The quick answer is yes, but it’s unlikely. Lasik eye surgery is considered to be a permanent correction of the distance vision. The likelihood of needing a touchup or enhancement surgery in the immediate postop period is about 1%, and that occurs because everybody heals in a slightly different fashion. Let’s look at some of the reasons that may cause the eye to change over time. The most common issue is that the lens on the inside of the eye loses its flexibility as we age. Typically, by the time we reach our mid 40s the lens can no longer focus up close. That’s when you see people starting to use reading glasses or bifocals. Currently, there is no method to prevent the aging of the normal human lens. Chronic rubbing of the eye is also a reason why the eye could change over time. We know that forceful rubbing of the eye over time can cause astigmatism which is when the eye becomes shaped like a football rather than round like a basketball.
There are several factors that determine if someone could have Lasik eye surgery a second time, the most important being the curvature of the cornea and the thickness of the cornea. If a cornea is too thin there won’t be enough room to make the necessary adjustments, and if the cornea is either too steep or too flat an adjustment could not be made.
When deciding if another procedure is needed to correct the vision, it’s very important to determine why the vision changed. After careful examination, looking at the cornea, the lens, and the retina an ophthalmologist can determine which technique is most suited for you. There are a variety of procedures that can help you maintain glasses free vision for life.
