How long does LASIK last?

When people think about LASIK, one of the first questions is: “Will it last forever?” It’s a fair question. LASIK is an investment in your vision and quality of life, so naturally you want to know how long you’ll enjoy the benefits.

The short answer is: the results of LASIK are permanent, but your eyes can still change naturally as you age. Let’s break that down.

How LASIK works

LASIK reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. By changing its shape, the cornea bends light correctly so it focuses on the retina at the back of your eye. This correction is permanent. Your cornea does not “revert” to its old shape.

That means if your prescription was stable before LASIK, your vision correction should last a long time.

What “permanent” means in practice

LASIK permanently fixes the focusing error that caused your short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism. But it can’t stop other natural changes in your eyes.

Two common age-related changes are:

Presbyopia: Usually starting in your 40s, this is when the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible. It makes near vision blurry, and many people need reading glasses.
Cataracts: Later in life, the lens can become cloudy, affecting overall vision. This has nothing to do with LASIK.

So while LASIK lasts, your eyes may still change for reasons unrelated to the cornea.

Will I ever need glasses again?

Most people enjoy decades of clear vision after LASIK. However, you may need glasses later in life for reading or certain activities, such as night driving.

Even if you do, your prescription will usually be much weaker than before surgery. Many patients say the years of freedom are worth it, even if they eventually need mild glasses.

Can LASIK wear off?

LASIK doesn’t “wear off,” but your vision can change due to:

Natural ageing
Prescription regression (rare)
Other eye conditions

This is why some patients choose a second procedure, known as an enhancement, years later. Enhancements are not always necessary but can be an option if your eyes are suitable.

How long do most patients enjoy clear vision?

Many see well for 10–20 years or more without needing glasses.
Younger patients who have LASIK in their 20s may need reading glasses later in life as presbyopia sets in.
Patients over 40 may benefit from laser vision correction but should be aware that age-related changes may appear sooner.

What affects how long LASIK lasts?

Age at time of surgery: Younger patients often enjoy longer-lasting results before age-related changes set in.
Prescription stability: If your eyes were still changing before LASIK, your vision may shift more.
Eye health: Conditions like dry eye or glaucoma can influence long-term results.

How to protect your results

Attend all follow-up appointments
Use any eye drops as prescribed
Protect your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses
Have regular eye tests even after surgery

Is LASIK worth it if it doesn’t last forever?

Yes. Even if you eventually need reading glasses or a mild prescription, LASIK can give you years, even decades, of glasses-free living. Many patients say it’s one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.

Next steps

Still wondering if LASIK could work for you?

Take our free self-test to find out if you might be suitable. It only takes a minute.