permanent divots where your eye glasses have carved out a resting spot? LASIK can improve your vision and help you ditch your glasses and contacts.

If you’re like many of our patients at Vision Corner in Houston, Texas, you might think LASIK sounds too good to be true. You have questions, including: How long do LASIK results last?

Here, Dr. Sophia Barnes explains the variables that affect your LASIK results.

LASIK results

Before diving into how long LASIK results last, let's look at the results the surgery delivers. LASIK uses a powerful cutting laser to reshape your cornea precisely. Ideally, your cornea is clear and dome-shaped, which helps it refract light onto your retina. However, a misshapen cornea bends the light and blurs your vision. 

LASIK surgery uses programmed pulses of laser light energy to reshape your cornea and restore normal vision. The procedure works best for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

LASIK effectiveness

LASIK surgery aims to correct your vision so you can ditch your eye glasses and contact lenses. Of patients who undergo LASIK, about 80% report that they no longer use glasses to read, drive, or perform daily tasks. 

How well LASIK works for you depends on a few variables, including the type of refractive error. LASIK is most effective in cases of low-grade nearsightedness. If you have severe nearsightedness or farsightedness, your results may be less successful; if you have astigmatism as well, it further complicates the outcome.

However, most people Dr. Barnes deems as good LASIK candidates have a good chance of enjoying 20/25 vision after the procedure.

LASIK longevity

LASIK surgery permanently changes your cornea’s shape. Your eyes won’t regress after the procedure — ever. The condition that prompted you to get LASIK surgery is corrected for good, and studies show that results from a successful LASIK surgery can last at least 10 years. 

However, just because your original eye condition doesn’t regress doesn't mean it can’t progress. You may need a follow-up LASIK procedure if your nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism worsens.

As with all other body parts, your eyes change and degrade with time. This natural age-related change, known as presbyopia, happens to just about everyone starting around age 40. Presbyopia changes your eye’s lens (not the cornea) and hinders your ability to focus. LASIK surgery can’t prevent presbyopia, and presbyopia can occur even after LASIK.

Cataracts also develop with age regardless of past LASIK surgery. 

Dr. Barnes discusses what you can expect from LASIK surgery based on the unique variables in your case, including your age. Those in their 20s can expect years of clearer vision without corrective lenses, but those 40 and older may face additional vision problems despite the benefits of LASIK. 

If you’re a good candidate for LASIK, Dr. Barnes refers you to one of her trusted colleagues in Houston and carefully monitors you post-surgery to ensure you don’t experience any complications. 

To discuss LASIK with Dr. Barnes, call our office or go online to book a consultation.