The number of times you can have LASIK surgery will depend on several factors. First, your specific visual situation. Most people can only have LASIK once. However, if the initial LASIK results are not as expected, subsequent LASIK procedures can be done if needed.
Even if the initial LASIK was successful, a touch-up procedure may be needed down the road if your vision changes due to aging or other factors.
Another factor that determines how many times you can have LASIK is the technology used. At many eye centers today, advanced LASIK technologies, such as Wavefront technology, can be used to more accurately detect even very small imperfections in your vision.
This technology allows the surgeon to better customize the LASIK treatment solution and may be used to correct vision that could not be treated before. It is also associated with significantly fewer regressions or recurrences over time.
In summary, most people will only need one LASIK procedure to achieve their desired vision results. However, other conditions such as aging or changes in vision may require additional LASIK procedures in the future.
However, with the advancement in today’s LASIK technologies, it is expected that the need for further LASIK surgery will be reduced. Ultimately, the number of times you can have LASIK surgery depends on your individual visual situation and the technology your surgeon has available.
Can you have LASIK 3 times?
No, it is not recommended to have LASIK more than once in most cases. Having too many LASIK procedures could increase your risk of developing complications and can lead to poorer vision outcomes. If you have had LASIK before, it is possible that your eyes are stable enough for a second treatment.
However, further treatments should only be considered in truly exceptional cases where your eyes have not stabilised and it is essential for your vision. Every case is different and should be discussed with your ophthalmologist to decide the best possible option.
How many times can a LASIK surgery be done?
Generally, one LASIK surgery will last a lifetime and it is not necessary to repeat the procedure. However, some people may find that their vision begins to fluctuate or their vision deteriorates at a later date which may require additional LASIK surgery.
It is possible to have a second LASIK surgery, however this runs the risk of additional complications or diminishing results. Furthermore, due to the risks, many doctors will NOT perform a second LASIK surgery unless absolutely necessary.
Patients should speak to their eye doctor if they believe that LASIK surgery may be necessary, and weigh the potential risks in order to make the best decision for their individual needs.
How often should you redone LASIK?
The frequency at which laser eye surgery should be redone depends on a number of factors. Generally, patients who have had LASIK should not need to redo the procedure. In most cases, the initial surgery will provide years of good results.
However, some patients may experience vision changes with age, and may need additional surgeries to correct changes. Additionally, some patients may develop complications with the initial surgery, such as undercorrection or overcorrection, and may need a second surgery.
If you experience vision changes and/or complications, it is important to speak to your eye doctor to determine whether a revised or a second LASIK surgery is necessary. In most cases, additional surgeries can maintain visual clarity and reduce any discomfort or complications.
What happens if LASIK is not successful?
If LASIK is not successful, it may be necessary to undergo a secondary procedure known as re-treatment or enhancement. This procedure is designed to correct any remaining refractive errors that were not addressed by the initial LASIK surgery.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of re-treatment with your doctor before deciding to proceed. The success rate of re-treatment is typically lower than that of the original LASIK surgery, so it is important to consider the potential risks and to have realistic expectations of the outcome.
It is also recommended that you wait several months to allow the eye to heal and stabilize after the initial LASIK procedure before proceeding with re-treatment, as it can become more difficult to correct refractive errors over time.
In addition, there are also other surgical (such as implantable contact lenses or corneal transplant) and nonsurgical (such as glasses, contact lenses, and vision therapy) options for those whose LASIK was not successful.
Why does LASIK not last forever?
LASIK does not last forever because it is a form of surgery, and like other forms of surgery, the effects can change over time. Over time, the eye can change shape and/or develop new problems which could affect your vision and require additional treatments.
Even though you may have had LASIK, you may eventually need additional surgeries or treatments to maintain your vision. Also, the laser used in LASIK is designed to correct specific vision defects, like nearsightedness or astigmatism, and it is not a cure-all for all vision complications.
