Can LASIK Surgery Be Done Twice?

Introduction to LASIK

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a common refractive surgery used to treat vision issues like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea to help light focus correctly on the retina. It is typically done in adults who have stable vision and no major eye health problems. 

LASIK helps reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Most patients experience improved vision soon after surgery, and results tend to last for years. However, LASIK does not prevent natural changes to vision, such as presbyopia, which occurs with age. 

LASIK is generally considered a one-time surgery. So, can LASIK be done twice? This is because some people may need a second procedure later. The chance of a second procedure is usually discussed when the initial results don’t fully correct the vision or when eyesight changes again due to natural causes. 

A detailed eye evaluation is required to check if another LASIK can be safely done.

Can LASIK Eye Surgery Be Done Twice?

LASIK eye surgery can be done twice in certain cases, typically after a gap of several months following the first procedure. This second procedure is often called a LASIK enhancement. It is performed when the initial surgery does not provide the desired vision correction, or when vision changes occur after a few years. 

LASIK offers long-term results for most. Some patients may notice a decline in clarity due to age-related changes or regression of the initial correction. A repeat LASIK depends on several factors. Eye health must be stable, the cornea must be thick enough for another reshaping, and there should be no major eye diseases. 

The answer to the question ‘Can LASIK be done twice; is nuanced. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a second LASIK procedure. An eye specialist will evaluate each case individually. Alternative refractive surgery options may also be discussed in many cases. 

Why Would Someone Need LASIK Twice?

Many ask can LASIK be done twice? Why would someone need LASIK to be done twice? There are several reasons why someone might need LASIK surgery more than once. 

One common reason is under-correction. Sometimes the first surgery does not fully correct the vision. This can happen due to individual healing responses or variations in the eye. 

In some cases, vision may regress gradually over time. This may happen if the initial prescription was very high. Ageing can also affect eyesight. 

Standard LASIK cannot correct presbyopia. But some patients may opt for monovision LASIK to manage age-related near vision issues.

Some people may also develop new vision issues after their first surgery. This could lead to the need for enhancement. However, before a repeat procedure is considered, eye doctors evaluate whether the cornea can safely handle another laser treatment. 

If not, other corrective options such as lens implants may be suggested instead of a second LASIK.

Procedure Required For Repeating LASIK Surgery

Before undergoing LASIK surgery, a detailed eye examination is essential. Doctors first check the corneal thickness. Since LASIK removes a small amount of corneal tissue, there must be enough remaining tissue for another reshaping. 

Advanced imaging tools are used to analyse the cornea’s shape and health. The eye’s overall stability, dryness levels, and any changes in vision since the first surgery are also reviewed. If all criteria are met, the surgeon may go ahead with an enhancement procedure. 

In many cases, the same flap created during the first LASIK can be reused, although sometimes a surface-based procedure like PRK may be preferred if the flap cannot be safely lifted. The second LASIK procedure is usually quicker and less intense than the first, with faster healing in many cases. 

Recovery guidelines remain the same. To prevent eye strain, use prescribed eye drops and attend follow-up appointments. The success of a second LASIK depends on precise screening and proper post-surgery care.

Risks of Doing LASIK Surgery Twice

A second LASIK surgery comes with additional risks compared to the first. 

One major concern is corneal thinning. Each LASIK procedure removes some corneal tissue, and if too much is removed, the cornea can become weak or unstable. This increases the risk of ectasia, a condition where the cornea bulges forward and distorts vision. 

Another risk is dry eyes, which can worsen with repeat surgery. Some patients may also experience increased glare, halos, or issues with night vision. 

If the flap created during the first LASIK is disturbed again, healing complications may arise. The chances of successful results reduce if the eyes are not properly screened before a second attempt. 

Presbyopia or age-related vision issues may also be mistaken for regression, leading to an unnecessary second LASIK. 

Hence, doctors proceed cautiously and only recommend a second surgery if all safety checks are passed. Alternative treatments may be better in some cases.

Conclusion

Can LASIK surgery be done twice? LASIK is designed to provide long-lasting correction, though it does not prevent future changes in vision due to ageing or other factors. Whether due to under-correction, changes in vision, or age-related issues such as presbyopia, a second LASIK procedure can help improve vision if the eye is suitable for further treatment. 

The decision to undergo LASIK again should not be taken lightly. Eye doctors must assess corneal thickness, vision stability, and overall eye health before proceeding. While second LASIK procedures are often safe and effective, they carry additional risks such as corneal thinning and dry eyes. 

In some cases, other refractive surgery options may be safer and more suitable. Patients must follow all medical advice and understand the benefits and limitations of repeat LASIK. Regular eye check-ups and honest communication with the eye specialist are essential. If all conditions are met and the eye can handle it, LASIK can be safely done twice under expert supervision.