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 can you expect after ten years of having the LASIK procedure? 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 again1 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 health2. 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.