Can You Still Get LASIK If You Already Had It 10 Years Ago?

If you had LASIK eye surgery a decade ago, you're not alone. Millions of people have turned to this popular procedure for long-lasting vision correction. But what happens if your eyesight changes again over time? Can you get LASIK a second time? 

In Santa Monica, California, board-certified ophthalmologist E. Joseph Nadji, MD, and our team offer expert guidance on your eye health. 

Let’s take a closer look.

Your vision can still change after LASIK

LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea to correct vision issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. For many patients, the results last for years. However, your eyes continue to age just like the rest of your body.

It’s common for people to experience some vision changes in their 40s or 50s, even if they had successful LASIK in their 20s or 30s. It can occur due to natural aging or conditions such as presbyopia. If your vision has changed significantly, you may wonder if a second LASIK procedure could help.

Yes, enhancement procedures are possible

In many cases, a second LASIK procedure, called a LASIK enhancement, is an option. It’s especially true if your original surgery left you with enough corneal thickness to work with. Dr. Nadji needs adequate tissue to reshape the cornea again safely.

Not everyone qualifies for a second LASIK, but many do. Dr. Nadji evaluates your eye health, the results of your original procedure, and your current vision. He uses advanced imaging tools to map your cornea and determine if it’s safe to proceed.

If you're a good candidate, an enhancement can fine-tune your vision and reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts again.

The timeline matters

You might wonder: Is 10 years too long? Not necessarily. What’s more important is how your eyes have changed during that time.

A decade is enough time for new vision issues to appear, but it’s also long enough for your eyes to have stabilized after the original surgery. Dr. Nadji prefers to wait until the vision changes have stabilized before performing a second LASIK procedure.

If your prescription has remained relatively steady for at least a year, that’s a good sign.

Other options if LASIK isn't right for you

Some patients may no longer qualify for a LASIK enhancement due to corneal thickness, dry eye issues, or other health concerns. The good news? LASIK isn’t the only option.

You might be a candidate for procedures like PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), which doesn’t require as much corneal tissue. Or, for age-related changes like presbyopia, Dr. Nadji may recommend reading glasses or consider a procedure like refractive lens exchange.

The key is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our team. From there, Dr. Nadji can guide you toward the best next step.

What to expect during a LASIK enhancement

The process for a LASIK enhancement is very similar to your first experience. It’s typically quick, outpatient, and relatively painless. You need to follow the same postop care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Recovery tends to be faster with enhancements, and most patients return to work within 1-2 days. 

Talk to our team of experts

If you’re wondering whether a second LASIK procedure is right for you, the best place to start is with our team and Dr. Nadhi. We’ll answer your questions, examine your eyes, and clearly explain your options.

Your vision matters, and there are often ways to improve it, even a decade after your first LASIK surgery. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to receive personalized assistance with your eye care.