Do you find yourself wondering: Does LASIK wear off over time?

LASIK surgery has risen in popularity during the past few decades as a favorable alternative for individuals who require corrected lenses to see clearly. Often referred to ask LASIK or laser surgery, the refractive procedure has been proven as safe and effective in the treatment of astigmatism, nearsightedness (myopia), and farsightedness (hyperopia).

In this article, we will cover how LASIK eye surgery works, whether it’s painful, the benefits of LASIK surgery, any disadvantages, and how long LASIK lasts.

How does it work?

During the procedure, a licensed ophthalmologist uses a surgical blade known as a microkeratome to make a thin incision in the cornea of the eye. The thin layer is then pulled back exposing the underlying corneal tissue while an excimer laser reshapes the cornea uniquely for each patient.

 

Is it painful?

There is rarely any pain involved during the procedure. Before the surgery begins, numbing drops are applied to the affected areas to reduce the possibility of discomfort. Many ophthalmologists also prescribe medications to decrease the patient’s anxiety. Although the occurrence of pain is substantially low, the patient may experience the sensation of pressure during the process as each eye is corrected.

 

What are the benefits of LASIK surgery?

There are many advantages to the procedure including:

• Quick and simple – There is no hospital stay required for the day surgery and the entire process lasts less than two hours. However, the surgery only lasts an average of about 10 minutes on both eyes.
• Painless – The patient does not feel any pain once the numbing drops are applied. Pressure on the eyes only lasts about 20 seconds, when the laser is being used.
• Speedy recovery – The improvement of eyesight is almost immediate for many patients. Others notice the results within four hours of the procedure and may have better than 20/20 vision.
• Low risk of complications – Choosing an expert surgeon who has knowledge of your medical history is essential to decrease the likelihood of complications during or after surgery. Although minimal, patients may experience dry eyes, double vision, or ghost images. In most instances, prescribed eye drops may resolve most issues. To avoid any further issues, it is vital for patients to follow proper aftercare procedures and any instructions provided by the attending surgeon.

 

What are disadvantages to the procedure?

Although there are many benefits of the procedures, as with any type surgery, there is always the chance of associated risks such as:

• Changes to the eye are permanent – This means that once the cornea is cut, the incision cannot be reversed. Utilizing the services of an expert surgeon is recommended to avoid permanent damage.
• You may not be a candidate – Everyone does not meet the requirements for the surgery. For instance, qualifying criteria includes, but is not limited to: patients who are in good health, those whose corneas have a certain thickness, and he or she must be at least 18 years of age (or 21 in some areas).
• Some patients may lose their ‘best’ vision – This may result in the patient needing corrective lenses post-surgery.

 

How long does LASIK last?

For many patients, the positive results of the corrective surgery last many years, possibly decades. Each patient varies and growing older causes different changes among individuals. An estimated five percent of patients may require a second corrective procedure at some point in the future. Luckily, their vision will not revert to the same condition pre-surgery.