Yes, you can have LASIK surgery twice. LASIK does not prevent age-related changes in vision. Most surgeons will not perform a second LASIK procedure unless 5 to 10 years have passed after LASIK. Yes, it is possible to have LASIK twice.
However, it's very rare to need surgery twice, and most people who undergo LASIK enjoy lasting vision improvement after just one procedure. As mentioned above, age-related changes in vision, not an ineffective first surgery, are the most common reasons for needing LASIK a second time. This is largely due to the fact that surgery cannot prevent vision changes or loss; it can only correct current vision. For the few people who do need it a second time, they usually won't need it until many years after surgery.
LASIK eye surgery is a highly effective and long-lasting solution for vision correction for many patients. So, you might be wondering, “Can LASIK be done twice and when might it be needed? While the results of the LASIK procedure are permanent and most patients only need to have surgery once, their eyes will change over time. Because of this, after a few years, you may find that your vision has changed enough to consider a second LASIK procedure. If that's the case, what should you know about undergoing LASIK twice? The Food and Drug Administration reports that it takes three to six months after LASIK surgery for the eyes to reach a stable point.
If a person undergoes LASIK surgery at age 25 and then needs an improvement at age 39, the next major changes are likely to happen to everyone, regardless of whether they need glasses or LASIK. Let's discuss the reasons why some patients might consider another LASIK surgery and what doctors will consider before approving a second procedure. LASIK is a common surgery in the United States, where nearly 600,000 procedures are performed each year. So can LASIK be done twice without any of the risks? As with all surgical procedures, LASIK has some risks, although the percentage of patients experiencing complications is less than 1%.
If you've had a LASIK procedure before but now find that your vision needs to improve once more, see your eye doctor to find out if repeating LASIK treatment might be right for you. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that the main factor in determining fitness for improvement in LASIK and secondary surgeries is the size and thickness of the cornea. It allows the laser to sculpt more tissue from under the LASIK flap, which increases the safety of the procedure and allows for a higher prescription LASIK.
