Is Laser Eye Correction Permanent?

With all of the available information surrounding laser eye surgery treatment options and patient requirements, it is not uncommon to start to feel a bit overwhelmed and uncertain.? One of the most common questions patients still walk away wondering is: is laser eye correction permanent?

The short answer to this question is no, not in all cases.? While some people do achieve perfect clear vision that does last for many years, it is sometimes necessary for future treatments.? The good news is that laser treatments can be easily modified and follow up procedures are quite simple.

The effects of clear vision may change over time, even though the physical surgical effects of laser treatments are permanent, and the corneal tissue retains its new shape.? As the body ages, the muscles of the eye begin to relax and certain enhancements or further surgical correction will probably be needed to maintain clear vision.? That being said, technology continues to advance, which makes each new procedure safer, quicker, and increasingly effective.? It is also important to mention that not all patients may be able to achieve perfect vision with any laser eye correction procedure, and some may still require the assistance of corrective lenses.

There are many factors that can determine the outcome, and the effectiveness of the procedure.? People who are younger, in their 20s and 30s, who are mildly to moderately nearsighted, farsighted, and/or have astigmatisms, are ideal candidates for LASIK, PRK, LASEK, and other laser treatments.? These patients have a very high success rate, with few complications.? People who are a bit older, above the age of 40 years old, or individuals who have severe vision issues need to discuss many forms of surgical options with their physicians.?

Severe cases of nearsightedness, and farsightedness may not respond to LASIK, LASEK, PRK, or other similar treatments as well as milder cases.? Eye surgeons should be able to determine viability of laser treatments, and may offer alternatives such as implantable lenses, or permanent contact lenses.? Patients with Monovision, a condition that usually affects people 40 and older, can be successfully treated with LASIK.

There is new evidence that has been produced from a recent ten-year study that suggests the long-term effectiveness of laser eye correction may last longer than initially thought.? The study followed two hundred treated eyes that had myopia or a myopic astigmatism.? Of the two hundred cases, one hundred had LASIK laser treatment, and one hundred had PRK laser treatment.? After ten years following surgery, researchers measured vision quality, clarity, acuteness, and the ability to focus.? The study found that both types of procedures had excellent long-term results and patients retained an average vision level of 20/25.

Mathew Dawson is the author of the Laser Eye Correction Guide, an essential resource if you are considering corrective laser surgery for your eyes. Discover more about the laser eye correction benefits you can experience from this revolutionary technology.