LASIK Revision: Can You Have LASIK Twice?

LASIK surgery has helped millions of patients achieve clear vision and reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. For many, the initial LASIK procedure provides long-term results. However, some patients notice that their vision problems return or were not fully corrected the first time.

This raises an important question: Can you have LASIK twice? Understanding the nuances surrounding the procedure, and why some need a second LASIK procedure, will help patients make more informed choices regarding their eye health.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery designed to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

The surgical procedure involves reshaping the corneal tissue with an excimer laser. A corneal flap is created and lifted, allowing the surgeon to reshape the cornea so light focuses more accurately on the retina.

The goal of the LASIK procedure is vision correction, helping patients achieve improved vision, and reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

Most patients who undergo LASIK experience significant improvements in visual acuity within days of their first LASIK surgery. The healing process continues over several weeks, during which vision gradually stabilizes.

While the majority achieve visual clarity, a small percentage of patients may still experience residual refractive error or visual disturbances. Others may find that their vision naturally changes years later due to age-related nearsightedness or other factors.

The short answer is yes, many patients can safely undergo a second LASIK surgery. This is often referred to as LASIK enhancement or LASIK retreatment.

However, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Factors such as corneal thickness, eye health, and overall health determine whether a second procedure is possible.

Patients considering a second LASIK eye surgery should consult an experienced eye surgeon who can evaluate their eligibility and discuss potential risks.

For most patients, one LASIK procedure is enough. In cases where vision shifts or the initial procedure did not fully correct refractive errors, a second LASIK procedure may be possible.

That said, repeat procedures are limited. The cornea must have adequate thickness to safely allow further reshaping. Attempting LASIK surgery twice or more without proper evaluation can lead to complications such as corneal ectasia.

While it’s possible to get LASIK twice, most patients will not need more than one enhancement surgery in their lifetime.

Although most patients achieve excellent results with a single procedure, there are situations where an enhancement surgery may be recommended. These follow-up procedures are not uncommon, and they are generally performed to fine-tune vision rather than redo the entire correction. Some of the most common reasons include:

Sometimes, the initial surgery does not fully correct the patient’s refractive errors, leaving them with blurred or incomplete results. A second procedure may fine-tune the outcome.

As people age, vision naturally changes. Age-related nearsightedness or presbyopia may develop, leading some patients to seek a second LASIK or consider alternatives like monovision LASIK or reading glasses.

Some patients experience a small residual refractive error after the first surgery. A LASIK enhancement surgery can correct this and provide visual clarity.

In rare cases, the cornea gradually returns toward its original shape after LASIK treatment. A second LASIK procedure may restore the intended results.

Not all patients can safely undergo a second LASIK eye surgery. Suitable candidates generally have:

• A healthy cornea with adequate thickness

• Stable refractive errors for at least a year

• No signs of complications such as corneal ectasia

Beyond these basics, eye doctors also consider a patient’s age, overall health, and lifestyle needs. For example, patients who develop age-related vision changes may be better served with other options, such as cataract surgery or specialized contact lenses.

A second LASIK surgery is similar in many ways to the initial LASIK surgery, but there are some differences. Surgeons may take extra precautions to protect the cornea, especially if it has already been reshaped once before.

The procedure typically involves lifting the original corneal flap if possible, or creating a new flap depending on the eye’s condition. The excimer laser is then used to carefully reshape the cornea to correct any remaining errors.

Unlike the first LASIK surgery, patients undergoing a repeat procedure may experience a slightly longer healing process, as the eye is being treated a second time. Surgeons also take greater care to ensure there is adequate thickness in the corneal tissue before proceeding.

Most patients notice significant improvements after enhancement, but results can vary. Doctors will stress the importance of realistic expectations, as the second procedure is meant to refine vision rather than dramatically change it.

Although LASIK enhancement is generally safe, repeating the surgical procedure carries added risks, including:

• Over correction or under correction

• Corneal ectasia if the cornea is too thin

• Visual disturbances such as glare, halos, or reduced night vision
  

• Potential complications during flap creation or healing

Additional considerations include the fact that a repeat surgery may not provide as dramatic an improvement as the initial procedure. Some patients still need glasses or contact lenses after enhancement. Others may develop issues such as dry eyes or slower healing.

These risks highlight the importance of choosing an experienced LASIK surgeon and having a thorough discussion about the primary considerations before undergoing a second surgery.

For patients who are not candidates for another LASIK procedure, there are several alternatives:

• Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): A surface-based laser surgery that avoids creating a corneal flap, making it suitable for patients with thinner corneas.
  

• Contact lenses or reading glasses: Even after LASIK treatment, some patients rely on corrective lenses for certain activities or as their vision changes with age.
  

• Cataract surgery: For older patients, cataract removal combined with lens implantation can provide both clearer vision and refractive correction.

These repeat procedures are not always necessary, and sometimes a non-surgical solution is the safer choice. In fact, for patients with overall health or eye health concerns, alternatives may reduce the risk of potential complications and still provide excellent visual clarity.