Laser vision correction, such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE, has helped millions of people around the world enjoy clearer, glasses and contact lens free vision.

But one of the most common questions and concerns patients have before investing in this lifestyle changing procedure is… will the results last forever?

The short answer is that laser vision correction provides a long-term, stable improvement in vision. However the treatment is tailored to your eyes and your vision at that particular moment in time, and is not able to stop your eyes from changing naturally as you age.

Like all parts of your body, your eyes, and your vision, can change as you age even after laser vision correction

In this blog we will look at what you can expect in the years following your laser procedure, how long the results typically last, and when an enhancement might be considered.

How Laser Vision Correction Works

Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye, so that light is able to focus more precisely on the retina.

By re-shaping, or correcting, the shape of the cornea with laser, refractive errors like short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

The new corneal shape is permanent. Your cornea doesn’t grow back or revert to its old form and so patients enjoy many years, often decades, of clear vision after laser vision correction treatment.

Long-Term Results

Clinical studies and decades of patient experience show that the vision improvements from laser eye surgery are very stable over time, and most people will maintain their improved vision even 10 to 20 years after having the procedure.

For most people laser vision correction delivers:

• Long-lasting visual clarity
• Stable refraction, meaning little to no shift in prescription over time
• High satisfaction with many reporting greater visual freedom and confidence

However, it’s important to remember that laser surgery corrects your vision as it is on that day and doesn’t prevent the eyes from undergoing natural, age-related changes later in life.

Natural Vision Changes with Age

Even with perfect surgery, your eyes continue to age just like the rest of your body. Listed below are some of the most common age-related changes that can affect vision after laser vision correction.

1. Presbyopia (the need for reading glasses)

From around the age of 40 onwards, the eye’s natural lens gradually loses flexibility, making it harder to focus up close. This is a normal part of aging that happens to everyone, even those who’ve never needed glasses before. Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea, not the lens, so it doesn’t prevent presbyopia. Many patients who had laser eye surgery in their 20s or 30s will find that they need reading glasses as they hit 40 or beyond.

2. Cataract Development

In your 50s, 60s, or beyond, the lens inside the eye can become cloudy, a condition known as a cataract. When cataracts develop, vision can become blurred or hazy, regardless of previous laser treatment. Cataract surgery, which involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, otherwise known as an intraocular lens (IOL), can restore clarity, and in some cases, lens implants can even reduce dependence on glasses once more.

3. Subtle Refractive Drift

A small percentage of patients experience a mild change in prescription years after laser vision correction is performed, known as regression. This can happen as the eye slightly remodels over time or as part of the natural aging process. Fortunately, if regression occurs and the cornea remains healthy, an enhancement laser procedure can be considered to bring clarity to vision once again.

When Might an Enhancement Be Needed?

Enhancement treatments are sometimes offered years after the initial procedure if vision has shifted enough to affect day-to-day clarity or comfort.

Enhancements are relatively uncommon, and most patients never need one, but they can be helpful in cases such as:

• Mild myopia or astigmatism returning after many years
• Changes in vision that interfere with driving or detailed work
• The patient’s cornea remaining thick and healthy enough for further laser reshaping

Your refractive ophthalmologist will assess whether an enhancement is appropriate after a thorough examination using detailed diagnostic corneal imaging and vision testing.

Maintaining Your Vision Long-Term

While laser vision correction itself is permanent, maintaining the best possible vision over the years means looking after your eyes.

A few simple habits can help you maintain your eye health.

• Schedule regular eye exams, even if you feel your vision is stable
• Protect your eyes from UV light with quality sunglasses and a hat when in the sun
• Keep your eyes healthy with good nutrition, hydration, and rest
• Seek advice early if you notice changes in clarity, glare, or focus

Conclusion

Laser vision correction is a permanent reshaping of your cornea, providing long-term clarity and freedom from glasses or contact lenses. However, your eyes, and your natural lens will continue to age, meaning that reading glasses or other treatments may become part of your visual journey later on.

If you notice changes in your vision after laser eye surgery, it doesn’t necessarily mean your results have worn off, it may simply be your eyes’ natural aging process. A quick consultation with your ophthalmologist can determine whether your eyes are healthy, if an enhancement could help, or if another type of age-related change is at play.

View the laser patient journey

If you would like to gain insight into the laser vision patient journey, watch it here as three of our recent patients take you through their experience from start to finish and answer questions about its impact on their lifestyle and how they felt during their journey.

Would you like to be referred to our care?

Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre is one of Adelaide’s premier ophthalmic consulting clinics, was the first in South Australia to offer Laser Vision Correction and is one of the most experienced in cataract and other refractive procedures.

If you would like a referral to the care of one of our ophthalmic specialists, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our friendly team on 08 8274 7000 or by filling out the contact form here.