Is LASIK eye surgery permanent?
If you're considering LASIK, you might be asking: "Is LASIK permanent? Will I still have great vision years from now?"
At Atlantic Eye Laser Centre, we want you to have honest, clear answers. So here’s the truth.
LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea
LASIK works by using a laser to reshape the front surface of your eye—the cornea—so light focuses properly on your retina. This change is permanent.
Once your cornea is reshaped, it stays that way.
So why do some people need glasses again?
Here’s the catch: your eyes keep changing as you age. LASIK corrects your current vision, but it doesn’t stop age-related changes like presbyopia or cataracts that affect the lens of your eye.
- Presbyopia (usually starts in your 40s) makes it harder to focus up close on near tasks.
- Cataracts (common after 60) caused by clouding of the lens inside your eye.
These changes aren’t caused by LASIK—they’re just part of life.
How long will LASIK last?
For most people, LASIK results last decades. Over 90% of people still see clearly without glasses 10+ years later.
Enhancement procedures
A small number of people may benefit from a LASIK enhancement years later if their prescription shifts slightly. This is especially true for people who had higher prescriptions before LASIK.
Is LASIK right for you long-term?
If your eyes are healthy and your prescription is stable, LASIK can offer long-lasting freedom from glasses or contacts.
What about reading glasses?
If you’re over 40, you may still need reading glasses at some point—even after LASIK. But there are options like laser blended vision or lens replacement to help. See our blogpost on Presbyond for more information. .
The bottom line
LASIK is a permanent correction, but your eyes will keep aging. That doesn’t take away from the years of clear, glasses-free vision you can enjoy.
Ready to see if LASIK is right for you?
Start with our quick self-test today.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
Our most popular procedures
What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The best care, the best treatment and the best doctors.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Everything was done with care and the doctor explained everything in detail. My surgery was a success and my sight has significantly improved – I no longer use glasses.”
N.N.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“All I can say is WOW! I feel like I have new eyes.
Thank you just doesn’t even began to say how grateful I am. Your hole team is an absolute pleasure to be around. You guys rock”
S.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The service is excellent and the doctors are experts in their fields. I felt relaxed and confident that I was in great hands. Staff are warm, friendly and very helpful.”
F.W.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I would refer Dr Beatty to anyone interested in LASIK or PRK eye surgery. The entire experience was really pleasant with his and his staff’s professional advice and care before, during and after the surgery.
I am very thankful to be able to look at the world and go about my day to day activities without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.”
P.M.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Best money spent ever. I am so happy with the results after I had LASIK done.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“BEST decision and results after I had my LASIK done by Doctor Beatty!”
A.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I will definitely recommend Dr Beatty. I am so happy with my LASIK.”
R.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dr Daemon McClunan and the entire staff at Atlantic Eye Centre, Foreshore are beyond AMAZING. The medical care I received from Dr McClunan was outstanding and the staff was always friendly and professional.”
M.M.We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both the Atlantic Eye Centre, a leading eye specialist centre; and LIQID Medical Pty, an award-winning biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and earn various prestigious awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in renowned Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing top-tier care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is to provide a world-class service which ensures every patient leaves my practice feeling happier than when they first walked in.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
Hi, I’m James Beatty
I pride myself on providing exceptional eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and a team dedicated to excellence. With a focus on refractive surgery, I bring years of experience and expertise to each patient’s journey towards clearer vision.
As an active member of esteemed Ophthalmologist societies including the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and the South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, I stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Additionally, my affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Glaucoma Society underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.
With a passion for laser surgery, I strive to deliver optimal outcomes for every patient.
Dr James Beatty
MB ChB (UCT) FCS (SA) Ophth MMed (Stel) Ophth
