When considering laser vision correction, one of the first procedures an individual encounters is LASIK, as it has a high success rate, is non-invasive, and offers quick and significant results. While LASIK is an effective tool for correcting a number of refractive conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, other laser eye surgery options are available to those who don’t qualify for LASIK. When determining which option is right for them, two of the top questions that pop up among our clients are, “how long does LASIK take,” and “how long does laser eye surgery last?” So, in today’s post, we’re going to discuss both the lifespan of LASIK and other various laser eye surgeries offered here at Brimhall Eye in Las Vegas, as well as, procedure duration and the permanence of each one.
LASIK
How Long Does LASIK Take?
In order to truly understand how long the benefits of LASIK will last for you, it’s important to first understand what LASIK does. The procedure takes around 10–15 minutes for each eye and only requires a local anesthesia, so you’ll remain awake throughout.
How It’s Performed
First, a laser is used to cut out a small flap on the surface of your eye, allowing access to the cornea. This is followed by another laser, which reshapes the cornea, making it more effectively refract light and improve your vision in the process. Finally, the flap is folded back down onto the surface of the eye and a plastic shield is placed overtop for protection. You should notice a sharp improvement to your vision almost immediately.
How Long-lasting Are LASIK’s Results?
Once complete, the reshaping of the cornea is a permanent change, thus LASIK itself is permanent by nature, and studies have shown the vast majority of patients to experience the same improved vision for a minimum of 10 years. A common misunderstanding is that, for some patients, the effects of LASIK wear off, but this simply isn’t true. Rather, factors like age and eye health can affect your vision and impair the results you’ve enjoyed, meaning you may require a simple enhancement procedure to correct any changes.
Other Laser Eye Surgeries At Brimhall Eye in Las Vegas
Laser eye surgeries are medical procedures that use lasers to reshape the cornea, locate and take corrective measures for vision impairments, and improve vision. These procedures are safe, effective, and painless ways to improve vision quickly and effectively. Let’s dive into 5 common laser eye surgery treatments here at Brimhall Eye in Las Vegas.
Laser Cataract Surgery
How Long Does Laser Cataract Surgery Last?
Laser cataract surgery is a minimally invasive and simple procedure that can help those suffering from cloudy or blurred vision caused by cataracts. The entire procedure typically takes about 15 minutes, which includes the time it takes to prep both you and your eyes (numbing drops are administered).
How It’s Performed
During the procedure, we use either a high-frequency ultrasound or a femtosecond laser to break up the cloudy lens inside the eye, which is then carefully removed. An intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted into the eye through a small incision, to replace the old lens and restore clear vision to you. Recovery time varies depending on the individual patient, but most patients are able to see 20/20 vision within 24 hours after the surgery.
How Long Does This Laser Eye Surgery Last?
Laser cataract surgery is considered a permanent procedure, as long as the IOL remains in place. These lenses are designed to last the lifetime of the individual, as the lenses do not degrade or become cloudy themselves.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
How Long Does SLT Last?
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an outpatient procedure used to treat open-angle glaucoma. The procedure typically takes around 3 minutes and does not require any type of incision or injection into the eye.
How It’s Performed
During the procedure of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), a special device is used to focus a beam of low-energy laser light onto the trabecular mesh work in the eye. This creates tiny burns on the trabecular mesh work, which increases fluid outflow from the eye and helps reduce intraocular pressure. Throughout the procedure, our surgeons will monitor your eye pressure and make adjustments as needed. Patients may need multiple treatments for optimal results and will experience improved vision within 24 hours of treatment. Long-term improvements in vision can be expected over time, and regular follow-up visits are required. After the SLT session is completed, a post-treatment evaluation will be done to assess your response to treatment.
How Long Does This Laser Eye Surgery Last?
The effects of SLT are not permanent, but can last anywhere between 2–5 years, and in rare cases may last longer with proper maintenance and monitoring. In most cases, the intraocular pressure will begin to rise again between years 1-3, but the SLT procedure can be repeated, making it a safe and effective way to manage glaucoma.
Eye Floater Removal
How Long Does Eye Floater Removal Last?
Eye floaters are a natural product of aging and will appear to you as tiny shadows that “float” in your field of vision. In actuality, they are small clusters of collagen or connective tissue that cast a shadow on the back of your eyes, giving them their signature appearance. They are seldom harmful, but a sudden onset of them can be cause for concern. Removing eye floaters can take as little as 10 minutes, however, multiple procedures may be necessary.
How It’s Performed
To begin with, your eyes must be dilated with eye drops, then a special lens is placed to restrict you from blinking during the procedure. From here, a laser is used to either vaporize or push floaters out of your center of vision. Depending on what type of floater they are, the success rate of this procedure ranges from 50-95%.
How Long Does This Laser Eye Surgery Last?
The removal of eye floaters will last a varying amount of time for everyone, as there’s no way of telling at what rate they’ll return. Some may never need another removal procedure again, while others may require multiple over an extended period of time.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
How Long Does PRK Last?
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is an outpatient, non-surgical procedure that typically takes 10 minutes per eye. The procedure itself is relatively quick, and patients typically experience improved vision within the first 24–72 hours following the procedure. Most patients will continue to see improvement in their vision over the next few days to weeks, but won’t see full results until 8-12 weeks post-surgery.
How It’s Performed
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the inner layer of the cornea in order to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure begins with the application of numbing eye drops to reduce discomfort. Next, the patient’s outer corneal surface layer, the epithelium, is removed, and an excimer laser is then used to reshape the underlying layers to improve vision correction. By reshaping the corneal layers like this, light can be better focused onto the retina, giving you better visual acuity. After the procedure is complete, a clear protective shield is placed over the eyes, which can be removed 24-hours later.
How Long Does This Laser Eye Surgery Last?
The results of PRK surgery are usually long-term, and typically last for many years. Most patients who have had the procedure experience improved vision for at least 10 years, although some may need to undergo a touch-up procedure after 5 to 10 years to maintain optimal vision correction.
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA)
How Long Does ASA Last?
The Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) procedure is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct common vision imperfections such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a safe and effective procedure that uses a computer-controlled laser to gently reshape the cornea and improve your vision. The procedure typically takes about 5–10 minutes to complete, after which you may need to wear a protective shield or bandage contact lens for a few days while your eyes heal.
How It’s Performed
The Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) procedure is performed using a computer-controlled laser to gently reshape the cornea. An excimer laser is used to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the outer layers of the cornea. This reshaping helps to correct vision imperfections, resulting in improved vision. After the procedure is complete, a protective shield or bandage contact lens may be required in order to protect your eyes while they heal. The initial recovery time ranges between 3–5 days, with a full recovery taking about 1 month.
How Long Does This Laser Eye Surgery Last?
The longevity of the results for the Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) procedure are comparable to that of LASIK.
Discover Lasting Laser Vision Solutions at Brimhall Eye in Las Vegas
If you’re looking to improve your vision with LASIK or any of the alternative laser eye surgery treatments mentioned in this article, contact Brimhall Eye at: 702-263-2020 for more information on the vision correction services we offer in the Las Vegas region. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have, and are thrilled to help you take your first step towards perfect sight.
