Can you have LASIK eye surgery a second time?

The development of LASIK eye surgery provided an extraordinary new option for people seeking ways to correct their vision. LASIK allows people to see more clearly, and many of them can stop wearing glasses or contacts. One common question about LASIK is how long it lasts. To answer that question, you should know what LASIK does.

What is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one form of laser eye surgery. It uses a computer-guided laser to alter the shape of the cornea, the eye’s clear front window, changing the way light focuses inside the eye. It can treat a wide range of refractive errors (prescriptions), including farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.

How does LASIK work?

During LASIK eye surgery, your eyes are numbed to prevent any discomfort. Dr. Wu creates a flap in the surface of the cornea and lifts it aside, revealing the middle layer. The laser precisely removes a tiny amount of tissue to match your prescription. The flap is put back into place and quickly begins to heal. This procedure allows people to see clearly and return to work within a day or two.

Can you have LASIK eye surgery a second time?

The changes LASIK makes to your cornea are lasting and will not change. However, your eyes are living structures that change over time, which can affect your LASIK results. Your prescription can change over time, just like it would if you wore glasses. In addition, age-related changes such as presbyopia (trouble focusing up close) can affect your vision.

People whose prescriptions have changed or who are having trouble driving at night may be good candidates for having LASIK a second time or PRK (another form of laser vision correction). You may be able to have a second treatment if:

Your eyes are still healthy
You have enough cornea tissue
You have realistic expectations
Your prescription is still within the range LASIK can treat
Your eye surgeon feels that you can benefit from a second treatment

Individuals above the age of 45 will usually begin to experience vision problems due to two age-related conditions. The first is presbyopia, which causes your eye’s lens to become rigid, making it unable to flex so you can see up close. The second is a cataract or clouding of the lens that decreases your vision. LASIK and PRK can treat presbyopia but not cataracts. Instead, you may be recommended for another procedure called refractive lens exchange or cataract surgery.

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What is recovery like after LASIK eye surgery?

Your vision will be blurry immediately after the procedure, and your eyes may feel irritated or sensitive to light. You will need someone to drive you home, but most people can return to work, drive, and engage in most other activities within one or two days. Avoid swimming, eye makeup, and strenuous physical activity for a week after LASIK.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

LASIK is an excellent vision correction option for many people, but not everyone. You might be a good candidate for this procedure if:

You are over 18
Your prescription is stable
Your eyes are healthy
You have normal, stable corneas
You do not engage in contact sports
You do not have problems with chronic or severe dry eyes

People who are not good candidates for LASIK are often candidates for another type of laser eye surgery, such as PRK or SMILE. You may also be a candidate for EVO ICL, an advanced implantable lens.