Can eye laser surgery be repeated?

Eye laser surgery, such as LASIK, is a popular method to correct vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It offers the promise of clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. But what happens if your vision changes after the initial procedure? Can eye laser surgery be repeated? In this blog post, we will explore the circumstances under which laser surgery can be repeated, the factors to consider, and what you can expect from a repeat procedure.

Understanding Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve how light is focused onto the retina. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most common type of laser eye surgery. It involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap.

Why Might You Need a Repeat Procedure?

Vision Changes Over Time
Your vision can change over time due to ageing or other factors. These changes can affect the results of your initial laser eye surgery. For instance, presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision, can develop even if you had perfect distance vision post-LASIK, as presbyopia affects the lens of the eye, not the cornea.

Incomplete Correction
In some cases, the initial surgery might not fully correct the vision problem, or there may be residual refractive error. This could be due to an under-correction or over-correction during the first procedure.

Regression
Sometimes, the eyes can regress towards their original refractive error after surgery. This is more common in patients with high levels of myopia or hyperopia.

New Vision Issues
New vision issues or eye conditions can develop after the initial surgery. These might necessitate a second procedure to maintain or improve vision quality.

Can Eye Laser Surgery Be Repeated?

Yes, eye laser surgery can be repeated. This second procedure is often referred to as an enhancement or touch-up. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Eligibility for Repeat Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for repeat laser surgery. The eligibility for a second procedure depends on several factors, including:

Corneal Thickness: Adequate corneal thickness is crucial. Each laser surgery procedure removes some corneal tissue, so there must be enough remaining tissue for a safe repeat procedure.

Overall Eye Health: Good overall eye health is necessary. Conditions like dry eye, corneal scarring, or other eye diseases may affect your suitability.

Time Since Initial Surgery: Sufficient time should have passed since the first surgery to allow for complete healing and stabilisation of your vision. This is typically around six months to a year.

2. Types of Repeat Procedures

If you are eligible, there are different types of repeat procedures that might be recommended:

• LASIK Enhancement: This involves lifting the original flap created during the first LASIK surgery and reshaping the cornea again.
• PRK Enhancement: If the cornea is too thin for another LASIK procedure, a surface ablation technique like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) might be used instead. PRK does not involve creating a flap, making it suitable for those with thinner corneas.

3. Risks and Considerations

Repeat laser eye surgery carries similar risks to the initial procedure, such as infection, dry eye, glare, and halos. However, these risks are generally low. Discuss any concerns with your eye surgeon, who can provide personalised advice based on your specific situation.

The Enhancement Procedure

Pre-Operative Assessment
A thorough eye examination will be conducted to determine your suitability for repeat surgery. This includes measuring your corneal thickness, mapping the cornea, and assessing your overall eye health.

The Procedure
The enhancement procedure is similar to the initial surgery but usually quicker. For LASIK enhancements, the original flap is carefully lifted, and the cornea is reshaped using a laser. For PRK, the surface layer of the cornea is removed, and then the cornea is reshaped.

Recovery
Recovery from an enhancement procedure is generally faster than the initial surgery. You might experience some discomfort, but this typically resolves within a few days. Follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure the best results.

Benefits of Repeat Surgery

Improved Vision Quality
Repeat surgery can fine-tune your vision, addressing any residual refractive errors and providing sharper, clearer vision.

Enhanced Quality of Life
Improved vision can significantly enhance your quality of life, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses and allowing you to enjoy daily activities with greater ease.

Long-Term Vision Stability
For many patients, repeat laser surgery offers long-term vision stability, especially when combined with regular eye check-ups and proper eye care.

Book a Free Virtual Assessment

If you’re considering a repeat laser eye surgery or want to learn more about your options, book a free virtual assessment today. Our comprehensive assessment will provide personalised advice and help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate for an enhancement procedure.

Unsure if you qualify for repeat laser eye surgery? Take the self-test to find out. This quick and easy test will help determine your suitability and guide you towards the best vision correction options available.