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One of the biggest concerns people have about LASIK is this: How long do the results of LASIK eye surgery actually last? How true is the claim that you no longer have to worry about poor vision ever again once you have LASIK?
The answer to this question isn’t that straightforward. LASIK may be able to give you long-lasting clear vision, but how long it will stay that way depends on a number of health- related and biological factors.
The eyes, just like the rest of your body, change over time as you age, and LASIK can’t exactly stop such changes from happening.
Read on below to learn more about LASIK and how long its results actually last.
What’s the best age to get LASIK?
You’re probably wondering how old you have to be to qualify for laser eye surgery. Most eye clinics would require that you should be at least 18 years old, but in reality, the majority of LASIK patients are between the ages of 30 to 45.
A stable prescription for at least a year is one of the main requirements of LASIK. In your teens and early 20s, your eyes are still changing, so your prescription is likely not that stable.
For long-lasting results, doctors recommend having LASIK in your mid-20s, only after your prescription has stabilised for at least 2 years.
When you undergo LASIK with an unstable prescription, the results might not last long before you need your glasses again or require another procedure.
Are LASIK results temporary or permanent?
LASIK is a generally permanent procedure, with the vision clarity expected to last patients for their lifetime. However, it’s important to remember that the results may vary per individual.
To answer the question of whether LASIK results are temporary or permanent, you have to consider both short-term and long-term results.
In the short term, you should experience immediate results from LASIK, with significant improvements in your vision just 4 to 6 hours after the surgery. Your vision will then keep gradually improving in the next 6 months until it reaches 20/20 vision or better.
In the long term, as time goes on, some people might experience some level of blurriness return, but this is due to age-related factors that LASIK can’t control.
The fact remains that LASIK permanently corrects your vision, but some people will inevitably require enhancements a few years down the road.
Do LASIK results wear off?
There’s a common misconception that LASIK results wear off after 10 years. Yes, it may become less effective over time, but that’s often not its fault.
Underlying conditions such as presbyopia progress as you get on with age, causing permanent changes to your vision. It’s when the lens inside your eye becomes less flexible due to age, making it harder to focus on objects up close.
Presbyopia typically starts around age 40 to 45 and progressively gets worse when you reach your 60s.
Cataracts are another medical condition that could affect your vision clarity, even with LASIK. When you develop cataracts, you could explore an additional procedure to correct your vision if you want.
Is LASIK enhancement necessary?
If you begin to notice the results of LASIK fading, you can talk to your doctor about the possibility of LASIK enhancement.
The enhancement procedure will be largely similar to the initial surgery. However, instead of cutting a new flap in the eye, the old flap will be lifted to make small changes to the cornea’s shape as needed.
If you want to know more about LASIK and determine whether it’s the right option for you, get in touch with the specialists at Shinagawa Eye Centre for a comprehensive consultation. Call to enquire or book an appointment today!
