Does Laser Eye Surgery Wear Off? Is it Worth it?

If you’ve ever thought about having laser eye surgery, you've likely wondered if it actually lasts. And fair enough. Nobody wants to invest in a laser vision correction procedure only for their vision to go blurry again later.

Laser eye surgery, whether it’s LASIK eye surgery, PRK, or SMILE, is refractive surgery that can correct vision problems like near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. Each form of laser surgery can deliver results that last.

As Auckland’s leading laser eye surgery clinic, we’re here to clear up the confusion and help you decide if laser eye surgery is a good move for you. Read on to find out if laser eye surgery 'wears off' and, more importantly, if it's worth it.

What Does Laser Eye Surgery Do?

Firstly, let’s take a look at what laser eye surgery does. 

Laser eye surgery mostly involves reshaping your cornea to correct near and distant vision. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye. By reshaping your cornea with an excimer laser, an eye surgeon can change how light enters your eye, helping it focus properly on the retina.

Laser vision correction surgery can solve refractive problems, which, for most people, can mean clear vision with no need for glasses or contact lenses. Of course, results can vary. They depend on factors like how old you are, how stable your prescription is, and your overall eye health. However, for most people, the improvements are significant, almost immediate, and long-lasting.

Can Laser Eye Surgery Wear Off?

In short, no. Laser eye surgery doesn’t 'wear off'. The changes made to your cornea are permanent. With that being said, though, your eyes can still change over time. 

And that’s where things can get a little tricky.

One major factor here is presbyopia. This is the natural ageing process that affects near vision, which typically starts in around your late 40s or early 50s. It happens because the lens inside your eye becomes less flexible, which can make it more challenging to focus on close-up tasks. Laser vision correction surgery doesn’t prevent presbyopia.

There are some other factors that can also affect the longevity of your laser refractive surgery results. For instance, if you had an extreme or unstable prescription prior to your laser eye surgery. Hormonal changes, like during pregnancy, and various eye conditions can also impact your vision. 

So, it's important to embark on your laser eye surgery journey with realistic expectations.

But don't worry! Firstly, if your eye surgeon doesn't think you're a suitable candidate and are unlikely to achieve excellent results, they will inform you. Secondly, if you're a great candidate, but your prescription does end up changing down the track, we offer enhancement procedures. These can be ideal for tweaking your vision back to perfection! Think of them as little touch ups. They're typically quick and easy, and can help you sustain your laser eye surgery results for the long run.

Is Laser Eye Surgery Worth It?

For most people, the investment is life-changing. Below, we break down the benefits so you can understand why so many people say that laser eye surgery is one of the best decisions they’ve ever made:

Freedom

After laser eye surgery, many people can bid adieu to their days of wearing contact lenses and glasses. And that's enough of a benefit on its own to make laser eye surgery worth it for many patients. While glasses and contact lenses can improve vision, they're a hassle. 

Glasses can fog up, break, not fit well, get lost... to name a few. And contact lenses are a mission to insert, fiddly to take out, require daily cleaning, and can lead to infection. Laser eye surgery can give you the freedom to see clearly without the burden of corrective lenses.

Long-Term Cost Savings

LASIK surgery and other laser eye surgeries can feel like a big upfront investment. But it's important to take into consideration the amount of money you spend on glasses, contacts, and corrective lens cleaning solutions over the years. It adds up fast. When you no longer require all those extras, you'll find that laser eye surgery technically pays for itself!

Lifestyle Benefits

Laser eye surgery enhances your lifestyle. Whether you're swimming, running, or even just taking a well-deserved nap, it's all a lot easier to do when you don't wear glasses or contact lenses. It also means you can fully embrace life's spontaneous moments without worrying about losing or damaging your eyewear.

Peace of Mind

While fear of complications is totally understandable, modern laser eye surgery is incredibly safe. Technology has advanced so much that risks are minimal, especially when you go to a trusted clinic. Laser eye surgery boasts a success rate of over 95%. With cutting-edge technology and in-depth pre-surgery assessments to make sure you achieve the best possible results, there's little to lose sleep over.

Laser Eye Surgery Auckland

So, does laser eye surgery wear off? No, not really. The changes made to your eye during laser eye surgery are permanent, though natural ageing or other factors can cause your vision to shift over time. Most people enjoy long-lasting, life-changing results from laser refractive surgery. And with the wide array of benefits it offers, it's no surprise that almost all patients say it’s worth it.

At re:vision, we offer a full suite of vision correction options tailored to your individual needs. From LASIK surgery, ICL implant surgery, and PRK to advanced cataract surgery, we’re here to help you find the best solution for your vision.

If you're ready to stop relying on corrective lenses and take control of your vision, we’d love to help! 

Book your free assessment

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