Is laser vision correction 100% successful?
In short, almost. Laser vision correction has one of the highest success and satisfaction rates of any medical procedure. Most people who have LASIK, SMILE, or PRK end up with sharp, clear vision and no longer rely on glasses or contact lenses.
However, no treatment on earth is 100% perfect for every single person. Eyes are as unique as fingerprints. And factors like age, prescription stability, and healing can all play a part in your final result.
At Re:Vision, our experienced team has performed thousands of refractive surgery procedures right here in New Zealand, helping people see the world in high definition again. We’re proud of our results, and just as proud of how honestly we talk about them.
In this article, we dig into what 'success' really means when it comes to laser eye surgery, and what you can expect long term.
What ‘success’ really means in laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery success often means reaching 20/20 vision. And many people do. But that’s not the only measure of a great outcome. For others, success is simply having vision that’s sharp, comfortable, and clear enough to enjoy daily life without relying on glasses or contacts.
It’s about freedom and confidence as much as it is about numbers.
At Re:Vision, our experienced team defines success by real-world vision: how well you see, feel, and live each day after surgery.
How often is laser vision correction successful?
Laser vision correction has one of the highest success rates in modern medicine. Around 99% of people who have LASIK surgery, for example, achieve 20/20 vision or better. And close to 100% reach the level of sight needed to pass a driver’s licence test without wearing glasses.
At our Auckland eye clinic, those numbers hold true. Most patients walk away seeing clearly and confidently. Many say it’s one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.
A small number of people may still choose to use reading glasses later in life. That’s completely normal and often linked to natural age-related changes, not the success of the surgery itself.
Why laser surgery results can vary
Every pair of eyes is different. This means results can vary slightly from person to person. Even with the most advanced technology and the most skilled eye surgeons, a few factors can influence your outcome:
- Healing differences: Everyone’s eyes heal in their own time. Minor variations in healing can affect how the cornea settles after surgery.
- Prescription stability: If your vision was still changing before surgery, it can continue to shift slightly over time after surgery. For this reason, an eye surgeon will typically recommend waiting until your prescription has been stable for at least a year before going ahead.
- Age-related vision changes: As we get older, natural changes in the eye can alter focus and clarity.
- Presbyopia: This is the gradual loss of close-up focus that usually begins in your late 40s. It's the reason many people eventually need reading glasses, regardless of how successful their earlier procedure was.
These factors are normal and don’t mean your surgery wasn’t successful.
Can I redo laser vision correction later in life?
In some cases, yes. It’s possible to have another procedure later in life if your vision changes or you need a minor adjustment. We call these enhancement treatments or 'touch-ups.'
Your suitability depends on several factors, for instance:
- The thickness and health of your cornea
- The amount of correction you require
- Your overall eye health and prescription stability
Not everyone will need or qualify for a second treatment. But if your vision changes years down the track, our eye surgeons can assess your situation to determine whether another round of laser vision correction is right for you.
Maintaining long-term vision health
Most people enjoy decades of clear vision after laser eye surgery. A few simple habits can help keep it that way. Taking care of your eyes after your procedure supports healing, comfort, and lasting results.
Here are a few tips our eye surgeons often share:
- Have regular check-ups: Visit your eye clinic every year or two so your eye surgeon can monitor your vision and overall eye health.
- Protect your eyes from UV: Quality sunglasses help shield your eyes from sun damage and dryness.
- Stay healthy: Hydration, good sleep, and a balanced diet all play a part in maintaining clear, comfortable vision.
- Watch for changes: If your vision ever starts to shift, book a quick check or free laser assessment. Small changes are easier to manage when caught early.
Most patients never need further treatment. And those who do often require only minor adjustments.
LASIK specialist Auckland
At Re:Vision, you’re in safe hands. Our experienced team of specialists, led by trusted eye surgeons Dr. Trevor Gray and Dr. Mo Ziaei, has helped thousands of New Zealanders achieve clear, lasting vision through LASIK surgery, cataract surgery, and other advanced refractive services.
We know that choosing laser eye surgery is a big decision. It's one that deserves honesty, precision, and care from start to finish. That’s why our whole team focuses on delivering the highest quality results possible while keeping every patient informed and comfortable at every step.
Re:Vision combines world-class technology with genuine Kiwi care. From flexible finance options to thorough aftercare, everything we do is designed to make better vision accessible, safe, and stress-free.
While laser vision correction isn’t 100% perfect for everyone, it’s one of the most successful procedures in modern eye care. And with the right team, your chances of achieving outstanding results are extremely high.
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