For laser surgery (PRK, LASIK) to correct myopia, just how "long-term" are the results? Are the results truly permanent, or are further surgery sessions required to maintain the corrected vision? If results are truly permanent, what are the repair options if the ophthalmologist makes a mistake?

R.

In both PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis), the cornea is reshaped by using a cool laser to remove corneal tissue. PRK was first performed on humans in the 1980s, and these results have been very stable over the last decade. Therefore, most doctors believe that both PRK and LASIK will have very stable results over many decades.

It is uncommon for a patient to require a second laser vision-correction procedure. However, a second surgery is relatively simple should patients find they still have some myopia or astigmatism. In the second procedure, which doctors call an enhancement, the corneal flap created by the original LASIK procedure is lifted, and the same laser is used to further reshape the cornea.

Your final question is a little tougher to answer because there are so many types of rare complications that can occur. One of the most common complications, infection, can be treated with medication. Still, others can cause permanent visual loss that can not be reversed.