As these vision problems change, or if you develop new issues with your eyes, LASIK may not be the most suitable treatment.
In addition, the success of any surgical procedure depends largely on the patient’s overall health, so certain pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of complications which can affect the results of LASIK.
Therefore, it is best to discuss all of your medical information with your doctor prior to undergoing any kind of procedure, whether it be LASIK or not.
Why do I have blurry vision 5 years after LASIK?
It is not uncommon to experience blurry vision after a LASIK procedure, and while this usually improves in the first few weeks or months, it is possible to experience long-term blurry vision. Possible reasons for this include residual refractive error, higher order aberrations, regression, epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD), or an incomplete or asymmetric ablation.
Residual refractive error occurs when the amount of correction achieved by the LASIK surgery was not as expected and the patient’s vision remains slightly blurred. Higher order aberrations are very small imperfections that can prevent clear vision, and often occur when the correction for the first-order aberrations (normal near- and farsightedness) is more than necessary.
Regression is when the eyes attempt to “recover” some of the refractive error corrected during LASIK, resulting in a shift back towards the original refractive error. EBMD is an eye disorder that affects the normally clear front of the eye and can cause frequent fluctuation in vision.
Lastly, an incomplete or asymmetric ablation occurs when the surgeon does not achieve the planned ablation profile, either due to a miscalculation or due to incorrect application of the laser pulse.
If you are experiencing blurry vision five years after having LASIK, it is important to talk to your eye surgeon or optometrist. They will be able to assess the cause of your vision loss and determine the best course of action to correct it.
Can I have LASIK again after 20 years?
Yes, it is possible to have LASIK again after 20 years. In fact, it is now generally recommended to wait at least 10 years after your initial LASIK surgery before considering repeating the procedure.
This allows time for your eyes to fully stabilize and heal, and for any potential side effects to resolving.
It is important to note that you may not need to have additional LASIK surgery after 20 years. Many individuals who have had one LASIK procedure may never need to have another in their lifetimes, as the procedure is designed to keep your vision corrected for many years.
If you do choose to have another procedure after the 10 year mark, your doctor should be able to evaluate your eyes and discuss with you whether or not it is advisable to proceed.
Overall, while it is possible to have another LASIK procedure after 20 years, it is not necessarily necessary or even recommended in all cases. Your individual eye health and vision requirements should be evaluated prior to making a decision on whether or not to have a repeat LASIK procedure.
Is LASIK worth it over 40?
Whether or not LASIK is worth it over the age of 40 is largely dependent on a few different factors. On one hand, the results of LASIK tend to be more successful in younger patients since they don’t have the same onset of age-related conditions, such as presbyopia, that can cause vision correction needs to change over time.
However, there are still many people over the age of 40 who can benefit greatly from LASIK.
When considering LASIK, it’s important for someone who is 40 plus to consult an expert eye care professional. A thorough eye exam and discussion about individual factors, such as the overall health of the eyes, the potential for age-related changes, and the patient’s personal vision goals should all be taken into consideration.
Because of the potential changes that can come with age, it’s important to understand that even if a person is over 40, they may still need to wear glasses or contacts if the LASIK surgery doesn’t fully address their vision needs.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware that LASIK, like any surgery, does carry certain risks.
Overall, whether or not LASIK is worth the cost and risk for someone over the age of 40 will depend on the individual. By talking to an experienced eye care professional, anyone considering LASIK surgery can better understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
How many years can LASIK last?
The longevity of LASIK results vary greatly from person to person and can depend on several factors including genetics, lifestyle, age, and overall health. Generally, most studies have found that LASIK results can last up to 10 years or more.
While there are no guarantees, you can be rest assured that the effects of LASIK are usually very long-lasting and can potentially last for a lifetime depending on the individual. In some cases, the results can only last a few years and may require additional procedures in order to maintain sharp vision.
