How Long Does LASIK Last?

LASIK’s Long Lasting Effect

LASIK surgery is considered a miracle to many people with less than perfect vision, often allowing them to say goodbye to glasses and contacts, but many want to know does LASIK last? Approved by the FDA in 1995, it is an established procedure, but many patients have concerns about long-term effects.

Some patients need further correction, and some patients have conditions that preclude 20/20 vision. Most patients, however, no longer need glasses for driving, and if you have the potential for 20/20, LASIK can give that to you.

In 2006, the results of a 10-year study were presented at the joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology. This study included 100 patients who had received LASIK and found that on the whole, the long term results were very good. The average vision of the patients studied was 20/25. The researchers concluded that LASIK does result in long term vision correction.

It takes about three months for your eyes to stabilize after the procedure. After that, it’s permanent. If you find that you need glasses down the road, this is likely due to the normal process of aging; LASIK cannot prevent your eyes from growing older.

LASIK also does not prevent eye disease, but neither is it a cause. Things like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can occur whether you’ve had LASIK or not. Here’s the good news:  you can still have cataract surgery in the future if you’ve undergone LASIK.

Most patients will have improved vision almost immediately after LASIK surgery is performed. It’s good to know that the results are not only dramatic but also long-lasting. LASIK can make a difference in your life not only for today but also for years down the road.