Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.
How Many Times Can You Have LASIK?
Patients preparing for LASIK surgery often ask us, “How many times can you have LASIK?” While it’s natural to want all the information you can have when it comes to your vision, only 5% of patients consider getting additional laser surgery post-LASIK.
LASIK is an incredibly safe and common procedure with permanent results. What follows is a brief overview of what circumstances might lead to the need for additional LASIK or LASIK enhancement surgery.
Can LASIK eye surgery be repeated?
Yes, most patients can undergo LASIK surgery multiple times. However, the answer to “How many times can you have LASIK?” changes from patient to patient, depending on the health and thickness of their corneas.
Since most doctors opt to perform LASIK on patients who are over 18 and whose prescription has stabilized, most LASIK candidates don’t need additional LASIK treatment. This is because their eyesight won’t undergo many changes post-surgery. This fact is especially true of patients over the age of 40.
For the small percentage of clients whose vision does change after LASIK, enhancement procedures such as PRK after LASIK are available.
In addition, doctors should warn patients with high prescriptions that they have a greater likelihood of needing additional treatment long before the surgery takes place. (Check out our post “Is my vision too bad for LASIK?” if you’re concerned that you might fit into this latter category.)
Can LASIK be repeated years later?
LASIK can be repeated from the end of the normal LASIK recovery timeline to many years after the surgery. Again, exactly how many times you can have LASIK will depend on the health and thickness of your cornea.
Whether you anticipate needing additional LASIK or a LASIK enhancement, making sure that you follow through with all of the best practices while preparing for LASIK and during LASIK surgery post-operative care improves the likelihood of a successful first and second surgery.
Is LASIK safe long-term? Can your vision get worse after LASIK?
The effects of LASIK surgery are permanent. Your LASIK can’t “wear off.” However, the health of your eye can change, which in turn can make your LASIK less effective. The vast majority of these eye health changes occur independently of your LASIK procedure — meaning they would likely have happened whether you chose to have LASIK or not.
For example, many people experience presbyopia (the hardening of your eye’s lens) as their eyes age and as they begin to wear reading glasses to make up for presbyopia-related vision loss. (Good news! Presbyopia, also known as near vision, can be treated.)
Concerned about the safety of LASIK? Talk with the doctors at Eye Center of Texas.
Around 95% of LASIK patients experience life-changing improvement in their vision after their first (and only) procedure. One way to ensure the success of your LASIK procedure is to go to a reputable LASIK surgeon.
If you want the benefits of LASIK but are worried about the procedure, request an appointment at Eye Center of Texas, which is home to some of the best LASIK surgeons in Houston, Texas. Our team of professionals will walk you through the process step-by-step and take the time to answer any questions you may have.
Don’t settle for the hassle of glasses and less-than-perfect vision. Call 713-395-1515 or request an appointment online to schedule a LASIK consultation today.
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Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
Office: 713-395-1515
Fax: 713-357-7278
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Medical Office:
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Medical Fax:
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Medical Office:
281-277-1010
Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
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455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
281-282-9152
Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
346-547-7070
Medical Fax:
281-214-2971
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
936-647-1610
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620