If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ve probably heard about LASIK surgery. It’s often marketed as a permanent fix for poor vision — but is it truly forever? Many patients considering LASIK wonder, “Will I need glasses again later?” or “Does LASIK permanently correct my eyesight?”
Let’s explore what LASIK can and cannot do, and set the right expectations if you’re planning a life with clear vision.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular eye surgery designed to correct common vision problems such as:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
In simple words, LASIK reshapes the cornea (the front part of your eye) using a laser. This allows light to focus properly on the retina, helping you see clearly without needing glasses or contacts.
Is LASIK a Permanent Solution?
Short answer: Yes — but with some important clarifications.
LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea.
Once your cornea is corrected, the changes are stable and meant to last a lifetime. However, your eyes can continue to age, and other vision changes might occur over time that LASIK cannot prevent.
Example:
- If you are 25 and get LASIK, it can permanently correct your nearsightedness.
- However, at age 40+, you might develop presbyopia — a normal age-related condition where near vision becomes blurry (needing reading glasses).
Thus, while LASIK corrects current vision issues, it does not stop natural aging of the eyes.
Common Reasons Why Vision Might Change After LASIK
- Natural Aging (Presbyopia)
Around the age of 40, most people experience presbyopia. LASIK doesn’t prevent this because it’s related to the lens inside your eye, not the cornea. - Regression
In a small percentage of cases, the cornea can slightly shift back towards its original shape. This is known as regression and might make vision slightly blurry again. - Other Eye Conditions
Later in life, conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration can affect vision, even if LASIK was successful.
How Long Does LASIK Last?
For most patients, LASIK results are stable for decades.
Studies show that about 90–95% of people remain satisfied with their vision 10 years after LASIK.
If minor vision changes happen later, some patients opt for a LASIK enhancement — a simple touch-up procedure.
How to Maximize Long-Term Success After LASIK
Choose a skilled surgeon like Dr. Hitesh Chheda who does a thorough pre-surgery evaluation.
Maintain regular eye checkups to detect any age-related changes early.
Protect your eyes from UV damage by wearing sunglasses.
Stay healthy — conditions like diabetes can affect eye health.
Follow post-op care instructions carefully to ensure optimal healing.
FAQs About LASIK and Permanent Vision Correction
So, does LASIK permanently fix your eyesight?
Yes — LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea to correct vision issues like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, it’s important to remember that eye aging processes (like presbyopia) are natural and separate from LASIK results.
If you’re tired of dealing with glasses or contacts and want long-term clear vision, LASIK could be a life-changing choice for you.
Consult Dr. Hitesh Chheda today for a personalized assessment and find out if LASIK is the right path for you!