Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a surgical procedure that can improve your vision. It permanently reshapes the tissue in the front of your eye, and these changes last your whole life.
However, most people’s vision gets worse over time as part of the natural aging process. LASIK can’t stop this, so your vision may become blurry again as you get older.
How long these changes occur after your LASIK procedure will depend on how old you are when you have LASIK and if you have any other progressive eye conditions.
While LASIK permanently changes your vision, there are reasons your vision may change following LASIK.
According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, your vision may change over time if the initial condition that affected your vision — your myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism (blurry vision) — continues to progress. This progression can cause your vision to change.
Another common reason that vision may change years after LASIK is a natural eye change called presbyopia. It occurs as you age and your lens becomes less flexible and less able to focus on nearby objects.
How long LASIK “lasts” will depend on how old you are when you have LASIK and how much your eye conditions progress, if they do at all.
For the majority of people who have LASIK, they remain happy with their vision after 10 years.
One study found that 35 percent of individuals who had LASIK needed retreatment over 10 years. Another
If your vision becomes blurry again for other reasons after your first procedure, you may be able to have LASIK enhancement even years later. It depends on how much tissue was removed during the first procedure and how much is left.
When light hits the transparent outer layer of your eye (the cornea) it bends so it’s focused on the retina in the back of your eye. This is called refraction.
When it doesn’t bend correctly, light isn’t focused on your retina and your vision becomes blurry. This is called a refractive error.
LASIK can be used to correct the three main types of refractive errors:
vision problems lasik may correct
- Nearsightedness (myopia). Your vision is sharp when you look at things that are close but blurry when you look at things far away.
- Farsightedness (hyperopia). Your vision is sharp when you look at objects far away, but things that are close look blurry.
- Astigmatism. Blurry vision is caused by an imperfection in the shape of the front of your eye.
LASIK corrects these conditions by using lasers or small blades to reshape your cornea. Once it’s done, light bends correctly and is focused on your retina.
The result is clear, sharp vision close up and far away. The goal is to correct your vision so you no longer need to wear glasses or contacts.
The average cost of LASIK is around $4,200 total, though it can be less. Frequently, this includes preoperative evaluations and postoperative follow-up exams in addition to the procedure.
Sometimes the price also includes a follow-up procedure called LASIK enhancement that’s done to further correct your vision when too little tissue was removed initially.
Because it’s considered an elective procedure, LASIK isn’t covered by most insurance companies.
tips for choosing a doctor for lasikWhen choosing a doctor to perform your LASIK, considering the following points might help:
- Talk to your primary care doctor or family and friends who have had LASIK to help you choose a doctor.
- Select a doctor who has performed many LASIK procedures and has a high success rate.
- Choose a doctor whose location is convenient for you.
- Select a doctor who performs LASIK your preferred way (all laser, bladed, or custom).
- Compare costs and choose a doctor that’s affordable and has financing options that work for you.
- Carefully check out clinics that advertise heavily discounted or “bargain” LASIK before having the procedure there.
- Determine exactly what’s covered in the price and be sure there won’t be additional unexpected costs such as for follow-up visits.
- Most importantly, choose a doctor you feel comfortable with and have confidence in.
Although it varies from person to person, it usually only takes 10 to 20 minutes to perform LASIK on one eye.
Healing generally occurs quickly. You can see results as soon as 24 hours after the procedure.
During the procedure you’ll be awake, but you may receive a sedative medication to help you relax. It won’t be painful, but you might feel some tugging or pressure on your eye.
The basic steps in the procedure are as follows:
- Anesthetic eye drops are placed in both eyes to numb them.
- Your eye is held open with an eyelid holder.
- A flap is made in the outer layer of your cornea using a small blade or a laser. This is when you might feel some pressure and discomfort.
- Conventional (bladed) LASIK. A device called a microkeratome is placed on your eye. It consists of a ring attached to a very small blade. Suction from the ring lifts your cornea and the blade cuts a flap.
- All-laser LASIK. A femtosecond laser sends out energy pulses toward your cornea that gently lifts its outer layer. It then makes a cut, creating a flap.
