Can LASIK eye surgery give permanent freedom from specs? That’s the question most people want an answer to when they are considering LASIK.
Yes! LASIK is a vision correction procedure designed to give specs-free, clear vision for life!
In this blog, we are going to discuss LASIK, its potential to reduce your dependence on glasses in the long term, the factors that can affect the efficacy, and more.
LASIK Eye Surgery and Its Working
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis or LASIK, as we know it, is an advanced eye surgery that helps treat common vision issues (refractive errors), such as:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism (cylindrical power)
LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. This allows light to correctly focus on the retina, giving you clear vision – minus the specs.
LASIK involves the following steps:
- Flap Creation: A thin flap is made on your cornea with a femtosecond laser (in modern LASIK) or microkeratome blade (in traditional LASIK)
- Corneal Reshaping: The underlying corneal tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser
- Corneal Healing: The flap is put back in place, and the cornea starts healing on its own – without any need for sutures
How Long Does LASIK Last?
This is the question we set out to answer. Most people undergoing LASIK report vision correction in the long-term, precisely 10-20 years, and sometimes, for their entire life.
Research indicates that up to 95% get 6/6 vision clarity or better (via Research Gate).
Having said that, it is important to note that although LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea, human eyes are living organs that grow older with time.
It means that LASIK results last long, but they are subject to natural changes.
Can LASIK Permanently Reduce Dependence on Specs?
LASIK eye surgery is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. And so is the number of people searching Google to get an answer to the question – Is LASIK Permanent?
Here are some crucial points:
- The cornea is corrected (reshaped) for good
- A patient’s overall vision may, however, alter with time
- Getting LASIK is like fixing a camera lens. It is corrected once, but outside factors, like wear and tear or increasing age, can influence image quality in the long run.
Factors like uncontrolled diabetes, dry eye, and natural ageing changes can affect the longevity and permanence of results.
Does LASIK Wear Off After Some Years?
Individuals who’ve had LASIK 5 or more years ago and have begun experiencing slightly blurry vision often have this question in mind.
The answer: LASIK is long-lasting.
However, eyes go through natural changes, and some other unrelated eye conditions may develop as one ages.
These causes include:
Presbyopia
It is an age-related decline in near vision that often affects those in their forties. With this, reading glasses become essential for reading a newspaper, phone, and menus at restaurants. LASIK does not treat presbyopia, meaning it will develop irrespective of LASIK.
Cataracts
Cataracts, the clouding of the natural eye lens, are quite common in India. It has no connection with LASIK. A significant number of Indians undergo cataract surgery every year, including those who’ve had LASIK earlier.
Refractive regression
Some people may experience their cornea subtly slipping back into its pre-LASIK shape. This typically happens over the years. Patients with higher myopia (-8.00 D or above) may have a slightly higher chance of regression over time.
Other eye diseases
As one crosses 40s, other eye conditions may also set in and affect vision. Typical examples include AMD, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Which Factors Affect How Long LASIK Lasts?
Several factors decide the LASIK success rate and whether they can help you get permanent freedom from specs:
Age at the Time of LASIK
Aged 22-35, and have had a stable specs number for two years? You are likely to have the best long-term LASIK results. That’s why one of the main LASIK eligibility criteria is a stable eye prescription for at least 1 year.
Corneal Thickness
Another condition for LASIK eligibility is having a cornea with adequate thickness. The reason is that it ensures safety and long-lasting outcomes.
Eye Power
Those with myopia up to -6.00 D often exhibit long-term stability with LASIK. On the other hand, those with high myopia (above -8D) may be vulnerable to a risk of regression (although it’s rare).
Diabetes
Those with diabetes undergoing LASIK vision correction may witness vision changes if they do not keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Conclusion
LASIK eye surgery is a reliable procedure for vision correction. However, you need to understand that it reshapes the cornea to permanently reduce your dependence on specs, but it cannot stop the natural ageing process.
Also, it cannot control future eye conditions, like cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, etc. That is the reason 18-40 is generally considered the best age to get LASIK.
The good news is that most people undergoing LASIK specs removal surgery get years of clear vision – without glasses or contact lenses. With path-breaking innovations in LASIK, today we have Wavelight Plus InnovEyes – the first ever AI+3D ray-tracing LASIK – available in Tricity only at Sohana Hospital. The aim is to give you specs-free clarity for longer periods.
Want to eliminate your dependence on specs? Get in touch with the best eye specialists in Chandigarh, at Sohana Hospital. Trusted eye experts utilise the most advanced LASIK vision correction treatments to give you the vision of your dreams.
Sohana Hospital – The largest and oldest specs removal centre in North India.
FAQs: LASIK Specs Removal
How long does LASIK last?
LASIK results often last up to 20 years and, in many cases, even longer.
Does LASIK wear off in some years?
LASIK results do not generally wear off. However, LASIK does not account for any future (age-related, regression, or disease-induced) changes in your eyes.
Will I require reading glasses after LASIK?
LASIK corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It does not treat presbyopia (close vision decline after the age of 40). So, you may require glasses as you step into your forties.
Is LASIK safe?
Yes, LASIK holds the approval of the US-FDA, and is highly safe, especially when performed by experienced refractive surgeons and followed by proper recovery guidelines.
What is the LASIK surgery success rate in India?
LASIK in India boasts a high success rate of up to 95%, with patients getting 6/6 clarity or better. Trusted eye specialists make sure you get long-term vision correction and freedom from glasses.
