Can Eye Power Come Back After LASIK Eye Surgery?

Technically, yes, eye power can return even after LASIK eye surgery. Why is that? “Eye power”, or refractive errors, are common eye disorders that develop as a result of abnormalities or changes in eye shape. The unclear vision in myopia (nearsightedness) is due to the elongated shape of the eyeball. 

LASIK, or laser eye surgery, works by reshaping the cornea (the clear, outer part of the eye). This is done in order to allow any light entering the eye to focus directly on the retina, facilitating clear vision.

However, any future vision issues caused by changes in eye shape, ageing, underlying eye conditions, or lifestyle factors are not preventable by LASIK. 

📝 That being said, it is imperative to note that LASIK surgery has come a long way since its advent in the 20th century. Today, the advancements in vision correction have given a whole new meaning to specs removal. 

With surgeries like Wavelight Plus InnovEyes (AI+3D Ray Tracing; Personalised) and Contoura Vision (Topography Guided; Customised) giving better than standard 6/6 vision, permanent vision correction has become a possibility! 

Note: “Permanent” vision correction or specs removal for myopia does not cover age-related vision issues like presbyopia (age-related decline in near vision), cataract, etc. You can still develop unrelated vision problems with age.

LASIK Eye Surgery: Overview

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is an effective vision correction method used for correcting: 

• Nearsightedness or myopia
• Farsightedness or hyperopia
• Cylindrical power or astigmatism

Causes for Vision Changes After LASIK

Age-related Vision Changes

Presbyopia is a common vision decline issue that develops with age, particularly in the 40s and 50s. What happens is the eye’s lens becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. Reading glasses, customised lenses, and surgical vision correction techniques can help give clear eyesight even after 40. 

PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision is one such advanced vision correction technology for presbyopia patients. It corrects one eye for clear close-up vision and the other for clear distance vision, creating a “blend zone” (a distance where the two merge), making it easy to shift focus. The surgery gives clear near, intermediate, and far vision for patients above 40.

Regression of Corrected Refractive Error

Regression refers to the gradual return of eye power or refractive error after LASIK surgery. This can cause blurry vision. Typically, regression after LASIK surgery does not involve high eye power and occurs in a small percentage of patients in the initial few years. Factors such as the thickness of the cornea, the previous eye power, and healing may affect the likelihood.

Other Eye Conditions

Changes in vision can also occur due to underlying eye conditions that develop regardless of LASIK surgery. These include: 

• Cataracts 
• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Corneal issues
• Retinal problems
• Temporary infection-induced vision changes

Lifestyle 

Everyday habits may have an impact on vision. Excessive screen use, unhealthy dietary habits, smoking, UV exposure, and lack of protective eyewear may make your eyes more susceptible to vision issues.

How to Prevent Weakening Vision After LASIK Surgery?

UV Protection 

Protect your eyes from direct sunlight and harmful UV rays. Make sure you wear protective anti-UV sunglasses every time you step out during the day. These help safeguard your eyes from harsh UVA and UVB-related damage.

Healthy Lifestyle

A nutrient-rich and well-balanced diet paired with ample hydration and regular physical activity can help support good overall eye health.

Dry Eye Management

You may temporarily experience slight dry eye symptoms after LASIK eye surgery. This dryness, if left unaddressed, can affect vision clarity. This is why it’s important to use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops prescribed by your surgeon. 

What to Do in Case of Vision Changes? 

With the advancements in LASIK/laser surgery, chances of regression have reduced significantly. This is because newer technologies like Wavelight Plus InnovEyes & Contoura Vision don’t just correct the refractive error, but also corneal irregularities. 

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Wavelight Plus InnovEyes addresses higher-order aberrations on and even beyond the cornea that enhance sharpness and give you HD vision! (via My Alcon[1])

However, if your refractive error was too high prior to your surgery, you may run the risk of slight regression. In such cases, there are multiple options your ophthalmologist may suggest: 

• Corrective lenses or eyeglasses
• LASIK enhancement procedures (if you meet the eligibility criteria) 
• Appropriate treatments if your vision changes due to eye conditions (for eg: glaucoma or cataracts, etc.) other than refractive error regression

Sohana Hospital, Mohali has the best eye doctors in Chandigarh who make your clear vision their top priority! 

The hospital also boasts the region’s 1st & only complete refractive suite, with all advanced specs removal technologies under one roof! Latest technologies, cutting-edge diagnostics, and highly experienced LASIK surgeons make sure your eyes get the best vision correction treatment. 

References:

1)MyAlcon- https://www.myalcon.com/in/lasik/wavelight-plus/