Can You Get LASIK Twice?
LASIK eye surgery is a highly effective and long-lasting solution for vision correction for many patients. As such, you might find yourself wondering, “Can you get LASIK twice and when might that be necessary?” While the results of a LASIK procedure are permanent and most patients only need to get the surgery once, your eyes will change over time. Because of this, it is possible that after some years pass you might find that your vision has changed enough to consider a second LASIK procedure. If that’s the case, what should you know about getting LASIK twice?
Let’s take a look at the reasons some patients may want to consider another LASIK surgery and what doctors will consider before approving a second procedure. Can you have LASIK twice? You can, but you should ensure that’s the right choice for you.
When can you get LASIK twice?
LASIK is extremely effective and, for the majority of patients, the results are so excellent that they never need any additional treatment. However, there are a few situations in which some patients may want a second LASIK procedure, also called LASIK enhancement, retreatment, or touch-up. These can include:
- Your eyes have changed: Years after an original LASIK surgery, some patients may find that their vision has changed enough with age (or other conditions) that they’re interested in a second LASIK procedure. It’s estimated that there’s just a 1% increase in the potential need for another treatment for every year following your original LASIK surgery. That means only about 10% of patients need an additional treatment after 10 years, so you can plan on your LASIK lasting you a good long time.
- Your initial LASIK procedure didn’t provide the desired results: For approximately 1-5% of patients, the results of a LASIK procedure aren’t quite where they hoped. If, after at least 3 months, the patient and eye surgeon still feel the vision results could be improved, it’s worth an evaluation for a LASIK enhancement.
If either of these conditions applies to you, make an appointment with your eye surgeon to ask, “Can LASIK be done twice on my eyes?”
What happens during a second LASIK procedure?
Your second LASIK treatment will be a lot like the first procedure. You’ll go through the same processes, so it should feel very familiar. First, your eyes, vision, and overall health will be evaluated, followed by getting accurate and updated measurements of your eyes. Since corneal tissue is removed during LASIK, your eye surgeon will need to ensure that your corneas are thick enough for a second procedure. If your surgeon determines that you’re a good candidate for a second LASIK surgery, you’ll be able to book your appointment.
From there, your surgery will be the same as before. First, your eye surgeon will apply numbing drops to numb your eyes. Then, they’ll lift the corneal flap that was made previously to allow the surgeon access to deeper layers of your cornea. At that point the laser will be used to reshape your cornea once again to address your current vision needs. Recovery will be very similar to your original procedure, so make sure you follow all of your surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure quick and successful healing.
How do you know if you’re a candidate for LASIK retreatment?
If you still want to know, “Can you have LASIK twice?” the answer ultimately depends on each patient’s unique eyes and overall health. Determining whether a patient is a good candidate for LASIK is the same, whether it’s the first procedure or the second. You’ll need to be in good overall health, your eyesight will need to be stable, and your eyes must be healthy and with enough corneal tissue to handle the removal of additional tissue. Make sure you see an experienced eye surgeon to ensure that they do a thorough exam and measurements before deciding a second LASIK treatment is right for you.
Risks associated with additional LASIK surgeries
So, can you have LASIK twice without any of the risks? As with all surgical procedures, LASIK does come with some risks, though the percentage of patients who experience complications is less than 1%. The risks for LASIK retreatment are the same as with the original procedure and include:
- Dry eye
- Flap complications
- Glare or halos at night
- Infections
- Over- or undercorrection
It’s important to be aware of the risks that come with any surgical procedure. Thankfully, with LASIK, the risks are very small. Choosing a highly experienced eye surgeon, attending all follow-up appointments, and following your surgeon’s directions exactly will reduce the likelihood of experiencing any of these issues.
Can you do LASIK twice regardless of your vision issues?
It’s important to remember that LASIK corrects refractive errors, but it cannot correct all vision problems. Certain errors like cataracts, glaucoma, or even presbyopia cannot be fixed with LASIK. Some vision problems or other health issues must be addressed or corrected before LASIK can help with your eyesight. The great news is that LASIK retreatment can often be used after these other issues are addressed.
Additionally, some people wonder, “Can you get LASIK twice to address the vision changes that come with presbyopia?” While LASIK can’t stop presbyopia from occurring, it can offer solutions, like monovision LASIK, that address the vision problems associated with presbyopia. Talk to your eye surgeon about what steps you need to take for your vision to find the best vision correction solution for you and your eyes.
Is a second LASIK procedure right for you?
If you’ve had a LASIK procedure before, but now find that your vision needs improvement once again, see your eye surgeon to find out if LASIK retreatment might be right for you. In some cases, your vision issues may be best resolved with other treatments, like cataract surgery or even just reading glasses. However, if your eye surgeon determines that you’re a good candidate for a second LASIK surgery, it could be the ideal solution for you.
Now that you can answer, “Can you do LASIK surgery twice?” the next step is to find the right provider for you. Do your research first in order to find an eye surgeon that has plenty of experience providing LASIK retreatment procedures like what you will need.
Dello Russo Laser Vision: Expert LASIK surgeons you can trust
At Dello Russo Laser Vision, you can trust our world class LASIK surgeons to provide you with the best possible care. Our eye surgeons have significant experience using the latest technology and techniques to provide personalized LASIK surgery to our patients. Every one of our procedures is customized to you and your eyes, so you can feel confident that we will give you the best vision results possible.
To learn more about whether a second LASIK procedure is right for you, make an appointment for your complimentary initial consultation and explore our website for more LASIK FAQs. You can talk to one of our expert surgeons and discuss the ideal options for you. We are committed to providing you with warm, friendly, professional service so you leave every appointment feeling confident and stress-free. We work hard to help you achieve your vision goals and get the results you want. Contact us online or by phone at (855)646-2020 to get started today.
