Is LASIK Really Permanent? Understanding Long-Term Results
LASIK has helped millions of people worldwide reduce or even eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. But one of the most common questions patients ask before surgery is: “Is LASIK permanent?” The short answer is yes—the corneal reshaping performed during LASIK is permanent. However, it’s important to understand what LASIK can and cannot do when it comes to long-term vision results.
During LASIK, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, correcting how light is focused on the retina. This structural change doesn’t wear off over time, which means the vision correction itself is lasting. If you had nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism corrected, that correction is permanent.
So why do some people feel like their vision changes years after LASIK? The main reason is that the eyes continue to age naturally. Just like people who never had LASIK, patients can develop conditions such as presbyopia (the age-related need for reading glasses, usually starting in the 40s) or cataracts later in life. These changes aren’t caused by LASIK—they’re simply part of the natural aging process of the eyes.
The good news is that LASIK doesn’t prevent you from having other eye treatments in the future. In some cases, an enhancement procedure can be performed years after the original surgery if small prescription changes occur. For age-related conditions like cataracts, modern cataract surgery can restore clear vision again, even in patients who previously had LASIK.
Long-term studies have shown that LASIK results are highly stable. Most patients continue to enjoy excellent vision for decades after their procedure. Advances in technology, including wavefront-guided and topography-guided LASIK, have made outcomes even more precise and predictable, reducing the likelihood of needing enhancements later on.
Ultimately, LASIK is a safe and permanent solution for correcting refractive errors, but it doesn’t stop time. Understanding that natural changes in the eyes can occur helps set realistic expectations and ensures patients are prepared for their lifelong eye health journey.
If you’ve been considering LASIK and want to know if it’s right for you, the best next step is a personalized consultation.
Schedule an appointment with Victoria Eye Center to learn more about LASIK and your long-term vision options. Call 800-833-0234 or visit WEBSITE today to get started.