Is LASIK a Permanent Fix or Temporary Solution?

The idea of long-lasting freedom from glasses or contact lenses is pretty exciting, right? But a burning question on many freedom seekers' minds is often 'Is LASIK permanent or just a temporary fix?'

As a leading laser eye surgery clinic in Auckland, we're here to help you understand the long-term effectiveness of LASIK. In this article, we explain exactly how this form of laser vision correction works, how long it lasts, and the factors that affect its longevity.

How Does LASIK Work?

LASIK eye surgery works by reshaping the cornea. It corrects vision problems like myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism. During the procedure, the eye surgeon uses two advanced lasers. These include a femtosecond laser to create a thin corneal flap, and an excimer laser to reshape the tissue underneath it. The surgeon then repositions the corneal flap, sealing it naturally.

These precise changes to the corneal tissue permanently improve how light focuses on the retina, which results in clearer vision. Once the LASIK surgery procedure is complete, the majority of patients experience major vision improvement within the first 24 hours.

Is LASIK Permanent?

For most patients, LASIK eye surgery offers long-lasting vision correction. If, in the year leading up to your LASIK surgery, your vision prescription remains stable, you can often enjoy the results (and not having to wear glasses or contact lenses) for decades.

But exactly how long does LASIK last? The changes to your corneal tissue are permanent. This means LASIK permanently improves how light focuses on your retina. A solid chunk of LASIK surgery patients enjoy enhanced vision for 20 years or longer. And that's without needing any enhancement LASIK surgery!

It's important to note, though, that while the correction itself is permanent, your eyes can still undergo natural changes. These natural changes aren't a sign that your LASIK procedure failed. They're simply part of life.

Factors That Can Affect the Longevity of LASIK

There are a number of factors that can impact how long your clear vision lasts after LASIK surgery:

• Age-Related Changes: When you reach your 40s, presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) can kick in. LASIK isn't a solution for presbyopia, so you might still need to wear reading glasses later on in life.
• Natural Eye Changes: Over time, your eyes naturally change. This can lead to slightly blurry vision. This doesn’t mean that the effects of your LASIK eye surgery have 'worn off'; it’s just part of the aging process.
• Health Conditions: Various health conditions, such as diabetes, hormonal changes, or the development of cataracts, can take its toll on your vision stability.
• Eye Care: Taking good care of your eyes can help prolong your LASIK surgery results. This involves protecting your eyes from the sun, following a healthy diet, and attending regular check-ups to monitor any vision changes you experience.

Enhancements and Touch-Ups: When Are They Needed?

Sometimes, patients might require LASIK enhancement surgery to fine-tune their results. Again, this isn't because the original LASIK procedure was ineffective. It's just a proactive way of maintaining your vision as your eyes go through natural changes.

For instance, changes in your vision prescription or slight regression can require additional vision correction. A LASIK enhancement can correct these little changes to keep your vision sharp.

The good news is that a LASIK enhancement procedure is usually far quicker and less invasive than the initial surgery. Your eye doctor will conduct a thorough examination to assess whether an enhancement is the right choice and will let you know exactly what to expect.

How to Maximise Your LASIK Results

Here are a few steps to take to ensure you get the most out of your LASIK laser eye surgery:

• Choose the Right Time: Your vision prescription should be stable for at least 12 months before you undergo LASIK surgery.
• Have a Pre-Operative Evaluation: Having a comprehensive refractive surgery consultation with a trusted eye surgeon can help determine if you’re a good candidate for long-term LASIK success.
• Follow Post-Surgery Care Instructions: It's important that you do exactly as your eye surgeon says during your LASIK recovery period. This usually includes using prescribed eye drops, not rubbing your eyes, and protecting your eyes from UV rays.
• Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle: Leading a healthy lifestyle has many benefits, including maximising your LASIK results. It involves things like eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive screen time. Regular eye exams are also key to helping you catch any potential eye problems early on.

Trusted LASIK in Auckland

So, the verdict of 'Is LASIK permanent?' is yes, for a lot of LASIK patients, it can be! LASIK eye surgery offers a long-term solution for clear vision. But it's important to acknowledge that natural changes may affect your eyesight over the long run. However, even where LASIK surgery doesn't end up being permanent, the vision benefits can often last for decades!

At re:vision, we've helped countless patients with vision problems ditch their glasses or contact lenses with LASIK. We cater to many vision problems, offering a range of laser surgery services as well as cataract surgery. Our specialised eye clinic provides comprehensive assessments to determine the perfect vision correction solution to help you achieve your goals.

If you're ready to explore your options, book a free laser suitability assessment today! 

Book your free LASIK consultation

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