Additionally, the effects of LASIK may fade over time, so it is possible to experience some vision loss as you age. Taking proper preventive measures such as wearing wrap-around sunglasses, avoiding strain on the eyes, and getting an occasional checkup with your ophthalmologist can help to prolong LASIK results.
Has anyone lost vision from LASIK?
Yes, it is possible to experience some loss of vision after having LASIK surgery. While it is rare, it can happen due to a few factors. These can include complications from the surgery itself, such as the surgeon cutting too deeply or using an incorrect laser setting, incorrect use of the suction ring, suction failure, infection or inflammation of the tissue around the cornea, and/or improper healing of the corneal incisions.
People with certain vision conditions, such as extreme dry eyes, keratoconus, or previous eye surgery, may also be at higher risk of experiencing vision complications.
If vision loss after LASIK is suspected, it is important to speak to an ophthalmologist right away. The ophthalmologist can diagnose the cause of the problem and discuss possible treatment options such as glasses, contact lenses, eyeglasses, corneal transplant, or laser refractive surgery.
In some cases, the vision loss may be reversible while in other cases it may be permanent. In these cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary to restore as much vision as possible.
How long does LASIK last at 20 years old?
The longevity of LASIK results varies greatly on an individual basis and depends on many factors such as health, lifestyle, and age. Generally, outcomes may last 20 years or longer at a 20-year-old age.
It’s important to note that while an individual may achieve 20/20 vision after LASIK surgery, their eyes may change over time due to the natural aging process. Additionally, they may require additional surgeries or treatments to maintain optimal vision.
As such, it is important to maintain regular checkups to ensure that any prescribed eyewear is current and to confirm that vision remains stable.
Is it safe to have LASIK surgery a second time?
Yes, it is generally safe to have LASIK surgery a second time. The outcome should be just as successful, provided the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. However, it is important to discuss this with your ophthalmologist beforehand as they will be able to tell you if you are a suitable candidate for having LASIK surgery a second time.
The doctor may refer further assessments to make sure that the procedure is as safe and effective as possible. Factors such as the stability of your eyesight, pre-existing medical conditions, and overall corneal health can all be assessed.
Ultimately, if your doctor deems you to be a suitable candidate, then a second round of LASIK surgery should be safe and successful.
At what age is LASIK not worth it?
The ideal age for LASIK surgery is usually between 18 to 40. After age 40, the eyes usually begin to experience presbyopia, a natural decline in near focusing ability that requires reading glasses. Given the dynamic nature of age-related changes, the American Academy of Ophthalmology does not suggest LASIK after the age of 40.
Due to the nature of the surgery, LASIK cannot prevent age-related vision problems such as presbyopia, cataracts, and glaucoma. Many patients report feeling that the relief from glasses or contact lenses that LASIK provides has allowed them to extend their active life and remain independent longer than they would have without it.
However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that LASIK isn’t worth it after the age of 40 because age-related vision problems cannot be corrected with LASIK.
For patients over 40, refractive surgery such as advanced surface ablation, lens replacement, or monovision may be better alternatives to LASIK. Unlike LASIK, these procedures provide more permanent solutions that can keep up with the changing eye as it ages.
It is important to speak to an ophthalmologist to determine which type of refractive surgery would be the most beneficial for you.
Does LASIK eye surgery have to be redone?
No, typically LASIK eye surgery does not have to be redone. Most patients experience permanent results from the procedure, meaning that once the corrective surgery is completed, no other treatments are necessary.
Nevertheless, in some cases, enhancement procedures or touch ups may be necessary and desired. This typically occurs when a patient’s eye condition has changed or their lifestyle has changed and they now have different vision correction needs.
Additionally, some people may require subsequent laser treatments to fine tune their vision correction if they did not achieve their desired results the first time. Therefore, while LASIK eye surgery typically does not have to be redone, some patients may benefit from follow up treatments depending on their individual needs and lifestyle.