How long will vision correction results last?

Vision correction is life-changing. But a common question we hear is:
“How long will the results last?”

It’s a great question—and the answer depends on the type of procedure you have, your age, and the health of your eyes.

Here’s what you need to know.

Laser vision correction: How long does it last?

Procedures like LASIK, SMILE, and PRK reshape the front of the eye to correct refractive errors like short-sightedness or astigmatism.

In most cases, laser eye surgery is permanent—especially for people under 45 with stable prescriptions.

That said, your eyes can continue to change naturally over time. For example:

• If you're in your 20s or 30s, the results can last decades.
• In your 40s, you may still develop presbyopia (age-related near vision loss), which laser surgery doesn’t prevent.

You may find yourself needing reading glasses later even if your distance vision remains sharp.

Lens replacement: A lasting solution

For people over 45, lens replacement (also known as refractive lens exchange or private cataract removal) offers the most lasting results.

Professor Paul Ursell, a specialist in lens and cataract replacement , regularly performs this procedure for patients who want a long-term solution.

Here’s why it lasts:

• Your natural lens is replaced with an artificial one that does not age or change.
• You can choose a lens that reduces or eliminates your need for glasses.
• You won’t need cataract surgery later—because the lens that gets cloudy with age has already been replaced.

In other words: once it’s done, it’s done.

Will I ever need another procedure?

Re-treatments are rare, but can happen in certain situations:

• A small number of laser patients may need a touch-up years later if their prescription changes.
• With lens surgery, sometimes a laser polish (called YAG laser capsulotomy) is needed months or years later if a membrane behind the lens becomes cloudy. This is quick, painless, and doesn’t involve surgery.

What if my vision changes years later?

Our eyes naturally change as we age. You might develop conditions like:

• Dry eyes
• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma

These aren’t caused by vision correction, but they can affect your overall vision later in life.

That’s why regular eye exams remain important—even after surgery.

Key factors that affect how long results last:

• Your age
• The type of procedure you have
• Your general and eye health
• Your lifestyle needs

During your consultation, Professor Ursell will look at all these factors to help you choose the right procedure for long-term clarity.

Which option gives the longest results?

Procedure	Expected duration
LASIK/PRK/SMILE	10-20+ years
Lens replacement	Lifelong correction

If you're 45 or older, lens replacement is often the more stable, lasting option.

Final thoughts

Vision correction is an investment in your future. Choosing the right procedure at the right time means you’ll enjoy clearer vision—not just for months, but for years.

Want to find out which procedure is right for you?

Take our suitability self-test today and start your journey to long-lasting clear vision with Professor Paul Ursell.