- The flap is gently lifted.
- Your cornea is reshaped using one of the following techniques:
- Excimer laser. This is used to remove tissue from your cornea. The amount removed is based on your eyeglass or contact prescription.
- Custom (wavefront) laser. Your eye’s unique characteristics are analyzed using light waves and a detailed map of your eye is created. A laser is used to remove tissue from your cornea. The amount of tissue removed is based on the map.
- The flap is placed back in its original position where it will heal naturally without stitches.
Immediately after the procedure your eye may itch and burn. Your vision will be blurry at first, but it should become clearer by the following day.
You may be prescribed some eye drops to help your eye heal and stay moist. You’ll also be given an eye shield to cover and protect your eye.
You’ll have a follow-up visit with your doctor a few days after the procedure to make sure your eye is healing well and there aren’t any complications.
It usually takes 2 to 3 months for your eye to completely heal and your vision to stabilize. Until then, you shouldn’t wear contacts or eye makeup. You should also avoid contact sports, hot tubs, and swimming.
There are a few potential risks and complications of LASIK:
risks of LASIK
- Poorly healing flap. This can be due to infection or an excessive amount of tears.
- Irregular healing pattern of your cornea underneath the flap. This can cause discomfort and vision problems.
- Astigmatism. Your eye ends up being an irregular shape because tissue isn’t removed evenly.
- Severe dry eye syndrome. This can cause discomfort and vision problems because your eye doesn’t make enough tears.
- Long-term vision problems in dim light. This can lead to difficulty seeing at night or in dim light because of halos and glare.
- Too much or too little tissue is removed. Results are less than perfect because of over- or under-correction.
- Vision loss. It’s rare, but loss of or decreased vision can occur.
After the procedure, you might have one or more of the following symptoms that usually improve over the following weeks to months:
- blurry or hazy vision
- dry, itchy eyes
- sensitivity to light
- visual disturbances such as double vision, a glare, and halos
It’s very important that you don’t rub or poke your eye after LASIK because it can move the flap out of position and disrupt the healing process.
Frequently, you won’t have to wear your glasses or contacts anymore after you have LASIK. However, if your vision isn’t fully corrected, you may still need them for certain tasks such as reading or driving.
LASIK permanently and irreversibly reshapes your cornea. However, this doesn’t mean your vision will remain sharp for the rest of your life. LASIK can’t stop eye changes that are part of the normal aging process.
Around the age of 40, almost everyone needs reading glasses because close-up vision has become blurry due to presbyopia. This condition can’t be fixed by LASIK.
when to see your doctorSee your doctor right away if any of the following happens after LASIK:
- new symptoms develop
- vision gets worse (beyond the normal haziness/blurriness that occurs after the procedure)
- severe pain develops
- you get hit or poked in the eye that had the procedure
FAQs
How long does LASIK usually last? ›
While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time. For most patients, the results of LASIK will last a lifetime. About 10-12% of patients nationwide will need an enhancement surgery because of anatomical changes to the eye/eyes.
Does LASIK only last 10 years? ›There is a myth that LASIK, after 10 years, wears off. But, LASIK is permanent. LASIK permanently corrects the vision prescription that you have at the time of surgery. This means that it cannot wear off.
Do you always achieve 20/20 vision after LASIK? ›In general, most people who have laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery achieve 20/20 vision or better, which works well for most activities. But most people still eventually need glasses for driving at night or reading as they get older.
Is LASIK a permanent solution? ›So, yes. LASIK does last forever. The procedure's physical effects last a lifetime as it permanently reshapes the cornea. The need for reading glasses, cataracts, and other age-related changes will also affect everyone as they become older.
How many times can I do LASIK in my life? ›In general, there is no limit on how many LASIK procedures you can get in your lifetime. Several factors affect whether or not you are a good candidate for enhancement surgery. The thickness of the cornea is one of the main determinations regarding the safety of multiple LASIK surgeries.
How many times does LASIK fail? ›The LASIK complication rate is only about 0.3%.
