Risk, Recovery & Side Effects

A lot of people ask “How long does LASIK last?” ~The laser procedure should last for the rest of your life. Medical experience shows that once the cornea has been modified, it tends to stay modified permanently. Therefore, LASIK lasts a very long time.  In some rare instances there are cases of regression, which may be corrected with further surgery, but the vast majority of corrected eyes continue to stay in their state of improved focus. However, through the natural process of aging, you may develop a cataract late in life that will require cataract surgery. If this occurs your cataract surgery will be the same procedure given to a person who did not have corrective laser surgery.

Some people experience dry eyes, which usually is alleviated with drops and disappears over time. Others may experience starbursts or halos around lights, especially at night. Usually this effect lessens or disappears over time, too. In a small number of people (probably less than 1%), their vision worsens rather than improves.

The FDA recognizes LASIK and PRK as proven, safe and effective surgeries. LASIK eye surgery safely uses a cool (non-thermal) beam of light that is computer controlled. The surgeon turns the laser on and is able to turn it off at any moment. There are many safeguards in place to reduce the risk of error. However, there are risks associated with any surgical procedure.

Although no one knows the exact number of complications, studies suggest that the incidence of minor difficulties such as dry eyes and nighttime glare is around 3% to 5%, while the risk of serious incidents such as lost vision is thought to be less than 1%. There are no known cases of blindness from LASIK or PRK. LASIK has been approved for use by pilots in the Navy, Air Force and NASA.

LASIK Fact: Less than 10% of patients will require enhancements after their initial LASIK surgery. Typically, you will know if you need an enhancement/retreatment within the first three months after surgery.

For a current list of our additional retreatment plan options, view our LASIK Retreatment Plans

Most doctors tell their patients that they will be able to see well enough to drive to the follow up appointment the next day. After the LASIK procedure, it is recommended that the patient rest, but no special care is required.

LASIK Fact: If you are at least 40 years of age, have presbyopia and/or wear reading glasses, or have bifocals, you may still need to wear reading glasses after LASIK surgery. If you decide to have a monovision treatment you may be able to avoid reading glasses some or all of the time. Monovision refers to the surgical technique of correcting one eye to see at distance and the other eye corrected for reading up close.