Can You Get LASIK Twice?

It’s normal to wonder if you can get LASIK twice. For most people, their vision changes over time, and many glasses and contact lens wearers need to update their prescriptions every few years.

But one of the benefits of LASIK eye surgery is that it’s long-lasting. While it’s possible to undergo LASIK twice, the need is rare. The majority of patients enjoy clearer vision for years without needing an additional LASIK procedure.

Below, Greenberg LASIK in Indianapolis and Louisville explains how LASIK is permanent, and why only a small number of patients may need to undergo laser eye surgery twice.

Is LASIK Permanent?

LASIK is designed to be a long-lasting solution to common vision problems, including hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), and astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances).

Vision problems are often caused by an error in the way the eye refracts light. The average eye is shaped like a sphere. But when this becomes misshapen, the light cannot properly refract as it passes through the lens, preventing the eye from creating a clear image.

For example, in people with astigmatism, the eye is more curved that it should be. Rather than a sphere, it more so resembles a football. This prevents light from focusing on a single area as it passes through the eye, causing blurry vision.

LASIK corrects vision problems by removing corneal tissue to change the curvature of the eye. It’s permanent in the sense that the corneal tissue doesn’t grow back.

Why Would You Need LASIK Twice?

Most LASIK patients enjoy clearer vision for decades after their procedure. However, LASIK can’t prevent vision changes due to age-related reasons. It’s possible to experience changes to the eye’s lens over time, which can cause vision changes to return or develop.

In such cases, the patient may be eligible for a LASIK enhancement to correct the vision problems. However, this is very rare and only affects a small number of patients, typically much later in life.

For example, one study from 2017 found that only 10% of LASIK patients need a retreatment later in life due to age-related vision changes.

At Greenberg LASIK, we want our patients to experience the freedom of clearer vision throughout their life. We use the most advanced vision correction technology to offer the best visual results possible. We also closely monitor the progress of our patients as they heal post-operatively. Our team can determine if a retreatment is necessary, and we’ll do everything in our power to ensure you enjoy clearer vision for as long as possible.

LASIK is a life-changing procedure that can offer you more convenience in your daily life. For more information on vision correction and to determine if you’re a candidate, visit one of our locations in Indianapolis or Louisville by booking a free consultation today.