Corrective eye surgery can be a gamechanger for your vision and overall convenience – but how long do results last? For patients interested in LASIK eye surgery, the longevity of the results of this procedure is one of the biggest questions. After all, if you’re going to invest in a corrective procedure, you will want to be sure your investment will last a long time. At Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, KS, Dr. Patel is invested in ensuring each patient feels confident and comfortable with their eye treatments, including answering all questions patients may have about an eye procedure.
LASIK eye surgery has been a household name for several years. It’s estimated that over 30 million people have used this eye surgery worldwide. This procedure is used to correct vision to reduce a patient’s need to use glasses or contact lenses. During this procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea to help the eye focus better. Most people are good potential candidates for treatment.
How Many Years Will Lasik Eye Surgery Results Last?
Does LASIK produce permanent results? No. Although the results of this treatment are long-lasting, the results will generally only last for 10 years at a time. This laser treatment alters the shape of the cornea to allow for better light penetration and eye focusing. After your procedure, the shape of your cornea will change again over the course of several years and you will likely need another corrective procedure.
Of course, results that last for 10 years are rather impressive, particularly when you consider how often glasses or other prescription lenses need to be updated or replaced. This procedure is meant to help patients with visual acuity so patients can enjoy 20/20 vision – in fact, about 90% of all patients who use this procedure can expect perfect vision after recovery. With this procedure, you can stop relying on corrective lenses for about a decade or sometimes longer.
Will Your Vision Get Worse?
Some patients worry that using this procedure will make their vision worse, but this is very rare. This is a corrective procedure to improve your vision. If you have concerns about potential vision worsening or regression, please be sure to speak with Dr. Patel during your consultation.
How Soon Will You See Results?
One of the best things about this corrective procedure is how quickly you will be able to see the results of your treatment. Many patients will be able to achieve perfect vision the day after this procedure or within several days of the treatment. Some people may need additional time to achieve 20/20 vision. The vast majority of people will have better vision within two to three months of their recovery period.
How Long Is Recovery?
With an eye procedure, particularly one involving lasers, many patients assume they will have a long recovery time – but that isn’t the case with this procedure. In general, the recovery period for this treatment is six to 12 hours after the procedure, although some people may need as much as 24 to 72 hours for recovery.
Most people can go back to work or resume other normal activities about a day or two after their eye procedure. That said, depending on your level of comfort, you may want to take a few days to a week off work, particularly if your job involves spending a lot of time at a computer. Dr. Patel can give you more information on your recovery period after your procedure.
What Should You Expect During Recovery?
Although your recovery period will be very short, you will need to follow several post-treatment instructions so you can have the best results from your procedure. Rest is the best thing you can do during your recovery, especially since you will be discouraged from activities that involve your vision, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. Some of your post-treatment instructions may include:
- Do not rub or touch your eyes
- Do not get water in your eye
- Do not drink alcohol
- Use prescriptions, such as eye drops, as recommended
On the day after your surgery, while you should continue to rest, you will be allowed to resume most normal activities. For example, you will be allowed to shower as long as you avoid getting soap or water into your eyes. You will be able to read, write, watch TV, or even drive short distances. About 72 hours after your surgery, you will be allowed to apply makeup, engage in light exercise, or enjoy certain outdoor activities with eye protection, such as swimming, golfing, and other sports.
Why Should You Avoid Eye Make-Up?
Although eye cosmetics can make you feel beautiful, the fact of the matter is that these cosmetics contain a range of chemicals that may irritate the eye, which is something you must absolutely avoid after a procedure like LASIK. Additionally, removing eye cosmetics often means rubbing the eyes, which you are not allowed to do for the first few days after your treatment.
Will You Be Able To Drive After Your Procedure?
No, you should not drive after this eye procedure. We encourage all patients to arrange for transportation on the day of their treatment since driving will not be permitted while the eyes are still sensitive. Most people will not drive again until after at least 24 to 72 hours, based on how they are feeling and the quality of their vision.
Will You Have a Follow-Up Appointment?
Yes, you will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Patel after your procedure. In fact, you may have several appointments so Dr. Patel can monitor the progress of your recovery. Your first follow-up appointment may be as soon as the day after your surgery. Over the next six months, you will have other appointments. Many patients also see Dr. Patel about a year after the eye procedure to have a full eye exam to assess the quality of their vision.
What Are the Benefits of This Procedure?
There are several benefits that patients find attractive about this corrective procedure. The main benefit is that you will be able to correct common vision problems, such as nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness for at least 10 years. Some other benefits of this procedure include:
No More Eyewear
When these vision problems are corrected, you will no longer need to use contact lenses, glasses, or prescription sunglasses. Many patients find using corrective eyewear or lenses to be a hassle. With this eye procedure, you can greatly simplify your daily life. Some patients who misplace contact lenses or glasses and those who have a difficult time remembering to wear corrective lenses greatly benefit from this procedure.
Fast Results
Some eye procedures involve a lengthy recovery period, which can be difficult to manage if you lead a busy daily life. However, this procedure is designed to be minimally invasive so you have a faster recovery and faster results. Most patients will be able to enjoy the results of this procedure in as little as 24 hours.
Who Are Good Candidates?
Several factors are involved in determining your candidacy for this treatment. For example, people younger than 18 are not qualified for this treatment because their vision has not stabilized yet. People who are not in good general health, who have a compromised immune system, who are taking certain medications, and who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding are also not qualified for this treatment.
Some requirements for this procedure include:
- You have healthy eyes
- You do not have an eye infection
- Your prescription is stable
- You have adequate corneal thickness
What Can You Expect From Your Eye Exam?
Before you can schedule your eye procedure, you will need to attend a consultation appointment and an eye examination. The consultation will first assess whether or not this eye procedure is an ideal option for you based on your medical history and your vision goals. The eye exam will be comprehensive so Dr. Patel can get accurate measurements of your eyes, including a corneal composition, tear production, intraocular pressure, and eye refraction.
Correct Your Vision With LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular corrective eye procedures in the world – and luckily for you, most people are good candidates for this treatment. The results of this procedure are known to last for 10 years or more. Please contact Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, KS to schedule your consultation with Dr. Patel today.
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
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