Posted by: The Eye Intitute of West Florida in LASIK

Exploring LASIK Eye Surgery: How Long Does It Last?

LASIK eye surgery, a common surgical procedure that corrects refractive errors, helps thousands of people overcome vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism each year. LASIK allows you to see clearly without the help of glasses or contacts, providing a new level of convenience and clarity to your daily routine. When considering LASIK for you or a loved one, it’s common to wonder, “How long does LASIK last?” While the question is simple, the answer is a bit more complex.

LASIK can be a long-lasting solution to refractive errors, with many people experiencing enhanced vision for many years after the procedure. However, the longevity and effectiveness of LASIK eye surgery often varies from person to person. Explore the various factors that can impact the longevity of your LASIK surgery with The Eye Institute of West Florida.

What Influences How Long LASIK Lasts?

There are several unique, personal factors that can influence how long the benefits of your LASIK surgery will last. The most common include:

Your Initial Prescription

The severity of your refractive error prior to LASIK can impact how long the surgery’s results last. Individuals with lower levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism typically experience better outcomes because less extensive corneal reshaping is required. A milder prescription also indicates that your corneas are less likely to undergo significant changes that could alter your corrected vision. For some patients with thicker corneas or very strong prescriptions, LASIK may not be the most suitable treatment option.

Age Considerations

Did you know that LASIK tends to yield better results for adults compared to young adults or children? Achieving 20/20 vision post-LASIK requires a stable prescription, which is why many surgeons recommend waiting until your prescription has remained the same for at least a year before considering LASIK.

Adults benefit most from LASIK because their vision changes have mostly stabilized. If LASIK is performed at a younger age—when your eyes are still changing—there is a risk that your prescription might continue to change after surgery, potentially causing your vision to become unclear again over time.

Eye Health

While LASIK can correct refractive errors, it cannot address chronic eye conditions like dry eyes, which can impact the success and longevity of LASIK results. Dry eyes can cause discomfort and affect visual quality, leading to fluctuations in vision even after LASIK. Before considering LASIK eye surgery, it’s essential to address any existing eye health issues to ensure long-lasting results.

Lifestyle Factors

Your lifestyle choices can also influence your vision, even after LASIK. Prolonged exposure to sunlight without UV protection can lead to eye damage over time, eroding your visual clarity. If you spend ample time outdoors, protecting your eyes from excessive sunlight and wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help preserve your eye health. Additionally, minimizing smoking and controlling your blood pressure are essential for maintaining clear and healthy vision after LASIK.

If You Have Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a condition that affects individuals over the age of 40 and makes it difficult to see things up close. Unlike other refractive errors, presbyopia is caused by the eye’s natural aging process and cannot be prevented, even with LASIK. LASIK eye surgery can’t prevent or treat age-related changes in near vision, so even if you’ve gotten LASIK in the past, you may still need reading glasses as you age.

LASIK FAQ

Believe it or not, it is possible to get LASIK twice.

As we’ve explored, your eyes might continue to change after LASIK because of your natural aging process or other contributing factors. The good news is, you can have a second LASIK procedure if you notice changes in your vision after your first surgery.

If you’re considering round two, eye surgeons recommend waiting five to ten years after your initial procedure before repeat LASIK surgery. Luckily, most patients at The Eye Institute of West Florida enjoy long-lasting vision correction from their first LASIK surgery and do not require a second operation.

Most LASIK patients find the surgery to be quick and painless, often with immediate results, and while every patient is unique, the procedure typically only takes 10 minutes or less per eye. During the procedure, the eye surgeon will use a special device to emit pulses of laser light that shape the cornea. While cataract surgery is often performed one eye at a time, LASIK usually corrects both eyes in the same procedure.

While your total recovery period will depend on your unique case and your doctor’s recommendations, most patients notice improvements in their vision within the first few days after surgery. Typically, you can return to your normal daily activities, including driving, working, and light exercise, one day after the procedure.

However, be sure to follow your doctor’s specific recovery instructions. It often takes over a month for your eyes to fully heal, and during this period, you will likely have activity restrictions to ensure you make a full recovery. This may include swimming, heavy weightlifting, and other strenuous exercises. For more details about the LASIK procedure and what to expect during recovery, visit our LASIK page .

Determine if LASIK is Right for You with The Eye Institute of West Florida

If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, The Eye Institute of West Florida is here to help. We understand how stressful a procedure like this can be, and we’re committed to helping our patients feel as educated and comfortable as possible before scheduling their surgery.

Our LASIK surgery experts are available to share more information about the procedure, what you can expect, and how long it can last. If you want to learn more about LASIK and discuss your treatment options, we encourage you to contact The Eye Institute of West Florida today.

When you’re ready to take the next step and plan your LASIK procedure, schedule an appointment at The Eye Institute of West Florida. Our doctors will walk you through the entire process and get you scheduled for your surgery.

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