What is a LASIK Enhancement?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser eye surgery that can correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While LASIK is a safe and effective procedure that provides excellent, long-lasting vision improvement, some patients may experience changes in their vision over time that require additional treatment, known as a LASIK enhancement. There are several reasons why you may need a LASIK enhancement:
- Residual Refractive Error: In some cases, the initial LASIK procedure may not fully correct the refractive error, leaving a small amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. This can lead to slightly blurred vision that may require a touch-up procedure.
- Post-LASIK Prescription Change: Over time, the cornea can gradually change shape, causing a return of the original refractive error or inducing a new one. True change in corneal curvature over time is rare, but more commonly the surface layer of the cornea (the cornea epithelium) can remodel over time inducing refractive error. This is most common in patients with higher initial prescriptions.
- Cataract Development: The natural aging process can lead to the development of cataracts, which causes the eye’s natural lens to gradually cloud over, resulting in refractive change and progressive loss of vision. In these cases, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, the latest innovation in the technique, is a safe and effective solution to restore clear vision.
- Irregular Astigmatism: In rare cases, the cornea may develop an irregular shape after LASIK, leading to distorted or blurred vision that can be addressed with other corneal reshaping procedures.
- Presbyopia: As you age, the natural lens inside your eye can become stiffer, making it harder to focus on close-up objects. This condition, known as presbyopia, may require a LASIK enhancement, such as monovision LASIK, or refractive lens exchange to help restore near vision.
Duration of LASIK Results – How Long Does LASIK Last?
The long-term durability of LASIK results can vary from person to person. Most patients enjoy excellent vision for many years after their initial LASIK procedure. However, for some patients the need for a LASIK enhancement does occur. This can happen at any time, from a few months to many years after the initial procedure.
Factors that can influence the longevity of LASIK results include:
- Age: Typically, patients between 25 and 40 tend to have more stable vision and a lower likelihood of needing a LASIK enhancement.
- Initial Prescription: Patients with higher degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may be more prone to regression and the need for a touch-up procedure.
- Corneal Healing: Individual variations in corneal healing and the eye’s response to the LASIK procedure can also impact the durability of results.
Common Vision Changes After LASIK Surgery
While LASIK is designed to provide long-lasting vision improvement, some patients may experience the following vision changes after their initial procedure:
- Blurry Vision: Temporary blurriness or fluctuations in vision are common in the first few weeks after LASIK, as the cornea heals and stabilizes. However, if blurriness persists or worsens over time, it may indicate the need for a LASIK enhancement.
- Glare and Halos: Some patients may experience increased sensitivity to glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially at night. This is usually temporary, but in some cases, it can be a sign that further treatment is needed.
- Dry Eyes: LASIK can temporarily disrupt the eye’s natural tear production, leading to temporary dry eye symptoms like irritation, redness, and discomfort, known as Surgery Temporary Ocular Discomfort Syndrome (STODS). STODS may require additional treatment, such as eye drops or punctal plugs, to alleviate the issue.
- Post-LASIK Prescription Change: As mentioned earlier, the gradual changes in the cornea’s shape or the cornea epithelium can lead to a return of refractive error, requiring a LASIK enhancement to maintain optimal vision.
Dealing with Blurry Vision After LASIK
If you experience persistent or worsening blurry vision after your LASIK procedure, it’s important to schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye doctor. A comprehensive eye examination can bring to light the underlying cause and determine the appropriate course of action. We encourage you to work closely with CLEI’s team of expert eye care providers to address any post-LASIK vision changes, as prompt treatment can help ensure the best possible long-term visual outcomes.
Contact Lens Usage After LASIK Surgery
After LASIK surgery, most patients are able to achieve clear, sharp vision without the need for corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses. However, in some cases, you may still require contact lenses for certain activities or to address specific vision needs.
Here are a few key considerations regarding contact lens use after LASIK:
- Refractive Error: If you develop refractive error after LASIK over time, your doctor may prescribe contact lenses to temporarily correct your vision until a LASIK enhancement can be performed.
- Presbyopia: As you age and develop presbyopia, you may need to use bifocal or multifocal contact lenses to address your changing vision needs.
- Dry Eyes: If you experience persistent dry eye symptoms after LASIK, your doctor may recommend the use of specialty contact lenses, such as scleral lenses, to provide additional moisture and comfort.
It’s important to follow your eye doctor’s recommendations regarding contact lens use after LASIK to ensure the best possible visual outcome and to protect the health of your eyes.
Can You Have LASIK Twice? Exploring the Possibility of Multiple LASIK Surgeries
In some cases, you may be able to undergo a second LASIK procedure, known as a LASIK enhancement, if your vision changes after the initial surgery. However, the decision to pursue a LASIK enhancement is a highly individualized one that should be made in consultation with your eye care provider.
Here are a few key factors to consider regarding multiple LASIK procedures:
- Timing: After the initial LASIK surgery, time is needed to allow the cornea to fully stabilize before a LASIK enhancement can be considered. Generally, this requires a minimum of 3 months.
- Cause of Vision Changes: Your eye doctor will carefully evaluate the underlying reason for your vision changes, such as residual refractive error or regression, to determine if a LASIK enhancement is the best course of action.
- Expectations: It’s important to have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes of a LASIK enhancement, as the results may not be as dramatic as the initial LASIK procedure.
In some cases, alternative treatments, such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery, may be recommended instead of a LASIK enhancement, depending on your individual circumstances.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing vision changes after a LASIK procedure, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our experienced eye care team. We will thoroughly evaluate your condition and work with you to determine the best course of action, whether that’s a LASIK enhancement or an alternative treatment. Contact us today to take the first step towards restoring your clear, sharp vision.
