Risks. Complications that result in a loss of vision are very rare. But certain side effects of LASIK eye surgery, particularly dry eyes and temporary visual problems such as glare, are fairly common. These usually clear up after a few weeks or months, and very few people consider them to be a long-term problem.
Your eyes can change, but they will never go back to being as bad as they were prior to LASIK. PARKHURST: We think some of the basis for this myth is the reality of presbyopia – LASIK doesn't prevent it, but it happens to most everyone. Presbyopia typically begins somewhere around the age of 40.
Most people still see the effects of their LASIK forever. However, some may need to have enhancement LASIK surgery after 10 years. The reason for this can vary depending on the age when getting LASIK and vision health.
Unfortunately, no. LASIK does not change the normal aging process of the eye. You are just as susceptible as anyone else to cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or any other eye condition. LASIK doesn't cause or prevent an eye disease, nor does it hinder something in the future from being treated.
Long-term complications from LASIK are very rare, but some side effects can persist for several months. In very rare instances, a side effect or complication may become permanent.
Success rate
Recent surveys have clearly shown the fact that only about a meager 3% of patients availing of this procedure have regretted its results. The majority of patients who have availed of this particular surgery treatment have experienced undoubted success in terms of visual quality.
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.
The average age for LASIK has historically been from the mid-30s up. We know that when patients return unhappy with their vision about 10 years after a LASIK procedure, the chief suspects are presbyopia and cataract. So the answer is: “It's almost always the lens, not the LASIK.”
The biggest benefit of laser eye surgery is the obvious one — significantly better vision. Most people no longer need corrective lenses after LASIK. Some even regain 20/20 vision.
Long-lasting LASIK complications are relatively rare. Fewer than 1 percent of patients who have LASIK emerge with significant issues. But some have mild problems after surgery, such as blurriness and dry eyes.
One of the more common reasons that vision changes occur after laser eye surgery is presbyopia. This is an age-related eye condition that happens as the eye lens hardens and stiffens. This makes it more challenging for the eye to focus on items that are up close.
Some immediate complications are a result of having the surgical procedure. These include discomfort, bruising and swelling of the eyelid, increased intraocular pressure, and allergic reaction to the steroid or antibiotic drop. These complications are monitored over time following surgery.
The vast majority of people who have LASIK will live a lifetime of freedom from glasses and contact lenses. LASIK is one of the safest procedures in medicine, and it is among the most studied procedures in medicine. LASIK results are permanent. Short-term and long-term side effects are rare.
In the vast majority of cases, laser eye surgery is a permanent vision correction option for patients. However, with age, your eyes may change and you may experience other vision problems. While the changes made by laser eye surgery are permanent, this will not prevent these age-related changes from occurring.
Laser eye surgery results vary for each person and are not guaranteed to last forever. While some patients maintain perfect vision for over a decade, factors like natural changes and ageing can affect the long-term outcome. Regular monitoring and additional procedures may be necessary.
Many people believe that after LASIK surgery, they will finally have 20/20 vision. However, this isn't always the case. In fact, some patients may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses for tasks like reading small print or driving at night.
If you develop blurry vision 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years after surgery, your eyes have likely changed with age. Visit your doctor for a comprehensive eye exam to rule out issues like glaucoma and cataracts. If your eyes are healthy, you may have age-related nearsightedness LASIK can't prevent or treat.
If your dry eye symptoms become severe enough, your tear film may not be able to wash away particles that could land on your cornea. Without the tear film, these particles like dust and dirt can damage your cornea and cause scarring that could permanently affect your vision.
While there is currently no age limit for older adults wanting LASIK surgery, there are some vision conditions affecting adults age 40 and above that can't be treated with this surgery. These conditions are: Presbyopia or blurry near vision typically occurring around age 40. Cataracts or glaucoma.
You are never too old to have vision correction surgery
Many patients choose to have treatment to free them up for travel or outdoor exercise once they retire. The treatment which is most suitable for your eyes is best determined by the right tests and an expert opinion from your operating surgeon.
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.
Patients considering Lasik surgery should be warned that they may be left with double vision, dry eyes, difficulty driving at night and, in rare cases, persistent eye pain, according to draft guidance by the Food and Drug Administration. After surgery, patients may still need eyeglasses, the document warns.
Vision problems, though rare, have been reported after surgery. There are also risks of complications such as infection or injury to the eye. Some people experience minor discomforts and laser eye surgery side effects such as dry eyes or pain immediately following the procedure. These issues are often temporary.
PISK is an inflammatory reaction caused by the instruments used during the procedure that can erode the corneal stroma. This condition can occur within days or sometimes even years after the surgery. Symptoms of PISK include severe eye pain, blurry vision, redness, and sensitivity to light.