Is LASIK Permanent?

Laser eye surgery is a popular form of vision correction, allowing many people to see more clearly. LASIK is the most widely known version, and when people consider this procedure, they often ask whether their results will be permanent. How long your results last will depend on many factors, but you can expect to see some changes over time.

What is LASIK Laser Eye Surgery?

LASIK is a form of vision correction that uses a computer-guided laser to adjust the angle of light entering your eyes. It does this by reshaping the clear front window of the eye called the cornea. During LASIK, a flap is created in the corneal surface, the reshaping is performed, and the flap is replaced so it can heal. It can treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. 

Is LASIK Permanent?

During LASIK, thin layers of your cornea are removed. These changes are permanent. However, your eyes are living structures that change over time. 

One major factor in how long your LASIK results last is how quickly your vision prescription changes. Just like most people will occasionally need a change in their prescription for glasses or contacts, people who have had laser eye surgery may experience changes over time that affect their results. 

Another important factor is the age at which you have LASIK. Starting at about age 40, your eyes’ lenses become less flexible and cannot change shape to help you see things up close. This condition is called presbyopia, and it affects almost everyone over time. Your lenses can also become cloudy with age, a condition called cataracts. 
If you are nearing the age when these changes will start to occur, your eye surgeon may recommend a different procedure. LASIK results can last many years, especially for younger individuals with stable prescriptions.

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

A consultation and eye exam will help your eye surgeon determine whether LASIK is the best option for you. Good candidates for LASIK have healthy eyes, including their corneas, and realistic expectations. We recommend that individuals maintain a stable prescription for a year before having LASIK since people whose prescriptions change rapidly may not see their LASIK results last as long as they would like. 

Is LASIK the Best Procedure for Me?

LASIK is an excellent choice for many people. However, if you are not a good candidate, have presbyopia, or are nearing the age of 40, your eye surgeon may have other suggestions. 

PRESBYOND® is a form of laser eye surgery similar to LASIK. It corrects your eyes to see at different distances for improved distance and close-up vision. It may be recommended if you are already experiencing presbyopia, which regular LASIK does not address. 
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a procedure that replaces your natural lenses with artificial ones that can correct your vision. Your new lenses will never develop presbyopia or cataracts, and they can remain in place for a lifetime.

Take the Next Step

To learn more about LASIK, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (866) 458-1545. We look forward to helping you!