The dream of life without glasses or contact lenses has already become a reality for millions of people worldwide thanks to laser eye surgery.
But how long does the effect of laser vision correction really last?

In this article, you will find out how common it is for your eyesight to deteriorate later on, what the reasons are and what options are available for correcting it.

Does the correction really last a lifetime? .

Laser eye surgery is often a permanent solution for correcting vision problems and many patients experience long-term or even lifelong improvements their vision after the operation.
For most patients, the result of laser eye surgery is permanent, meaning that they need no or only minimal visual aids to see clearly.

However, it is important to note that laser eye surgery No absolute guarantee for lasting results offers – we are as transparent as possible with our patients.

Reasons for later vision loss after laser eye surgery

Regression describes the decrease in visual acuity after an initially successful laser procedure.
There can be various reasons for this:

1. Natural ageing of the eye
2. Atypical change in the lens and/or cornea
3. Over- or undercorrection in the first procedure
4. Environmental factors such as UV radiation
5. Eye diseases or infections or inflammations

The exact frequency of such later visual deterioration depends on individual factors such as age, procedures and lifestyle.
In practice, however, it has been shown that only a small, single-digit percentage of patients is affected by this.

Cataracts & other eye diseases

Unfortunately, laser eye surgery does not protect you from developing a cataracts (also known as cataracts) to develop.
The cornea becomes so cloudy that vision continues to deteriorate.
However, other eye diseases such as keratoconus or retinal abnormalities can also lead to poor vision in the long term.
In these cases, we at EyeLaser – our partner clinic – are at your side with the most modern and effective procedures.

Presbyopia or presbyopia

Presbyopia is a natural part of the ageing process of the eye and usually occurs from middle age onwards. middle age (around 45 to 50 years of age).
It becomes noticeable when the eye’s natural lens loses its elasticity and it becomes more difficult to see close-up objects clearly.

Although the original laser eye surgery can correct vision problems caused by short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism, it has no effect on the ageing process of the lens of the eye and therefore cannot prevent presbyopia. People who have had laser eye surgery can therefore still develop presbyopia over time.

However, there are now special laser treatments for presbyopia that can either be carried out as a follow-up correction or, in the case of initial treatments at a critical age, immediately ensure that presbyopia does not occur at all – for example, the use of Multifocal lenses or PresbyMAX.

Deterioration directly after the operation: side effects

After laser eye surgery, side effects and after-effects are completely normal.
Nobody leaves the laser eye center with perfect vision straight away.
So don’t panic – the following symptoms do not automatically indicate that permanent vision correction with laser eye surgery has not worked:

• Burning, painful eyes
• Blurred vision / fluctuating visual acuity
• Headache
• Difficulties with glare
• Poor visibility in low light conditions
• Inflammations and infections
• Dry eyes

The after-effects of laser eye surgery are almost always mild and either disappear quickly on their own or can be treated with appropriate medication or measures.
They do not stand in the way of permanent vision correction.

How long does it take to heal?

The healing process after laser eye surgery is individual and takes between a few days and a few weeks, depending on the person and the method used. between a few days and a few weeks. What can take a little longer is the final stabilization of vision – until the brain has become accustomed to the “new” impressions.

In the case of trans-PRK, for example, there is often a slight deterioration and mild side effects in the first few days after the operation.
Once the epithelium of the cornea has healed within three to five days, things improve quickly.
Physical healing is complete after a few weeks.
Femto-LASIK is usually even faster.

During this time of the healing process Fluctuations in visual acuity are completely normal and are not a reliable indication that your vision will (permanently) deteriorate again.
This is why the “success of the procedure” can only be assessed after the healing process has been completed – we will do this together during our final check-up.

Late effects of Femto-LASIK and Trans-PRK

Although laser eye surgery is very safe and effective, surgery-related problems can occur even after healing has been completed that are directly attributable to the procedure and may then need to be treated.
However, this is not referred to as a natural deterioration in vision.
Possible late effects can be

 

• Dry eyes
• Glare, halos and stray light
• Corneal changes (e.g. due to adhesions)
• Corneal dents or scarring

What to do if your eyesight starts to deteriorate again?

As you now know, a deterioration in vision after laser eye surgery can have many different causes.
So if you notice that your visual acuity is deteriorating again – whether a few weeks after the end of the healing process or years later – you should contact your ophthalmologist or the person treating you. Surgeon of the first laser eye correction turn.

H3: Is “aftercare” in the form of post-correction possible?

Yes, a follow-up correction after laser eye surgery is possible in most cases.
If your vision does not improve as expected after laser eye surgery, or if your vision worsens again over time, your eye doctor may consider a follow-up correction.
This re-correction can be performed either with the same laser procedure that was used during the initial surgery or with a different procedure that is better suited to your specific needs.
In particular, the following can be considered:

• Trans-PRK
• Femto-LASIK
• Cataract surgery (with EyeLaser)
• PresbyMAX against presbyopia (with EyeLaser)
• Smartsight (with EyeLaser)

The re-correction is in turn individually adapted to the reason for the deterioration.
Depending on the circumstances, Smartlaser will provide you with the correction at a reduced price so that you can enjoy full vision again quickly and cost-effectively!

The decision for your life without glasses and contact lenses: make an appointment now

Are you thinking about finally saying goodbye to visual aids for good and enjoying life to the full again?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
Arrange your free and non-binding suitability test at Smartlaser and together we will find out whether you are suitable and which procedure is suitable for your visual defect. Make an appointment

PS: If you are not suitable for Femto-LASIK and Trans-PRK, we will be happy to refer you to our specialized partner eye laser center EyeLaser Vienna.
There we offer our patients even more procedures.