LASIK is an established type of refractive surgery corrective eye invention that has significantly altered the pattern of vision difficulties such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Since the beginning of the LASIK surgery in the 1990's, numerous successful procedures have been conducted all over the world and many people so; they would like to know how long the successful outcomes of this kind of procedure remain. This article will give an overview about the durability of results for LASIK, factors which may influence its efficacy, complications it may cause, and why post-laser eye care is important.
LASIK in Detail
However, before going further, one has to know what LASIK is from the procedure point of view. Lasik is a treatment technique aimed at changing how light enters the eye, specifically the retina by altering corneal tissue. Step by step:
- Initial Consultation The patient undergoes a full
examination of the eyes to determine his suitability for the LASIK procedure.
This will include an examination of the shape and thickness of the cornea,
check of any inside eye conditions, and the measurement of refractive error.
- This will create a thin flap in the cornea with the use of a
microkeratome or sometimes a femtosecond laser that is extremely sharp. It
opens the flap very lightly to allow it to reach down to the under corneal
tissue.
- Reshaping the Cornea: The surgeon uses the excimer laser to
remove specific quantities of corneal tissue; this reshapes the cornea in order
to correct the refractive error. This is very patient-specific for his or her
vision needs.
- Replacing the Flap: After reshaping the cornea, the flap is
replaced. Natural adhesion between the corneas prevents stitches from being
necessary.
- Recovery: Most patients rapidly recover with dramatic improvements seen in the first few hours of vision. Sometimes, the vision becomes stabilized fully in a few days or weeks.
LASIK Results Longevity
Results Immediate
Most patients will note a marked improvement in their vision in a matter of days after LASIK. Studies demonstrate that at one year, 96% of patients are left with better than 20/25 vision and most often more than sufficient to perform driving or reading activities.
Efficacy Duration
Efficacy from LASIK may last indefinitely or may have duration varying considerably depending on factors like:
- Age: Younger patients tend to have more stable outcomes.
With age, the eye undergoes natural changes, such as presbyopia, or age-related
loss of near vision, which can impact the quality of vision.
- The more the degree of refractive error as given
preoperatively, the more potential risks the patient may have regarding changes
in patterns of visual acuity over time. For instance, patients with large
values of myopia that preoperatively are suffering may experience even tougher
alterations in clarity to vision when contrasted to minor refractive values.
- Eye Health: Other conditions like dry eye syndrome,
cataracts, or other eye-related disorders may have an impact on the stability
of the LASIK results. Individuals with a medical history of eye disorders may
have to be checked frequently after surgery.
- Lifestyle Factors: External factors include exposure to the sun, smoking, and in general, overall health. For instance, intense ultraviolet radiation could cause cataracts, thus deteriorating long-term vision clarity.
Regression
Although most patients can see well after LASIK, a phenomenon known as regression can occur. Regression is when the vision continues to deteriorate slowly after the surgery has apparently been successful. Researchers have documented that 10-20% of LASIK patients may require an enhancement procedure within a few years to keep their vision at its best. Causes of regression include:
- Natural Aging: With age, the cornea might change in shape,
restoring the refractive status.
- Eye Health Changes: In most cases, the patient suffers from dry eye disease or any other ocular conditions that affect their vision
Augmentation Procedures
In the case of patients who may experience regression or change in vision because of aging or other factors, a secondary procedure can be performed called an enhancement. This is when the cornea is reshaped again, like the first time in LASIK surgery. Enhancements are relatively safe and effective, and the patient can get back his desired level of vision.
A final determination of whether one should undergo a correction procedure may depend on how much the alteration of vision could affect the well-being of their eyes. Optimal action could only be received through professional assessment by an eye care professional.
View More: 10 Easy Eye Exercises To Improved Eyesight
Potential Complications and Considerations
As is true with other forms of surgery, LASIK does carry various potential risks and complications. Rare though they may be, significant complications can cause problems for many patients.
- Dry Eyes: Most patients experience transient symptoms of dry
eye following LASIK, which resolves in a few months. A few patients will
experience chronic dry eye, requiring treatment.
- Visual Disturbances: Glare, halos, and double vision can
occur, most commonly at night. These tend to improve with time but impact night
vision.
- Under or Over-Correction: Sometimes the laser will take away
too little or too much corneal tissue, leading to under or over-correction of
vision. It may require further treatment.
- Infection or Inflammation: Infrequently, an infection can
occur after surgery. This will need to be treated in order to eradicate the
infection.
- Ecstasies: This is a rare but serious condition where the cornea becomes weakened and bulges outward, leading to distorted vision. Patients with thin corneas or certain eye conditions may be at higher risk for ectasia.
The Importance of Regular Eye Check-Ups
After being operated on, patients are required to continue with visits to their eye examiner for the check-up of their eye's health and quality of vision. In doing such check-ups, eye care professionals will be in a position to note all the changes in vision and advise treatment when necessary. Regular visits enable quick management of potential complications.
Some Things to Discuss with Your Eye Doctor
During follow-up visits, the patient should raise all concerns related to their vision, such as:
- Change in visual acuity
- Dryness and discomfort in the eyes
- Disturbances of vision, especially at night
- Inquiries regarding any enhancement procedures, if required
Importance of Eye Health
Such overall eye health is what makes it possible for a long time to enjoy the advantages of LASIK. This can be realized by regular eye check without which serious complications like loss of eye sight might occur, UV protection through the use of sunglasses and no smoking. Another aspect that, once adjusted, provides a stable outlook on the issue of eye health is a proper diet, combined with a correct exercising regimen.
Conclusion
In short, LASIK seems to provide the much-needed promise to those individuals seeking to have improved vision with the reduction or complete elimination of their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. In many patients, results are long-lasting, though in some patients, the effects may last less than others based on age, degree of refractive error, and overall health of the eye. Some may even experience regression or other complications; however, improvements and follow-up can be extremely beneficial for the maintenance of optimum vision and health.
If you are a potential candidate for LASIK or have already undergone the surgery, you would like to know how long these results can last and continue with proper care for your eyes to maximize their outcome.
