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How Long Does SBK LASIK Last? | Kansas City Refractive Surgeons Explain

Lasik surgery patient

Before starting the LASIK process, many of our Durrie Vision patients ask, “Is LASIK eye surgery permanent?” It seems a little too good to be true that one quick procedure could truly rid them from glasses and contacts for good. 

It’s a common misconception that LASIK is not permanent and that it may only last a few years. The truth: SBK Advanced LASIK results in a permanent change to the cornea, which is reshaped to address the level of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism present at the time of surgery. 

Some of the basis for this perpetuating myth is due to presbyopia – an age-related vision condition resulting from changes to the lens inside the eye, not the cornea. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from your LASIK results, and how your vision could change over time. 

Learn more about what to expect after LASIK eye surgery →

Is LASIK permanent?

LASIK treats vision conditions derived from irregularities in the shape of your cornea (thin layer in front of your eye). If your cornea is too steep, too flat, or misshapen, that affects how light refracts and hits the retina (back of the eye). When light can’t focus directly on the retina, your vision becomes blurred. To address the issue, SBK LASIK uses the most advanced technology and lasers to reshape the cornea, resulting in a permanent change to the tissue. 

Types of Refractive Errors and How to Treat Them →

LASIK does not treat lens-related vision problems

While LASIK is a lasting treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, it does not address age-related vision conditions affecting the lens inside the eye. Beginning in your mid to late 40s, the lens begins to lose its zooming capabilities, resulting in the loss of near/reading vision and the need for readers and/or bifocals. This condition, known as presbyopia, affects everyone whether they’ve had LASIK or not. Left untreated, presbyopia continues to progress before ultimately developing into a cataract. While LASIK will not stop your eye from aging, other treatment technologies exist to address these lens-related conditions. 

However, there are other surgical options available such as a refractive lens exchange or refractive cataract surgery. These procedures replace the aging lines with an artificial one while reshaping the cornea. 

Learn more about refractive cataract surgery in Kansas City. →

Final Takeaway: Yes, LASIK eye surgery is permanent and Durrie Vision can help

Our number one goal is to help our patients better maneuver through life with the best vision possible. With each patient, we start with an in-depth consultation process. In fact, we take our consultations so seriously that it has its own name—Advanced Ocular Analysis (AOA). During your AOA, we’ll go through a series of the most advanced diagnostic tests to gauge which procedure will be the best option to reach your vision goals.

No matter the procedure, we use innovative laser technology to maximize precision so our patients receive the best results possible. We stick with our patients every step of the way, from the consultation all the way to the final visit. 

For over 30 years, our doctors at Durrie Vision have been leaders in refractive surgery, offering all six options available today. To get started, schedule your AOA or take our easy, online self-candidacy test. 

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