Of course, contact lenses and eyeglasses can make a huge difference in visual impairments such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. But more and more of the visually impaired are turning to LASIK so they can ditch the specs and the daily lenses for good. But before you take the plunge, is LASIK permanent? Let’s take a look.
Many common vision problems can be corrected with laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis eye surgery, more typically known as LASIK. This kind of laser refractive surgery is designed to physically reshape the cornea to restore or improve vision.
In the simplest terms, our vision relies on rays of light absorbed by the retina, which are first refracted by the cornea. A misshapen or distorted cornea will bend these light rays improperly, which results in blurry eyesight.
Whether you have never had a LASIK surgery, or if you’re looking for experts to correct a new visual impairment that’s developed after your first surgery, schedule a consultation with the eye professionals at Dello Russo Laser Vision. The team is ready to answer all of your questions about the permanence of LASIK eye surgery.
Can LASIK be permanent?
LASIK is usually permanent because, by its very nature, this laser surgery physically changes the shape of the cornea. The procedure negates the same imperfections that cause refractive errors such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
Because the cornea’s shape is repaired with a laser, it’s impossible for the shape to regress and become distorted again after the surgery. LASIK will correct the exact issue that’s been prescribed.
Many people wonder if LASIK is permanent because they’ve heard about visual impairments returning — which may well occur if the diagnosis worsens. However, such progression is completely unrelated to the laser eye surgery that once corrected the issue.
How many years does LASIK last?
LASIK permanently changes the corneal structure, therefore, most LASIK patients experience visual freedom and eyesight as good as 20/25 for the rest of their lives.
There are always exceptions to every rule though, and for those whose refractive error worsens over time, it may seem as though the LASIK surgery has failed.
For example, take the very common condition of presbyopia. Presbyopia, a gradual loss of the ability to focus, typically affects men and women over the age of 40. If an individual’s myopia was corrected with LASIK at 32 years old, and presbyopia sets in a decade later, then the formerly performed LASIK will not be able to save the day. The same must be said for cataracts.
LASIK corrects the visual impairments the patient is experiencing at that time and isn’t used as a preventative measure against worsening diagnoses or new ones.
Can LASIK be done again?
In the unlikely event that surgery is unsuccessful, or in the event that further visual impairments arise after some time, yes, LASIK may be performed again. There is no actual limit to the number of laser surgeries that one can undergo. In fact, secondary enhancement surgeries aren’t uncommon.
Even though LASIK is permanent, undergoing LASIK eye surgery will not impact surgical treatment options for eye conditions in the future.
