Can You Have Laser Eye Surgery Twice?

Despite what certain internet myths might suggest, laser eye surgery is a permanent procedure. Your ophthalmic surgeon utilises high-precision technology to make a lasting alteration to the cornea that cannot be reversed. However, because the human eye is a living organ subject to the natural ageing process, your vision can evolve.

This leads many patients to ask whether you can have laser eye surgery twice. In short, the answer is yes. However, every eye is unique, and when dealing with something as vital as your sight, maximum care must always be taken to ensure the suitability of each patient. Here’s everything you need to know about repeat procedures and enhancements.

Is a Second Laser Eye Surgery Possible?

Patients who underwent treatment, such as LASIK or SMILE, more than 5 to 10 years ago may find themselves wondering if another laser eye surgery is possible if their vision has become less sharp since the initial operation. While the first correction remains, new changes in the eye’s lens or corneal shape can occur, which negatively affect vision.

There are several clinical reasons why a surgeon might consider a second procedure:

• In some instances, the eye may naturally shift over time due to ageing, affecting the clarity of your vision. In this case you may want to consider PRESBYOND or refractive lens exchange. 
• Health factors such as hormonal shifts or diabetes can occasionally alter your refractive error.
• You might not know if you can get a LASIK touch-up. Occasionally, a secondary fine-tuning is used to optimise the results of the initial surgery some years later as the curvature of the cornea (clear window at the front of the eye) can change over time.
• If the desired visual outcome was not fully achieved during the first procedure, a second surgery may be considered to reach the target.

Effectiveness and Safety

While laser eye surgery has exceptionally high success rates, approximately 2-3% of cases may require a follow-up soon after the first.Factors like genetics and higher more complex prescriptions may make it more likely to require an enhancement.  Whether a top-up is required is monitored over the first few months of your first surgery and an enhancement is free as part of your aftercare package.  

If you notice symptoms like persistent blurring or vision worse than driving standards, it may be a sign that the first surgery may not have reached the optimal target. At Optegra, our world-class surgeons maintain a much lower repeat procedure rate than the industry average, but we remain committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every patient.

So, is repeat LASIK worth it? For the small percentage of patients who experience regression or under-correction, that significantly impacts their vision a second procedure can restore the wow factor of clearer vision. During a consultation, we assess your remaining corneal tissue to ensure a secondary treatment is clinically safe.

The Impact of Ageing

It is important to remember that laser eye surgery corrects the cornea, but it does not stop the natural ageing of the internal lens. If you find yourself relying on glasses for reading years after your treatment, you may be experiencing presbyopia or even the early stages of cataracts. In these cases, we may recommend alternative treatments like, PRESBYOND or lens replacement surgery.

How a Second Procedure Works

If you are looking to redo LASIK or SMILE or another laser treatment, the surgical approach differs slightly from your first visit:

• LASIK: The surgeon may lift the original flap or, depending on the time elapsed and corneal thickness, create a new one. In some cases, they may recommend switching to LASEK for the second treatment.
• LASEK: Since this doesn’t involve a flap, the process is similar to the first time, though the surgeon must carefully account for the altered corneal structure to ensure optimal healing.
• SMILE: Patients may undergo LASIK eye surgery or D-Lasik where a partial flap is created. They may also be considered for LASEK eye surgery if tests suggest this is the optimal treatment for them. 

If you do undergo a second laser eye surgery, it’s crucial to remember that following the correct aftercare advice is essential to ensure that results are optimal and to mitigate unwanted risks.

Your Path to Clearer Vision

The likelihood of needing secondary treatment is slim – fewer than 5% of patients require a follow-up in their lifetime. However, if you’re wondering whether you can get laser eye surgery twice because your vision has changed, we’re here to help.

The first step is a thorough evaluation. Our surgeons will examine your corneal thickness and overall eye health to determine if a repeat procedure is the right clinical path for you, and make a plan from there.

Contact Optegra today to book your free consultation and discuss your requirements with our eye health experts.