What Happens to Your Eyes as You Age, Even After LASIK?
LASIK can reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses by correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, but it does not stop the natural aging process of the eyes. Understanding how vision can change later in life can help you have realistic expectations before and after laser vision correction.
How LASIK Works
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. The procedure corrects a refractive error at a particular point in time, while the natural lens, retina and other structures inside the eye continue to age normally.
Presbyopia & LASIK
One of the most common changes is presbyopia. As we get older, the natural lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. This often becomes noticeable in the 40s. You may find yourself holding a menu farther away, increasing the text size on your phone or reaching for reading glasses.
Presbyopia can occur whether or not you have had LASIK. Someone who sees clearly at a distance after LASIK may still eventually need help with near vision. Depending on your eyes and goals, options such as monovision or lens-based vision correction may be worth discussing with your eye doctor.
Cataracts & LASIK
The natural lens can also become cloudy over time, causing a cataract. Cataracts are an age-related condition and are not prevented by LASIK because LASIK changes the cornea rather than the natural lens. Symptoms may include blurry or cloudy vision, glare, difficulty driving at night and changes in contrast or color perception.
If cataracts eventually affect your daily activities, cataract surgery can still be performed after LASIK. It is important to tell your cataract surgeon about your previous refractive surgery because that history is considered when planning treatment and selecting an intraocular lens.
Other Conditions & LASIK
Other parts of the eye continue to age as well. Conditions involving the retina, optic nerve or ocular surface can develop independently of LASIK. That is one reason routine comprehensive eye examinations remain important even when you are happy with your vision after laser correction.
Vision needs can also change as your lifestyle changes. The visual demands you have in your 20s or 30s may be different from those you have later, particularly with increased computer use, close work or night driving.
LASIK is not intended to freeze your eyesight at one age. Its purpose is to correct an existing refractive error and reduce dependence on corrective lenses. Future age-related changes do not automatically mean the original procedure has stopped working.
How CorrectVision Laser Institute Can Help
If you have had LASIK and notice new changes in your vision, CorrectVision Laser Institute can evaluate whether they are related to presbyopia, cataracts, a refractive change or another eye health concern. Call (954) 442-1133 or click HERE to get started.