Will I Need Another LASIK Surgery?

In some cases, LASIK recipients require an additional surgery. This revision surgery is called "enhancement" LASIK. The percentage of patients requiring LASIK enhancement is relatively low, somewhere between five to more than 15 percent.

A LASIK enhancement may be necessary if you experience undesirable results or a complication. Enhancements are sometimes suggested for:

• Undercorrection
• Overcorrection
• Regression
• Induced astigmatism
• Epithelial ingrowth

If you experience blurriness or other undesirable vision effects after traditional or custom LASIK, your eye surgeon will wait at least three months before considering an enhancement. After your surgery, it’s normal to experience fluctuations and aberrations in vision quality. Most vision issues correct themselves as your eyes heal; however, if you are having trouble driving and performing other tasks because of blurry vision three months after LASIK, you may need an enhancement surgery.

Enhancement LASIK carries the same risks as your original surgery, so the decision to undergo a second procedure requires deliberation by both yourself and your eye surgeon. Remember that LASIK does not guarantee 20/20 vision, or even better vision than you had with glasses or contact lenses. Instead, LASIK is supposed to reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear. Enhancements may be suggested only if your poor vision is severe.

To learn more about LASIK eye surgery, please contact an experienced eye surgeon in your area.