How Long Does LASIK Last?

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Key Takeaways

There is a misconception that LASIK changes with time. This is incorrect. LASIK is a permanent surgical procedure that corrects the refractive error. What changes are our eyes, they continue to age as we get older. This natural aging process affects our vision.

FDA’s Age Recommendations On LASIK 

According to the FDA, the minimum age for LASIK is 18, as long as the prescription is stable. The recommended age for LASIK is early 20's to 30's, with stable vision. So, the younger the age for completing LASIK, the longer the duration of time the patient benefits from seeing near and distant. Again, LASIK is a permanent surgical change, however, the eye continually ages just like all our organs over time. As patients near their mid 40's, they typically experience presbyopia which results in the inability of the eye lens to accommodate due to a loss of elasticity, so reading up close becomes a struggle, especially in dim lighting. Approaching the mid-50s to 60s, cataracts become a concern, as the natural eye lens opacifies and distorts the colors and clarity of objects further hindering night driving. If someone in their 60's is interested in LASIK, the cataract removal must first be ascertained. So, technically, there is no real age limit for having LASIK as long as other matters have been addressed. Factors such as the patient's age, eye health, and lifestyle are to be considered.

Other Considerations Regarding LASIK Surgery 

Patients who are presbyopic, may consider blended vision or monovision with the dominant eye set to distance vision and the other eye set to near vision. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is another alternative option for patients who do not qualify for LASIK and do not want blended vision. Presbyopic patients are not good LASIK candidates and are not of the age for cataract removal.

 Important to consider is the 3 vision ranges refractive surgeons address for common activities:

1. Distance vision used for driving, or watching TV.

2. Intermediate vision used for computer work, or looking at the car speedometer (arm's length).

3. Near vision is used for reading, paperwork, or looking at a mobile device.

LASIK can only correct one of those 3 ranges per eye.  

For LASIK In San Antonio, Trust San Antonio Eye Specialists 

The qualifications for LASIK begin with the motivation to be free of corrected lenses such as glasses and contact lenses.  Next, we ensure the overall eye health is ready for surgical intervention (both the anterior and posterior segments are checked). A stable eyeglass prescription and corneal thickness are measured. In general, the younger the age, the longer the duration of enjoyment of LASIK. Come consult with Dr. Iskander about your visual options at San Antonio Eye Specialists. For your eyes...Don't compromise!


Frequently Asked Questions