LASIK and Beyond: Can You Throw Away Your Glasses Now?

LASIK is the most commonly vision correction surgery in the United States. For millions, the thought of living without glasses has become a reality. So, once you’ve had the LASIK procedure, can you throw your glasses away? Ophthalmologists will tell you yes and no.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, LASIK is the most studied elective procedure around. As such, those studies have shown that the procedure is both safe and effective, with complications only happening in rarely. The long-term results from those studies have shown that visual acuity of those who have undergone LASIK can be 20/20 to 20/40, but on average is around 20/25.

However, as with any aging body part, vision may continue to change. Patients should not only have realistic expectations about their vision outcomes, but also have a good idea of what to expect long-term.

Realistic LASIK Post-Op Expectations

After the initial healing period of 3 to 6 months, most LASIK patients find their vision has stabilized. LASIK results have proven to be fairly constant.

Post-Op Expectations for Those Beyond Age 40-45

Again, by the six month time frame, LASIK patients should know the cumulative effect of LASIK surgery and have stable vision. The ophthalmologist will want to check the patient’s eyes at this point in a follow-up visit to assess current vision. Visual acuity should remain fairly constant for those that are 40 to 45 years of age for the rest of their lives, assuming that cataracts or other age-related eye diseases don’t develop.

Post-Op Expectations if Below the Age of 40

As anyone approaches their forties, their near-sightedness will change, as it does even for those who never needed glasses or contacts. This is due to presbyopia, which usually takes place between the ages of 38 and 42. While distance vision remains crisp from the previous LASIK surgery, it may be more difficult to see things close up. People at this age often complain that their arms need to be five inches longer to focus on a page. At this point, most LASIK patients will likely need some type of correction for reading, unless they choose to have further surgical treatment called a LASIK touch up.

Considering a LASIK Touch up

Follow-up LASIK treatments may be advisable if normal and natural vision has changed since the original procedure. Some people will choose to forego or postpone LASIK touch ups by utilizing glasses or contacts. However, after a life without visual aids, most patients choose to have an enhancement done. Follow-up procedures are rarely as extensive as the original LASIK surgery, so patients can consider a touch up LASIK procedure if:

• Vision has changed in one or both eyes
• A strong preference for life without glasses exists
• A sufficient corneal thickness remains ( an ophthalmologist can make that determination through testing)