Many patients who have undergone LASIK eye surgery wonder if they can get LASIK twice if their vision changes years after their initial procedure. This is a valid question, especially as our eyes naturally change with age. The short answer is yes, it is technically possible to get LASIK twice – but it’s important to understand that this is extremely uncommon.
Most patients achieve lasting results from their initial LASIK surgery, and a second procedure is rarely necessary. When it does occur, it’s typically 5-10 years after the initial LASIK procedure, and notably, some surgeons won’t perform a second procedure at all.
Understanding LASIK and How It Works
LASIK surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular vision correction procedure that has helped millions achieve clear vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. During the initial LASIK procedure, an eye surgeon creates a thin corneal flap using a femtosecond laser, then uses another laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. If you’ve been considering vision correction, you might be asking yourself, “Is LASIK right for you?” Understanding how the procedure works—and how your eyes may change over time—is key.
LASIK involves reshaping your cornea permanently, but this doesn’t mean your vision will remain unchanged forever. Natural changes in your eyes due to aging, hormonal shifts, or certain health conditions can affect vision over time, causing some patients to consider a second LASIK procedure, however rare that might be.
When Might Someone Need a Second LASIK Procedure?
There are several reasons why someone might consider getting LASIK twice, though these situations are uncommon.
Regression is one possibility, where some patients experience a partial return of their original refractive error years after their initial LASIK surgery. This regression can lead to blurred vision or minor visual disturbances that may warrant further treatment.
Undercorrection or overcorrection can also occur. Sometimes, the initial procedure doesn’t achieve the perfect vision correction. If there’s a significant difference between the expected and actual results, a LASIK enhancement might be recommended, though this is usually done within the first year and isn’t considered a true “second LASIK.”
Age-related vision changes are another factor. As we age, our eyes naturally change. Many people develop presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) in their 40s, requiring reading glasses even after successful LASIK. Additionally, cataracts develop as a natural part of aging and can affect vision quality. It’s worth noting that these age-related changes often require different solutions than a second LASIK procedure.
Changes in prescription over time might make a small percentage of patients candidates for a second procedure, but this is typically only considered after several years when the change is significant and stable.
Can You Get LASIK Twice? Key Considerations
While it is technically possible to undergo a second LASIK procedure, its rarity cannot be overstated. When it is considered, several factors determine whether you’re a suitable candidate.
Corneal thickness is perhaps the most critical factor. LASIK involves removing a small amount of corneal tissue. Your eye surgeon needs to ensure you have enough tissue remaining for a second procedure to be performed safely. If your cornea is too thin after the initial surgery, alternative surgical procedures might be recommended instead of a second LASIK.
The healing from your initial surgery plays a major role. The success of your healing process from the first procedure will influence your candidacy for a second one. Issues like irregular healing or complications might make a second LASIK surgery inadvisable.
Time since the original procedure is also important. Most eye surgeons recommend waiting at least one year after your initial LASIK surgery before considering any enhancement. For a true second LASIK procedure, it typically occurs 5-10 years after the first, when vision changes have stabilized.
Your overall eye health must be evaluated thoroughly. Any new eye conditions that have developed since your first LASIK procedure, such as dry eye syndrome, cataracts, or glaucoma, must be assessed before considering additional laser vision correction.
The type of vision change matters significantly. If your vision changes are due to cataracts, for example, cataract surgery rather than a second LASIK would be the appropriate corrective surgery.
LASIK Enhancement vs. Second LASIK
It’s important to understand the difference between a true “second LASIK” and what doctors often call a “LASIK enhancement”:
A LASIK enhancement is typically performed within the first year of the initial surgery to fine-tune the results. The original corneal flap can often be lifted without creating a new one, making the enhancement less invasive than the initial procedure. These early adjustments are relatively more common than a complete second procedure years later.
A second LASIK procedure, performed years after the initial surgery, is much rarer. In these cases, the surgeon may need to create a new corneal flap, making it more similar to a complete procedure rather than a minor adjustment. Many surgeons are hesitant to perform this type of second procedure due to the increased risks and potentially unpredictable outcomes.
Potential Risks of Getting LASIK Twice
Like any surgical procedure, getting LASIK twice comes with potential risks, which partly explains why many surgeons are reluctant to perform it:
Corneal ectasia is a rare but serious condition that involves a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, which can result from removing too much corneal tissue. This risk increases with each LASIK procedure.
Dry eye symptoms may be more pronounced after a second procedure, and for some patients, these can be chronic and difficult to manage.
Visual disturbances such as glare, halos, or difficulty with night vision have an increased risk with a second laser vision correction procedure.
The results of a second procedure may be less predictable than those of the initial LASIK surgery, which is another reason why many eye surgeons are cautious about performing LASIK twice.
Making an Informed Decision
If you’re considering a second LASIK procedure, despite its rarity, here’s what you should do:
Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with your eye surgeon to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. Be prepared that they may recommend alternatives to a second LASIK procedure. Remember that some surgeons won’t perform LASIK twice as a matter of practice, so you may need to consult with several specialists.
Discuss your specific situation, including your vision changes and goals for the procedure. Your surgeon can help you understand whether your expectations are realistic given the limitations of a second procedure.
Consider all alternative options if a second LASIK isn’t recommended or advisable. These might include prescription glasses for specific activities, specialty contact lenses, or other types of corrective surgery depending on your situation.
Maintain realistic expectations about what a second procedure can achieve. The results may not be as dramatic as your initial surgery, and the recovery process might be different.
Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully if you do undergo a second procedure. Proper adherence to these guidelines is essential for optimal healing and results.
The Long-Term Vision Beyond Your LASIK Journey
Yes, you can get LASIK twice in some cases, but it’s extremely uncommon and not the right choice for most patients. The decision to undergo a second LASIK procedure depends on multiple factors, including your corneal thickness, the nature of your vision changes, and your overall eye health. The typical timeframe for considering a second procedure is 5-10 years after the initial surgery, and even then, many surgeons may be reluctant to perform it due to the increased risks.
If you’re experiencing vision changes after LASIK, don’t assume that a second procedure is your only option or even a likely one. Schedule a consultation with your eye surgeon to discuss your specific situation and explore all available treatments. With proper evaluation and realistic expectations, many patients can address their changing vision needs, whether through a rare second LASIK procedure or, more commonly, through an alternative approach to vision correction.