How Long Does LASIK Last?

Key Takeaways

• LASIK Longevity: LASIK can correct your current prescription but doesn’t stop future vision changes, especially after age 40-45 due to presbyopia.
• Monovision for Presbyopia: Monovision can reduce the need for reading glasses by correcting one eye for distance and the other for near vision, though it may not suit everyone.
• LASIK Doesn’t Wear Off: While LASIK results are stable, your vision can still change over time, potentially requiring touch-ups to maintain clarity.
• Quick Surgery, Long-Lasting Results: LASIK takes about 15 minutes, providing clear vision for years, with most patients enjoying stable results for a decade or more before needing adjustments.

LASIK Longevity

As an eye surgeon with over 25 years of experience and more than 80,000 vision correction surgeries, I frequently get asked, “How long does LASIK last?” Understanding LASIK’s longevity is key when considering this procedure.

Is LASIK Permanent?

A common misconception is that LASIK provides permanent vision correction. While LASIK can correct your current prescription, it doesn’t prevent future changes in vision. Eyes typically stabilize by age 25-30, and changes are less likely after this period. However, after age 40-45, most people will need reading glasses due to presbyopia, a condition LASIK cannot fully address. To help manage presbyopia, I use a technique called monovision, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision. This can reduce the need for reading glasses, but it might not be suitable for everyone. LASIK offers long-lasting results, but it may not be permanent for all patients.

Does LASIK Wear Off?

LASIK does not “wear off.” However, vision may change over time due to factors like aging. LASIK corrects your current prescription, but it cannot prevent future changes. In some cases, touch-up procedures may be necessary if your vision changes significantly after the initial surgery. I have performed numerous enhancements to help patients maintain clear vision over time.

Repeat LASIK Surgery After 10 Years

Some patients may need repeat LASIK surgery after a decade or more due to natural vision changes. Fortunately, advancements in LASIK technology have made repeat surgeries safer and more effective. Modern LASIK techniques ensure follow-up procedures are precise and have high success rates.

How Long Does the Actual LASIK Eye Surgery Take?

The actual LASIK surgery is quick, typically taking about 15 minutes. The effects can last for many years, with most patients enjoying clear vision for a decade or more before significant changes occur. LASIK offers quick recovery time and long-lasting results compared to other types of eye surgeries, like cataract surgery, which addresses different vision issues.