Many patients with astigmatism wonder if LASIK can be performed more than once. While it’s possible, the decision depends on several factors, including the thickness of the cornea and the health of your eyes. This blog explains when LASIK can be repeated for astigmatism and the factors that determine its suitability.
Key Takeaways
- LASIK can be done more than once for astigmatism, but it is usually only considered if the first surgery does not fully correct the vision.
- A LASIK enhancement may be needed if your vision regresses after the first surgery.
- Repeated LASIK procedures are limited due to the risk of thinning the cornea.
- Alternatives like PRK, IOLs, or SMILE Pro may be considered if LASIK cannot be performed more than twice.
What Is LASIK Enhancement for Astigmatism?
A LASIK enhancement is a follow-up procedure performed to further refine vision after the initial LASIK surgery. This procedure is typically needed when the first surgery does not completely correct the astigmatism or if your vision changes over time. An enhancement may be required for patients who experience a slight regression of their vision after the first surgery, a common occurrence in some individuals.
- Astigmatism Regression: In some cases, the cornea may gradually return to its original shape after LASIK, causing astigmatism to return. This is more likely to happen in patients with a higher degree of astigmatism or in those whose eyes change over time due to factors like aging or health conditions.
- Eligibility for Enhancement: Not everyone is eligible for LASIK enhancements. Your corneal thickness must be adequate to allow for further reshaping, and your eyes must be healthy. Additionally, you’ll need to wait for your vision to stabilize, which usually takes about 6 to 12 months after the first procedure.
An enhancement can be a simple, quick procedure, and most people experience improvements in their vision after the second surgery.
What Are the Risks of Getting LASIK Twice for Astigmatism?
Undergoing LASIK more than once does carry some risks, though it’s generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, there are several factors to consider:
- Corneal Thickness: With each LASIK procedure, the cornea is reshaped, and its thickness is reduced. If too much tissue is removed, it can lead to complications such as corneal ectasia, a condition where the cornea becomes too thin and bulges outward, which can severely affect vision.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eyes are a common side effect after LASIK. The risk of developing persistent dry eyes may increase with a second procedure, as tear production can be further compromised. This can make the recovery process more uncomfortable and may take longer to resolve.
- Infection or Complications: While rare, infections or complications like flap-related issues, delayed healing, or irregular corneal healing can occur after any surgery. A second LASIK procedure may increase the risk of these complications, especially if the cornea has not fully healed from the first surgery.
To reduce these risks, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled LASIK surgeon who can assess your eyes and determine whether a second procedure is safe for you.
Can LASIK Be Done More Than Twice for Astigmatism?
Typically, LASIK is not done more than twice. The reason is that each procedure removes tissue from the cornea, and as the cornea becomes thinner, the risk of complications increases. Surgeons usually recommend only one or two procedures, but not beyond that.
- Limitations on Repeated Surgery: If you’ve already had LASIK twice, your surgeon will likely recommend other options, such as intraocular lenses (IOLs) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) surgery, which can address astigmatism without further reshaping the cornea.
- Alternative Treatments: If further LASIK procedures are not an option, SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) or IOLs may be suitable for correcting astigmatism, as they do not involve additional corneal tissue removal.
In rare cases, a third LASIK procedure may be considered if the patient’s corneal health allows it, but this is typically not recommended due to the increased risk of complications.
How to Determine If LASIK Is Right for You, Twice or Not
Before considering LASIK or a repeat procedure, it’s crucial to assess whether LASIK is the best option for your specific needs:
- Eye Health Evaluation: A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine the health of your eyes and whether LASIK or an enhancement is suitable. Key factors include the thickness of your cornea and the shape of your eye, which will influence the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
- Age and Vision Stability: LASIK is generally recommended for people over 18 with stable vision. If you are still experiencing significant changes in your vision, LASIK may not be ideal until those changes stabilize.
- Degree of Astigmatism: LASIK is most effective for correcting mild to moderate astigmatism. For those with high degrees of astigmatism, alternative treatments (such as PRK or IOLs) may be considered before opting for a repeat LASIK procedure, as they may provide better outcomes.
Bottom Line
LASIK surgery can be performed more than once for astigmatism, but only under specific conditions. While most patients achieve permanent vision correction with one procedure, a second surgery may be necessary if there is vision regression or if the initial surgery didn’t fully correct the issue.
Always consult with a qualified LASIK surgeon to understand your options, risks, and the suitability of a second procedure. If you’re considering LASIK for astigmatism, it’s crucial to assess your eye health, corneal thickness, and overall surgical eligibility before proceeding.
FAQs About LASIK for Astigmatism
Can LASIK correct high astigmatism?
LASIK can correct mild to moderate astigmatism. For high astigmatism, other treatments like PRK may be more appropriate.
Is it safe to get LASIK twice?
Yes, it’s generally safe to undergo LASIK twice if your corneal thickness allows for further reshaping and your eyes are healthy.
How long should I wait before getting LASIK again for astigmatism?
You should wait at least 6 to 12 months to allow your eyes to fully heal and for your vision to stabilize before considering a second procedure.
What if LASIK doesn’t completely fix my astigmatism?
If LASIK doesn’t fully correct your astigmatism, a LASIK enhancement or other procedures like SMILE Pro or PRK may be considered to further refine your vision.
Can LASIK be performed after cataract surgery for astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK can be performed after cataract surgery if astigmatism remains. However, a thorough evaluation by your surgeon is essential to assess your eye health and determine whether LASIK is a suitable option for you post-cataract surgery.