LASIK surgery is a permanent procedure that can provide long-term vision correction. Most people who undergo the procedure will experience the effects of LASIK for a lifetime. However, some may need to have a LASIK booster surgery after 10 years. The reason for this may vary depending on the age at which you are undergoing LASIK and your vision health.
The eye surgeon uses a small blade or a sharp laser to cut a small, hinged flap to separate it from the front of the eye. LASIK eye surgery is the best-known laser refractive surgery performed most frequently to correct vision problems. However, certain side effects of LASIK eye surgery, in particular dry eyes and temporary visual problems, such as glare, are quite common. LASIK surgery is performed with a laser programmed to remove a defined amount of tissue from a part of the eye called the cornea.
These include lens replacement surgery, corneal implants, and LASIK with monovision, in which the distance between one eye and the other is corrected, reading. When considering laser eye surgery, patients at the Center for Sight find it helpful to understand how long the procedure takes and how long they can expect to be with us in surgery. It will take two to three months after surgery before the eye heals and vision stabilizes. In eyes with normal vision, the cornea deflects (refracts) light precisely onto the retina at the back of the eye.
During the evaluation, the eye doctor will ask you about your medical and surgical history and perform a complete eye exam to evaluate your vision and determine if you can safely undergo the procedure. The surgeon then uses a laser (B) to reshape the cornea, which corrects refractive problems in the eye (C). Your eye doctor will talk with you about whether LASIK surgery or another similar refractive procedure is an option that works for you. One of the most common misconceptions about LASIK is that its effects wear off over time or that there are concerns about its duration.
However, this is not true as most people who undergo LASIK will experience its effects for life. In some cases, however, a LASIK booster may be needed after 10 years due to age or vision health factors. At the Center for Sight, we understand that when considering laser eye surgery, patients want to know how long it takes and how long they can expect to be with us in surgery. The procedure itself takes only minutes but it will take two to three months after surgery before your eyes heal and your vision stabilizes.
If you are considering LASIK or another refractive procedure, our experienced team of ophthalmologists can help you determine if it is right for you and provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
