LASIK is a life-changing procedure for many, offering freedom from glasses and contacts.
While LASIK often eliminates the need for corrective lenses, some people might experience changes in their vision over time. Let's explore the factors that can influence your vision after LASIK and ways to maintain optimal eye health.
Will I Need Glasses After LASIK?
Typically, most people won’t need glasses or contacts after LASIK. However, some people’s vision may regress over time.
LASIK can’t prevent age-related presbyopia. This means many people will still need glasses in their 40s due to presbyopia.
Other complications that can result in vision regression include:
- High initial prescriptions that can’t be fully corrected
- Fluctuating vision
- Residual Astigmatism
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
- Changes in vision as you age
- Cataracts
- Keratoconus
- Diabetic retinopathy
According to one study, 35 percent of people who have had LASIK may require enhancement after 10 years. However, in most cases, LASIK enhancement is necessary when an underlying issue affects vision, not because LASIK has failed.
Why Does Vision Regress After LASIK?
Aside from age-related changes and presbyopia, various factors can result in vision regression after LASIK:
- Your cornea may undergo changes during the healing process, leading to a gradual return to its original shape and reversing the changes made by LASIK.
- Epithelial and stromal changes can cause post-operative visual regression.
- Fluctuations in hormones can affect the shape of your cornea.
- Environmental factors like eye rubbing or injury can also affect the stability of your vision.
If your vision regresses, talk to your doctor. They can help you correct it with different methods tailored to your needs.
Should You Wear Glasses After LASIK?
If your vision regresses after LASIK, glasses are a great option for managing refractive errors. They’re simple, convenient, and easy to maintain.
Contact lenses are also a good option if you don’t want to wear glasses. However, you can get a second LASIK operation to improve your vision.
LASIK enhancement is a follow-up procedure that is sometimes performed if the original surgery is unable to correct the refractive error. It can also be used if your vision changes over time.
Tips to Maintain Eye Health
Although regression can occur, it’s not inevitable for all LASIK patients. Most people can maintain stable vision for years after the procedure.
Here are some of our tips to maintain your eye health:
- Get regular eye exams to monitor visual changes
- Eat leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and fruits
- Exercise regularly
- Spend more time outside
- Use protective eyewear when going outside
- Take regular breaks from screens
- Quit smoking
- Keep your hands clean and avoid rubbing your eyes
- Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Understanding the potential for vision changes after LASIK empowers you to make informed decisions about your eye health. While LASIK is highly successful for most, factors like age, healing, and lifestyle can influence your long-term vision.
By prioritizing regular eye exams, adopting healthy habits, and following your doctor's guidance, you can maximize the benefits of LASIK and enjoy clear vision for years to come.
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