How Many Years Does Laser Eye Surgery Last

It s a common question from patients and the precise answer depends in part on the individual.

How many years does laser eye surgery last.

The main side effects with lasik are mild including dry eye burning and itching which affect 20 to 40 of people who have the procedure. For the majority of people who have lasik they remain happy. Lasik eye surgery offers potential vision correction benefits but how long do the results of lasik last. Approximately 5 percent of patients develop small changes in their eyes that require a second procedure.

However there are some exceptions to the rule. Most people use glasses at least some of the time after cataract surgery. If that happens the effect of cataract surgery does wear off. This can happen three months after the initial procedure or 20 years later.

Another long term study of the stability of laser vision correction published in american journal of ophthalmology several years earlier found that among patients who underwent lasik surgery for the correction of up to 10 0 d of myopia approximately 6 percent chose to undergo a lasik enhancement within 10 years due to myopic regression. The reality is lasik permanently corrects the vision prescription your nearsightedness farsightedness or astigmatism that you come in with to have the procedure. These symptoms usually peak around 3 months after the. Lasik treats common vision problems such as myopia nearsightedness hyperopia farsightedness and astigmatism but does not stop normal age related changes in the eye that may occur later.

Laser eye surgery works particularly well if you are in the 40 age group whether you have long sight short sight or astigmatism. Although a very small number of people will require laser eye surgery for a second time for many it provides a permanent solution to vision problems that plague a massive 74 of the uk population. At the end of surgery you have a clear skin and a clear lens. But rather than aiming for a clear distance vision in both eyes if you are over 40 we normally offset the focus in one eye to sharpen the near range.

How long lasik lasts will depend on how old you are when you have lasik and how much your eye conditions progress if they do at all. Laser eye surgery is worth investing in for anyone that relies upon glasses or contact lenses. After your eyes have healed from surgery your doctor may recommend prescription eyeglasses. Now in about 5 10 of people over time the skin of the eye can thicken or crinkle and that s known as an after cataract.

It is a very persistent myth people thinking that lasik is not permanent and that it may only last a few years.