Whether you’re considering or recently had laser eye surgery, you’re likely wondering how long LASIK lasts. For most people who have LASIK eye surgery, vision improvement is permanent.
However, some changes still occur in a limited number of cases. Changes to the lens inside the eye can happen, whether or not you’ve had LASIK, which can cause nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism to progress over time.
Will LASIK be successful for your long-term vision? We’re betting on it. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
How long does LASIK eye surgery last?
LASIK eye surgery is designed to deliver long-term vision correction, and for the vast majority of patients, it does just that. This is because the procedure itself reshapes the cornea with laser technology, which permanently fixes imperfections that cause errors in vision such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
How successful is the procedure? LASIK has a success rate of 96%, based on patient satisfaction, according to a 2016 report from the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
Some studies have shown that LASIK may be most effective for people between the ages of 25 and 40, but individual vision goals and results vary. A LASIK consultation can help address your concerns and expectations.
Can you get LASIK twice?
Most can expect great results with today’s laser vision correction technology, in LASIK eye surgery as well as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). If you do not experience clear vision immediately, don’t fret — vision can fluctuate during the weeks following surgery.
Should you experience a significant regression in your vision after LASIK, there is a follow-up procedure that can be done to restore clarity. This “LASIK touch-up” is commonly referred to as a LASIK enhancement procedure. The procedure is similar to primary LASIK surgery, and most only need to have one enhancement done (if any) for optimal results.
Keep in mind that most patients achieve 20/20 vision (or at least 20/40 visual acuity) after LASIK. But, if you are unsatisfied with your results, be sure to speak with your LASIK surgeon or eye doctor about whether an enhancement is right for you.
SEE RELATED: LASIK enhancement: When additional surgery is needed
