What to expect with LASIK after 10 years
Entering the surgical room for LASIK surgery can make anyone nervous, but the idea of never wearing glasses again can be a tempting prospect. What to expect with LASIK after 10 years? Does the procedure wear off, or can it last a lifetime? Can your eyesight weaken with age or exposure to computer screens? After living with it for ten years, this blog covers everything you need to know about LASIK surgery.
LASIK is permanent
One of the most significant advantages of LASIK surgery is that you won’t have to worry about wearing glasses or contacts ever again1https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161642016300963 once we perform it. LASIK reshapes the eye’s outer layer cornea to correct refractive errors, including shortsightedness, longsightedness, and astigmatism.
LASIK’s popular misconception is that its effects wear off over time or that patients must undergo additional procedures. The truth is that LASIK permanently corrects your eyes’ focal point, and unless there is substantial eye trauma, there is no going back to needing glasses or contacts.
Ageing and LASIK
As you get older, your eye muscles can begin to lose their flexibility, which can cause trouble if you’ve had LASIK. However, this is not due to the LASIK procedure but rather a part of ageing.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia (ageing eyes) is common in people over the age of 40 and refers to the ageing of the eye’s lens rather than the cornea, which is why this isn’t affected by LASIK. It occurs when the lens of your eye loses its elasticity, making it harder to change shape to focus on close-up objects. As a result, people with presbyopia often have difficulty reading small print, using digital devices, or performing other tasks that require close-up vision. This leads people to wear reading glasses or contact lenses. Alternatively, they can choose us for lens replacement or laser blended surgery as permanent solutions to this condition.
Exposure to computer screens
Another prevalent concern with patients with LASIK is fear that too much exposure to computer screens can damage their eyes. This fear is misguided as the procedure does not make your eyes more susceptible to damage from screens or any other form of light. Even with technological advancements, practising good eye hygiene by taking breaks to avoid eye strain is still essential.
LASIK enhancements
While LASIK is permanent, enhancements may be necessary in some rare cases. Over time, your eyesight can change, and some people may require a touch-up or enhancement procedure. This can happen for several reasons, including prescription changes or natural ageing. However, in most cases, you wouldn’t need enhancements for at least ten years after the surgery.
Maintaining healthy eyes after LASIK
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to keep your eyes healthy and avoid damage. This includes controlling high blood pressure, not smoking, and protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses. A healthy diet with antioxidants can improve overall eye health2https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/5/4/1169.
It is important to understand that you can continue to enjoy excellent vision after surgery, but there are still precautions you should take to keep your eyes healthy. By practising good eye hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can ensure that you continue to enjoy the benefits of LASIK for years to come. Book a free assessment with us to find out more about LASIK surgery.
Can you wear contacts 10 years after LASIK?
If you’ve had LASIK surgery a decade ago, you’ve likely enjoyed the freedom of clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. But life is full of surprises, and you might find yourself wondering, “Can you wear contacts 10 years after LASIK?” Let’s dive into this intriguing question and explore the possibilities.
The short answer is yes, you can wear contacts after LASIK surgery. LASIK is a safe and effective procedure that reshapes your cornea to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. However, it’s essential to consider the circumstances that might lead you to choose contact lenses again.
Vision may change over time
Even though LASIK provides long-lasting vision correction, it’s not a guarantee that your vision will remain stable forever. Over time, your eyes can experience age-related changes, leading to the need for corrective lenses. It’s quite common for individuals to experience presbyopia, a condition that typically affects people over the age of 40. Presbyopia makes it challenging to focus on close objects, such as reading, which may require reading glasses or multifocal contact lenses. Luckily, we do offer treatments that can resolve this if your vision has changed over time from LASIK. We offer lens replacement surgery where the results are permanent and this addresses the issue of ageing eyes.
There are specialised lenses for specific needs
Sometimes, people with unique visual needs may find it more convenient to use contact lenses. For example, if you have a high degree of astigmatism, specialised toric contact lenses can provide better vision correction. Additionally, if you participate in sports or activities where glasses are not practical, contact lenses can be a suitable option. Keep in mind that you should consult with an eye care professional to determine the best solution for your individual needs.
It is unlikely that you will need contact lenses after LASIK
The great thing here is that it is unlikely you will need to wear contact lenses after LASIK anyway. The success rate of LASIK is 99% 1where most patients are satisfied with their LASIK results 6 months after treatment without the need for glasses or contact lenses. If by any chance you aren’t happy with your results, we offer 10 years of re-treatments at no extra costs so that you can reach your desired vision goals.
If you’re in Brisbane and considering contact lenses after LASIK or simply wish to have your eye health evaluated, we invite you to book a free assessment with our experienced team. We’re here to ensure your vision remains crystal clear, regardless of the circumstances. Get in touch with us today to schedule your assessment and explore your options!
Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russell, your laser and cataract surgery specialist
HI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALIST
With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.
Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.
I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.
Dr. Matthew Russell
MBChB, FRANZCO
