Can the effects of LASIK ever fade away?
Fears of LASIK wearing off are unfounded. In fact, scientific studies on people who had LASIK suggest that the vision benefits are still in place even a decade later. So why have you heard stories of people who had LASIK and their poor vision returned one day?
Particular conditions, such as aging, other eye surgeries, and poor lifestyle choices can all affect your eyes and vision. Sometimes, these factors can lead to a visual change even years after LASIK. At Eyeworks, in Ft. Worth, Southlake, and Downtown, Texas, our eye doctors are experienced and knowledgeable about the LASIK process. If you have questions about this laser eye surgery, visit one of our eye care centers near you to learn more.
How long do the benefits of LASIK last?
Research was done to scientifically answer this question. In various studies, visual acuity was measured immediately after LASIK surgery, followed by periodic visual acuity testing as time passed. If the measurements changed, it was understood that the effects of LASIK could fade. After a number of studies were completed, the results suggested that LASIK results were highly stable – even ten years later.
What can cause the effects of LASIK to diminish?
Presbyopia
As we mentioned above, other conditions can affect your vision – one of the main causes is normal aging. Around the age of 40, it’s normal for presbyopia to develop. This vision condition occurs when the lens of your eye loses flexibility and the muscles that control your lens become weaker. As a result, it can be hard to see up close; focusing on small print can become a challenge. That’s when most people need to put on a pair of reading glasses or contacts, even if you had LASIK. LASIK is not designed to address presbyopia, and it can’t prevent it from occurring.
Need for a new vision prescription
While LASIK can certainly correct problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, it cannot prevent future changes from taking place in your eyes. Whatever originally caused your vision loss can still progress after refractive surgery. This doesn’t mean your LASIK failed, it just means that your eye health issue is progressing. If you notice your vision deteriorating even years after LASIK, book an eye exam near you to find out what’s going on.
Eye disease or complications
Certain general health issues, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease, can take a toll on your eyes. Symptoms of these problems can include blurred vision, and it’s critical to get a comprehensive eye exam for diagnosis and treatment.
Is there a way to protect vision after LASIK?
Poor lifestyle choices can have an adverse effect on your eyesight. For example, overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to retinal damage, as well as trigger cancerous changes in the eye. Both of these problems can lead to vision loss. Wearing sunglasses is one of the best ways to take care of your eye health!
Avoiding eye injuries is obviously beneficial. Wearing protective goggles or glasses is recommended for everyone when playing sports or doing construction work. People who had LASIK are at a higher risk of injury, because the corneal flap that was created in the eye to enable LASIK is more susceptible to being dislodged. We offer a range of sports and specialty eyewear in our optical stores in Ft. Worth, Southlake, and Downtown, Texas – stop by anytime at one of our vision care centers near you to browse the collection.
Still have questions about LASIK? We’re happy to help! Schedule a visit to one of our conveniently located optometry practices near you, in Ft. Worth, Southlake, and Downtown, Texas.
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