LASIK eye surgery has helped millions achieve clearer vision, allowing many to say goodbye to glasses and contacts. However, even though the procedure is highly effective, it’s natural to wonder if the results might wear off over time. If you’ve had LASIK and are noticing changes in your vision after a few years, you may be asking: How do I know if my LASIK is wearing off?
This guide will help you understand the signs that could indicate a need for further attention. While the majority of LASIK patients experience long-lasting results, it’s important to recognize when you should schedule a follow-up appointment.
Understanding LASIK Surgery and Its Long-Term Effects
Before diving into the signs of LASIK wearing off, it’s useful to revisit what LASIK surgery does. LASIK reshapes the cornea to improve how light enters the eye. The goal is to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
After surgery, most people experience immediate or gradual improvements in their vision, with a stable result that lasts for years. However, just like any medical procedure, results can vary, and in some cases, changes in vision can occur over time.
LASIK doesn’t stop natural age-related changes in the eye. Presbyopia, a condition that causes difficulty focusing on nearby objects, often occurs in people over 40, and this can sometimes be mistaken for a LASIK regression. This is important to consider when assessing your vision.
Is LASIK Regression Common?
It’s important to remember that LASIK regression is not common. Most people experience stable vision for years after the procedure. However, a small percentage of patients may experience a slight shift in their vision months or even years after surgery. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the surgery failed or that you need to go through the procedure again.
Factors like age, changes in eye health, and the natural progression of eye conditions can influence your LASIK results. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, a consultation with your eye doctor will help determine whether LASIK regression is the cause or if another underlying issue is at play.
Common Signs That LASIK Is Wearing Off
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that your LASIK results are changing:
1. Blurred Vision
A sudden decrease in clarity or persistent blurriness, especially after being in one position for a while, could indicate a regression of LASIK. Sometimes, blurry vision can be due to eye dryness, a common side effect after surgery. However, if the blurriness persists and becomes more frequent, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to evaluate any potential changes.
2. Difficulty Seeing at Night
Trouble seeing at night, particularly when driving, is another potential indicator. Some people may experience glare or halos around lights as part of the natural healing process after LASIK, but these issues should improve over time. If night vision worsens or continues to be an issue years after surgery, it may suggest that the effects of LASIK have worn off to some extent.
3. Increased Dependence on Glasses or Contacts
One of the primary reasons people opt for LASIK is to reduce their reliance on corrective lenses. If you find yourself reaching for your glasses or contacts more frequently after having LASIK, it might be worth looking into whether your vision has shifted. A noticeable change in your prescription could suggest that your LASIK results have diminished.
4. Fluctuating Vision
If your vision seems to change from day to day, it could be a sign that the effects of LASIK are fading. This may include moments where your vision is clear one day but blurry the next. Some fluctuation is normal during the healing process, but if this persists for a prolonged period, it could be a symptom of regression.
5. Eye Strain or Discomfort
Constant eye strain, headaches, or difficulty focusing might point to a problem with your vision post-LASIK. If you’ve never experienced these symptoms before your surgery or if they have worsened over time, it’s a good idea to reach out to your eye doctor.
6. Dry Eyes
While dry eyes are common in the first few months after LASIK, chronic dryness years later could be an indicator that your eye’s natural healing process hasn’t stabilized. Chronic dryness can affect your vision clarity and may require additional treatment to manage.
What to Do if You Suspect LASIK Is Wearing Off
If you’re concerned that your LASIK results are diminishing, there are steps you can take to confirm it:
Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment
Your eye doctor can perform a thorough examination to check for any changes in your vision. This will likely include tests to evaluate the health of your eyes and the shape of your cornea, as well as your visual acuity.
Discuss Your Symptoms
Be honest with your doctor about any changes you’ve noticed in your vision. If you’ve been experiencing blurry vision, glare, or other symptoms, let them know so they can provide the best course of action.
Consider Additional Treatment Options
In some cases, if LASIK regression has occurred, your doctor might recommend a procedure called an “enhancement.” This involves a touch-up LASIK surgery to further reshape the cornea. Enhancements are often effective for those who experience slight regression after their initial LASIK procedure.
Keep an Eye on Age-Related Changes
As mentioned earlier, age-related conditions like presbyopia are a common reason people notice changes in their vision after LASIK. If you’re in your 40s or older, you may naturally need reading glasses to focus on nearby objects. This is not a result of LASIK regression but rather a normal part of the aging process.
How to Maintain Your LASIK Results
While LASIK is a permanent procedure, there are ways you can take care of your eyes to maintain the best possible results:
Protect Your Eyes From Injury
Eye injuries can impact your vision, so always wear protective eyewear when needed, such as while playing sports or in environments with debris or chemicals.
Regular Eye Exams
Even after LASIK, it’s important to have regular eye exams to monitor the health of your eyes and vision. Your eye doctor can detect any early signs of changes that may require treatment or adjustments.
Manage Dry Eyes
If you experience dry eyes, talk to your eye doctor about ways to manage it. Dry eyes can affect vision quality, and treatment options like lubricating eye drops or punctal plugs can help.
Stay Healthy
Good overall health supports eye health. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking to reduce the risk of eye problems as you age.
If you’re experiencing changes in your vision after LASIK, it’s essential not to ignore the signs. While LASIK is typically long-lasting, some patients do experience a regression of their results. The good news is that many of these changes can be corrected, whether through enhancements, treatments for dry eyes, or managing age-related conditions.
If you notice any signs that LASIK may be wearing off, the best course of action is to schedule a follow-up with your eye doctor. They’ll evaluate your eyes and help guide you through any next steps, ensuring that your vision stays as clear and healthy as possible.
Ready to take the next step toward a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about the LASIK process. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!