LASIK surgery results are designed to be permanent, but its effectiveness can diminish over time due to natural changes in the eye or other factors.
Most patients enjoy stable vision for years, but certain conditions may require enhancement procedures or alternative treatments.
Understanding LASIK and its Longevity
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most trusted procedures for correcting vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The surgery aims to reshape the cornea using a laser to enable light entering the eye to focus directly on the retina, resulting in sharper vision.
While the procedure is highly effective, it doesn’t stop the ageing process of your eyes. Just as the rest of your body changes with time, your eyes are no exception. The ability of LASIK to provide long-lasting results largely depends on several variables, including age, the condition of your eyes pre-surgery, and lifestyle habits.
Factors Contributing to LASIK Longevity
To understand when or why LASIK may start “stopping” its effectiveness, it’s essential to evaluate these key factors:
1. Age and Natural Eye Changes
- The majority of LASIK patients are between 20 and 40 years old because younger eyes are generally more stable. However, as you age, your eyes naturally undergo changes that LASIK does not prevent.
- Presbyopia, for example, typically begins to develop around age 40, causing difficulties with near vision. This age-related change affects the lens, not the cornea, which means LASIK does not address or stop it.
- Similarly, conditions like cataracts, which cloud the eye’s natural lens, emerge later in life and can diminish your vision, regardless of LASIK.
2. Pre-existing Eye Conditions
- If your vision prescription was already unstable before surgery, LASIK may not provide long-term results. Fluctuating eyesight could indicate progressive myopia or other underlying conditions, which might return post-surgery.
- Patients with severe refractive errors are more at risk for regression. For instance, someone with very high myopia corrected by LASIK will still face a small chance of their nearsightedness creeping back.
3. Hormonal Changes
- Hormonal shifts during pregnancy or menopause can temporarily affect your eyesight. While these changes typically reverse after the hormonal fluctuations stabilise, they can make you feel like your LASIK results are wearing off.
4. Lifestyle Habits
- Just as excessive screen time or poor lighting can strain your eyes, certain lifestyle choices impact LASIK longevity. Chronic eye rubbing, prolonged close-up work, or poor eye care might contribute to issues over time.
- Exposure to UV rays without proper protection can also contribute to corneal changes, impacting LASIK results.
5. Post-Surgery Care and Follow-ups
- Following your surgeon’s post-procedure guidance is essential for long-term success. Skipping follow-up appointments or neglecting eye care routines can result in complications or diminished results.
How Long Can You Expect LASIK to Last?
For many patients, LASIK provides excellent vision correction for 10 years or longer. Studies reveal that about 95% of patients retain their 20/20 or 20/40 vision five years after surgery. However, an estimated 10% may require a follow-up enhancement procedure within 10 years due to regression or new vision issues.
Generally, when LASIK is performed on patients with stable vision and healthy eyes, it usually remains effective for decades. However, each individual’s experience may vary based on the factors outlined earlier.
Signs That LASIK May No Longer Be Effective
If you’ve had LASIK and are experiencing any of the following, it could indicate regression or an emerging condition:
- Blurring of Distant Vision: Your previously perfect or improved distance vision becomes hazy or fuzzy.
- Difficulty Reading Close-Up: This could suggest presbyopia, which LASIK does not address.
- Night Vision Problems: Halos around lights or increased glare during night driving may signal changes in your cornea.
- Loss of Contrast Sensitivity: Struggling to distinguish objects against backgrounds, especially in low light, could indicate regression.
If you notice any of these changes, consult your ophthalmologist promptly to determine the cause and explore further solutions.
What Can Be Done When LASIK Stops Working?
If your LASIK results diminish over time, there are many ways to address the issue based on your specific needs and conditions:
1. LASIK Enhancements
- LASIK enhancements, also known as touch-ups, are a common solution for patients experiencing regression. During this procedure, surgeons may reshape the cornea further to refine your results.
- Keep in mind that enhancements are typically only suitable for patients with enough corneal thickness left after the initial surgery.
2. Glasses or Contact Lenses
- For minor regressions or new vision changes like presbyopia, you might find that the occasional use of glasses or contacts is sufficient. This is especially true for tasks like reading or night driving.
3. Monovision LASIK or PresbyLASIK
- If presbyopia is affecting your vision, monovision LASIK (correcting one eye for distance and the other for close-up work) or newer presbyopia-targeted procedures could be effective.
4. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or Cataract Surgery
- For older patients or those developing cataracts, an RLE or cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation may provide better long-term outcomes. These procedures replace the eye’s natural lens, resolving presbyopia and other issues that LASIK cannot correct.
5. Regular Eye Check-Ups
- Comprehensive annual eye exams are essential. They help monitor your eye health and ensure any new conditions are detected early.
Remember: The sooner you address changes in your vision, the easier it will be to manage them.
Tips to Prolong LASIK’s Effectiveness
While you cannot stop natural eye ageing, there are steps you can take to protect and maintain your LASIK results:
- Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays that can contribute to changes in the cornea.
- Limit Screen Time: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
- Live a Healthy Lifestyle: Stay hydrated, eat foods rich in omega-3s and antioxidants, and exercise regularly to promote overall eye health.
- Avoid Eye Strain: Practice proper ergonomics during screen use and take regular breaks. Also, avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Follow Post-LASIK Care Protocols: Adhere to all post-surgery guidance, such as using prescribed drops and attending follow-up appointments.
Final Thoughts
While LASIK delivers long-lasting results, it’s essential to understand that no vision correction surgery can prevent natural changes to your eyes over time. However, by taking care of your eye health and addressing new issues as they arise, you can continue enjoying clearer vision for many years.
If you’re noticing changes to your vision or wondering whether LASIK is still working for you, it’s worth discussing your concerns with your ophthalmologist. Whether it’s through enhancements or alternative treatments, there’s always a way to keep your vision at its best.
