At Excel Laser Vision Institute, we believe choosing LASIK is a profound, life-altering decision that can dramatically transform your vision and improve your daily experiences, allowing you to live more fully and confidently in the life you’ve envisioned, free from visual barriers. Naturally, a common question we get from patients looking into LASIK is, “How long does LASIK last?” The reassuring truth is that LASIK’s corneal reshaping is designed to be permanent, with our patients enjoying clear, stable vision for 10 to 20 years on average. However, like all aspects of our health, your eyes and vision needs will evolve over time, so it’s good to know what factors influence longevity, and what steps you can take to maximize your LASIK outcome.
The Why & How Behind LASIK’s Lasting Results
Surprised to learn that LASIK can provide such long-lasting clarity, far beyond what glasses or contact lenses can provide? The secret lies in how it permanently reshapes the very structure of your eye to correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. When you undergo LASIK with Dr. Moosa, a precise laser gently removes microscopic bits of tissue, altering your cornea’s shape into an ideal curvature. This corrects how light enters your eye, ensuring it’s no longer scattered or unfocused, but instead sharply concentrated on your retina. The result? Crisp, dependable vision.
What Affects How Long Your LASIK Lasts? 6 Influencing Factors
LASIK provides long-term vision correction, but to get you feeling confident and informed about post-LASIK expectations, here are 6 factors that can influence how long your LASIK lasts.
1. Your Age at the Time of Getting LASIK.
LASIK is FDA-approved for adults 18+, but we see great results in patients across their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, with healthy eyes and a stable prescription. The younger you are, the longer you’ll enjoy your LASIK results before age-related conditions like presbyopia (loss of near focusing ability after 40) or cataracts (clouding of the lens, 50-60+) form. These changes impact your vision independently of your LASIK and may require treatment.
2. The Stability of Your Vision Prescription.
The best LASIK candidates have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least 1-2 years prior to treatment. If your prescription is still changing, there’s a higher likelihood that your vision may change again after LASIK, requiring an enhancement touch-up. While the national average is about 10%, Dr. Moosa’s personal enhancement rate is just 1% – a result of his years of expertise, precision, and his own special technique to ensure optimal healing and a swift recovery for the rare patient who does need an enhancement.
3. Degree of Your Refractive Error.
If you have mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, you’ll generally experience stable, long-term results. For those with high refractive errors, your results can still be excellent, but there’s a slightly higher chance of gradual myopic regression over the years, meaning a small decrease in correction may occur, and an enhancement procedure might be needed to maintain your best vision.
4. Your Eye Health.
Long-term LASIK results are most stable in patients with healthy, regularly shaped corneas and no significant underlying eye conditions. Pre-existing conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of unstable outcomes, making thorough preoperative screening essential for lasting LASIK success. If LASIK isn’t suitable for your eyes, advanced alternatives like SMILE or PRK may be recommended based on your vision needs.
5. Post-Procedure Care and Lifestyle – How to Maximize Your LASIK Results?
To maintain your results, follow all post-operative instructions, protect your eyes from UV exposure, avoid rubbing them, eat a balanced diet for long-term eye health, and attend regular eye exams.
6. Technology & Surgeon Expertise.
LASIK outcomes are closely linked to the skill and experience of your surgeon. Dr. Moosa’s extensive track record and use of the latest excimer and femtosecond lasers allow for highly customizable treatments that improve both immediate and long-term results.
Did You Know? 94% of patients don’t need prescription lenses five years after LASIK—American Refractive Surgery Council.
Ready to Invest in Decades of Clear Vision? Schedule Your Free Consultation
Don’t wait to experience the life-changing benefits of clear, effortless vision. Schedule a free LASIK consultation with Dr. Moosa now and take the first step toward a future where you see every moment at its best. With Excel Laser Vision Institute, your new vision is just one appointment away.