Why is my vision getting worse 5 years after LASIK? ›Vision changes after LASIK
Another common reason that vision may change years after LASIK is a natural eye change called presbyopia. It occurs as you age and your lens becomes less flexible and less able to focus on nearby objects.
But the answer is generally yes – LASIK is worth it after 40. LASIK is safe and effective for patients older than 40 and produces the long-term value that this refractive surgery is known for.
Can you have LASIK twice in your life? ›Is it possible to have LASIK surgery twice? The short answer is yes, though this is usually only done 5 – 10 years after the initial treatment. However, rest assured that LASIK offers long-term vision correction, and very few people require a second session.
Why is vision not perfect after LASIK? ›Dry eye is the most common reason for being 20/unhappy after LASIK. Most refractive surgeons have experienced the thrill of having a patient see 20/20 after LASIK, only to have that thrill quickly fade as they realize that the patient is not happy with the outcome.
Why isn't my vision perfect after LASIK? ›
Vision after a hyperopic (far sighted) LASIK can continue to improve for a year. If the vision is still not clear after that time most likely the patient still has some residual refractive error and may require an enhancement or something else is going on (dry eyes, cataracts, etc).
Can poor vision return after LASIK? ›Although LASIK technically does not wear off over time, you may find that your refractive error comes back and changes your vision a little after several years. It is also possible that you could develop a second refractive error as you get older, especially presbyopia or astigmatism.
What is the best age to get LASIK? ›Generally speaking, most LASIK eye surgeons agree on 25-40 as the ideal age range for LASIK eye surgery candidacy for a few reasons. By the age of 25, eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions have most likely stabilized. A stable prescription is one of the hallmarks of a good LASIK candidate.
Does LASIK correct all vision? ›But it is important to remember that LASIK cannot correct every single type of vision problem. When the cornea is misshapen, it can result in one of the above mentioned vision disorders. The overall goal of LASIK is to reshape the cornea to the correct form.
Can you wear glasses after LASIK? ›You can wear glasses or contact lenses after LASIK, and if your vision is continuing to change as your refractive error returns or changes, you may find you need them again.
Can a 60 year old have laser eye surgery? ›Can I Have LASIK After 60? While the minimum age for LASIK surgery is 18, there is no age limit as long as your eyes are healthy and your vision is stable.
Who should not have laser eye surgery? ›You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure.
How many people regret LASIK? ›Only 3% of patients regret getting LASIK. 45% patients did not experience any symptoms after surgery, meaning they resumed normal activities as soon as the procedure was over. Dry eyes is the most common complication after LASIK. There are several treatment options for dry eyes.
What percent of LASIK is successful? ›Though the success can vary from patient to patient, the vast majority of those who undergo LASIK surgery achieve excellent results. It's estimated that around 92 percent of patients achieve vision of 20/40 or better.
What is the safest eye surgery? ›All surgeries carry some risk of complications and side effects, but LASIK is generally considered a safe procedure with a low complication rate. In fact, LASIK is one of the safest elective surgical procedures available today, with a complication rate estimated to be less than 1%.
What happens after 10 years of LASIK surgery? ›
In majority of people after Lasik the effect is permanent. However a small minority of people may notice blurring of vision in future due to some new eye power. This is either due to minor regression or natural changes occurring in the eye.
How long does it take to see 20 20 after LASIK? ›Recovery can vary from person to person, however most people see 20/20 by the next morning after their LASIK procedure. Although the patient's vision is usually very good, that does not mean that healing is complete. It is common for healing to go on for weeks to months after the procedure.
Is it normal to have blurry vision 6 months after LASIK? ›Dry Eyes: Creating the LASIK flap will temporarily disrupt nerves that supply the cornea. These nerves usually regenerate in the first 3-6 months after LASIK. During this time, the eyes tend to be dry and this can cause vision to be blurred or to fluctuate.
Is 50 too old for LASIK? ›The good news is that no one is too mature for laser vision correction. You may be able to schedule LASIK after 50 years old. You should know that not everyone is a candidate for LASIK.
Is LASIK effective after 50? ›Unfortunately, for many years, Laser Eye Surgery was powerless against presbyopia (the natural ageing of the eyes). Luckily, that is no longer the case, meaning that clearer vision could be just around the corner – yes, even if you are over 50!
