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Glam Monitor

How long does LASIK last for?

Author

Daniel Martin

Updated on August 22, 2026

LASIK can last a lifetime, 20 years, or 10 years. The lasting effects of the procedure depend upon multiple factors, including the age of the patient at the time of the procedure and medical conditions that one may develop as one ages that may affect eyesight.

Does LASIK surgery last a lifetime?

There is a myth that LASIK, after 10 years, wears off. But, LASIK is permanent. LASIK permanently corrects the vision prescription that you have at the time of surgery. This means that it cannot wear off.

Does LASIK permanently damage eyes?

But some can require more surgery or can cause permanent damage. Some risks of laser eye surgery are: Permanent dry eye. Halos, glare, or double vision, making it hard to drive at night.

Does LASIK need to be redone?

How Long Does LASIK Last? Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a surgical procedure that can improve your vision. It permanently reshapes the tissue in the front of your eye, and these changes last your whole life. However, most people's vision gets worse over time as part of the natural aging process.

Can you do LASIK twice?

The doctor removes corneal tissue each time LASIK is performed, so if your cornea is too thin, it is not safe to operate again. Over time you may spend less by having LASIK than continuing to purchase and maintain corrective lenses.

21 related questions found

Can LASIK cause blindness?

MYTH #2: You will go blind. Actually, as of this writing, there are no reported cases of blindness due to LASIK surgery itself. In a recent study, it was discovered that patients actually have a 34 times higher risk of going blind from a contact lens infection than going blind from LASIK.

Can I get LASIK at 19?

LASIK is FDA-approved for adults ages 18 and up. Additionally, most doctors won't perform LASIK on anyone under 18 years of age for several reasons. First, eyesight changes well into early adulthood. Most providers won't perform LASIK on those under 18 because eyes tend to keep changing into early adulthood.

Why is vision blurry after LASIK?

Answer: Blurred vision after hours on the computer is generally due to dryness, which is common for six months after LASIK. It is best to use artificial tears at least every hour if you are going to be on the computer and to rest your eyes frequently (actually close them for a few moments) to keep them from drying out.

What age is good for LASIK?

LASIK: 25-40

Generally speaking, most LASIK eye surgeons agree on 25-40 as the ideal age range for LASIK eye surgery candidacy for a few reasons. By the age of 25, eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions have most likely stabilized. A stable prescription is one of the hallmarks of a good LASIK candidate.

Which lasts longer PRK or LASIK?

LASIK takes a few days or less to see clearly while PRK takes about a month. The final results won't differ between the two if the procedure is done properly by a licensed, experienced surgeon. Overall, PRK is considered to be safer and more effective in the long term because it doesn't leave a flap in your cornea.

What percentage of LASIK is successful?

The LASIK success rate – or LASIK outcomes – is well understood with literally thousands of clinical studies looking at visual acuity and patient satisfaction. The latest research reports 99 percent of patients achieve better than 20/40 vision and more than 90 percent achieve 20/20 or better.

What can LASIK not fix?

What LASIK Cannot Correct

  • Amblyopia. Also known as lazy eye, amblyopia is muscle-related and typically found in children. ...
  • Cataracts. Cataracts are typically found in people who are over the age of 65 and make your vision cloudy or foggy. ...
  • Glaucoma. ...
  • Keratoconus. ...
  • Myopia.

Can LASIK fix astigmatism?

The answer is usually yes. LASIK is successful in treating most people's astigmatism, as long as it's the right type and it falls within the treatment limits. With the technology used in our practice, we are typically able to treat patients who have high levels of astigmatism.

How long after LASIK Can I see 20 20?

During a LASIK procedure, a laser is used to change the shape of one or both corneas to improve vision. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, more than 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after 2 to 3 months of post-surgery recovery.

What is LASIK eye surgery cost?

On average, LASIK costs range between $2,000 to $3,000 per eye and is not covered by insurance because the procedure is deemed cosmetic or elective. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a popular eye surgery that corrects vision in people who are farsighted, nearsighted, or have astigmatism.

Can I get LASIK at 22?

The following are some requirements for LASIK eye surgery: The best candidates for LASIK should be at least 22 years old with stable vision. Your prescription must have remained stable for at least one year. You need to be free of eye injuries, infections, and diseases.

Can you wear contacts after LASIK?

Most LASIK patients are unable to wear soft contact lenses after surgery because their pliability prevents them from maintaining the shape required to correct post-LASIK vision problems. For this reason, gas permeable (GP) contact lenses are the preferred option for post-LASIK patients.

How often does LASIK go wrong?

The LASIK complication rate is only about 0.3%. The most commonly reported LASIK complications are infection or dry eye that persists for more than six months. Other complications include: Undercorrections occur when the laser removes too little tissue.

How long after LASIK can I shower?

Generally speaking, you should wait at least 24 hours after LASIK before washing your face. This is the same guideline that we give our patients for showering. As with showering, you need to avoid getting soap and water in your eyes for a minimum of several days.

How long is vision hazy after LASIK?

While you will see better the day after surgery, your vision may be a bit blurry or hazy immediately afterward. These temporary vision difficulties usually clear up after the first few weeks. However, it can take about 2 – 3 months before your vision fully stabilizes and your eyes completely heal.

Is LASIK worth it at 18?

LASIK is an FDA approved procedure for people older than 18, but Bansal recommends patients wait until they are around age 21 and out of school before having LASIK or any form of corrective surgery. After this age, the eyes change more minimally and the benefits of LASIK are more likely to last longer.

Who is not eligible for LASIK?

Patients with autoimmune diseases are not good LASIK candidates. Many autoimmune conditions cause dry eye syndrome. A dry eye may not heal well and has a higher risk of post-LASIK infection. Other conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma or cataracts often affect LASIK results.

Should I do LASIK 18?

Early Adulthood – 18 to 40 Years

It is considered to be the ideal age for laser vision correction, and most doctors prefer to operate as soon as the prescription for glasses has been stable for a year. It is because it provides almost twenty plus years with no dependence on glasses whatsoever.

Can LASIK fix lazy eye?

LASIK is a laser eye surgery which improves vision by correcting refractive vision issues. LASIK can help correct lazy eye, but only when it's caused by a difference in the refractive error between both eyes (refractive amblyopia).

Can LASIK fail?

Aside from removing too much or too little corneal tissue, surgeons can remove eye tissue unevenly. This mistake can happen if they fail to center the laser properly on the eye. The result can be astigmatism or the general blurring of vision at any distance.