Yes, laser eye surgery is considered a permanent procedure. The surgical changes made to the cornea are lasting and irreversible. While the benefits of improved vision may lessen over time due to natural aging processes, the structural changes made during the surgery itself are permanent.
Understanding the Permanence of Laser Eye Surgery
Several reputable sources confirm the permanent nature of the structural changes resulting from laser eye surgery:
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Permanent Corneal Reshaping: Laser eye surgery techniques like LASIK, PRK, and SMILE permanently reshape the cornea. This reshaping is designed to correct refractive errors and improve vision. The tissue removed during the procedure does not regrow. (Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4, Source 5, Source 6, Source 7, Source 8, Source 9)
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Lifetime Changes: The changes to your cornea are permanent and will last a lifetime. (Source 10, Source 11)
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Irreversible Procedure: The surgical modifications cannot be reversed. (Source 12)
It's important to note that while the surgical changes are permanent, the degree of vision improvement may fluctuate slightly over time due to factors like natural aging. However, the underlying structural correction remains.