Can LASIK fix astigmatism? ›The ultra-precise lasers used for LASIK surgery can be programmed to reshape the cornea so the front surface of the eye is more symmetrical, thereby eliminating vision problems caused by astigmatism. Most of the time astigmatism can be fully corrected with a single LASIK procedure.
How much does LASIK surgery cost? ›The Average Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery. The cost of LASIK eye surgery varies drastically, ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye. However, the average price for LASIK surgery in the U.S. in 2020 was $2,632 per eye, according to a 2021 report in Clinical Ophthalmology.
Is 20 25 vision good after LASIK? ›97% of the time, LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Those patients who fall into the other 3% can typically still see well and on average range between 20/25 or 20/30 vision, which is legal to drive.
Why is one eye blurry 3 months after LASIK? ›However, you may still experience blurry vision or vision fluctuations from time to time as you heal. Your eyes are adjusting to the newly reshaped cornea. They need time to get used to functioning in a new way. It will take anywhere from three to six months for your eyes to fully heal.
How do you know if LASIK didn't work? ›If your vision is still noticeably blurred three months after LASIK, you may need an enhancement. To determine whether you're a good candidate for a LASIK enhancement, your eye doctor will re-evaluate your corneas with the same methods used prior to your first LASIK procedure.
How long does it take for vision to sharpen after LASIK? ›
Some patients can return to normal after 24 hours, but it can take 2–3 months for vision to stabilize completely. On the day of LASIK, or any refractive surgery, the most common symptom is fatigue.
Is LASIK worth it at 30? ›From a medical perspective, your 30s are a wonderful time to consider LASIK. By this time in your life, your prescription has most likely remained stable for a few years as your eyes have reached their full development. This means that there is little chance that your distance vision will deteriorate once corrected.
Can I do LASIK at 55? ›While the minimum age for LASIK surgery is 18 years old, there is technically no age limit for laser vision correction. Candidacy for LASIK surgery is typically not dependent upon age, but upon the stability and health of the eye.
Does LASIK correct better than glasses? ›Laser vision correction actually corrects astigmatism, it does not compensate for the refractive error in a similar manner to glasses and contacts. As a result, patients with astigmatism frequently notice better vision with LASIK than with contacts or glasses.
Can LASIK be done twice? ›Is it possible to have LASIK surgery twice? The short answer is yes, though this is usually only done 5 – 10 years after the initial treatment. However, rest assured that LASIK offers long-term vision correction, and very few people require a second session.
Why do I have blurry vision 2 years after LASIK? ›Vision changes after LASIK
Another common reason that vision may change years after LASIK is a natural eye change called presbyopia. It occurs as you age and your lens becomes less flexible and less able to focus on nearby objects.
The Average Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery. The cost of LASIK eye surgery varies drastically, ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye. However, the average price for LASIK surgery in the U.S. in 2020 was $2,632 per eye, according to a 2021 report in Clinical Ophthalmology.
What if I sneeze during LASIK? ›If you sneeze, move or blink during the treatment, the laser tracks your eye over one thousand times per second and adjusts the laser to make certain the laser is applied to exactly the right place. So, there is no reason to worry if you sneeze during LASIK.
Will you need glasses after LASIK? ›What many don't realize is that LASIK surgery doesn't protect against age-related eye conditions or remove certain refractive errors caused by the thickness of the cornea. For this reason, even individuals who have had successful LASIK surgery may need glasses.
Should you get LASIK after 50? ›LASIK age limits
It is important to wait until your vision is stable before having laser eye surgery. If you are older than 50 and your eyesight is changing due to aging, this may also affect your candidacy. Ophthalmologists evaluate patients on a case-by-case basis since eye health is also taken into account.
What age is too late for LASIK? ›
Can I Have LASIK After 60? While the minimum age for LASIK surgery is 18, there is no age limit as long as your eyes are healthy and your vision is stable.
Will LASIK get cheaper over time? ›The fact is, that while the LASIK procedure has improved tremendously over the past decade, the price has remained essentially the same.