Does laser eye surgery wear off?

Laser eye surgery gives millions of people freedom from glasses and contact lenses. But one question we hear often is: “Will it wear off over time?”

The answer is: not exactly.

In this blog, we’ll explain:

• How long laser eye surgery results last
• Why vision might change later in life
• When an enhancement might be needed
• How to get the most from your treatment

Does laser eye surgery wear off?

No. The laser reshapes your cornea permanently. That doesn’t “wear off.”

However, your eyes can still change naturally over time—just like they would if you hadn’t had surgery.

For example:

• Around age 40–50, many people develop presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close).
• The lens inside your eye may change, which affects focus.

These are natural ageing processes—not the surgery wearing off.

How long do results last?

For most people:

• Clear distance vision lasts for many years.
• You may need reading glasses as you age (this is normal for everyone).
• A small number of people may need an enhancement after a few years—usually if they had a high prescription to begin with.

How common are enhancements?

Enhancements (a second laser treatment) are uncommon but sometimes needed.

Reasons for enhancements:

• A very high original prescription
• Slight regression in focus over time
• New visual demands (e.g. more night driving, more screen time)

If needed, they are usually safe and straightforward.

What affects long-term stability?

Several things can affect how stable your vision remains after laser eye surgery:

• Age at time of surgery
• Original prescription level
• General eye health
• Hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy)
• Lifestyle factors (e.g. heavy screen use)

We discuss all of this at your suitability assessment.

Will I still need reading glasses later in life?

Probably—yes.

Laser eye surgery corrects your distance vision. It can’t stop age-related changes to your eye’s natural lens (presbyopia).

Most people start needing reading glasses around their 40s or 50s, whether or not they’ve had laser eye surgery.

If you’d like, we can also discuss blended vision options that reduce the need for reading glasses.

How can I make my results last?

• Have treatment at the right time (once your prescription is stable)
• Follow aftercare instructions
• Attend regular eye checks
• Protect your eyes from injury and UV light

Most of all—choose an experienced team. Great planning gives great results.

In short: does it wear off?

• No—your cornea stays reshaped
• But your eyes can naturally change with age
• Enhancements are sometimes an option later on
• We’ll guide you at every stage

Want to know if you’re suitable?
Take the suitability self-test to find out today.