Is laser corrected vision a permanent improvement?
Vision improvement is permanent; vision does not deteriorate, not even after decades. The IntraLASIK laser makes a very subtle change under the surface of the cornea, as distinct from PRK where the change occurs in the surface. ‘Repair cells’ in the cornea sense this change and try to recreate the original state. However IntraLASIK procedures result in a much lower cell activity. PRK surgeries require a 12-month check-up period where the repair cell activity is decreased by eye drops, whereas IntraLASIK requires a much shorter check-up period. Also this is why IntraLASIK is recommended for refractive errors above 4 dioptres, because in order to maintain the outcome of the surgery, a low level of repair cell activity is essential. However, no laser vision correction procedure can prevent ageing of the eye, so even laser-treated patients will need to use reading glasses as they age. Distance vision will, of course, remain clear following the recovery period.
