If you’ve had LASIK surgery and your vision isn’t as sharp as expected, or you notice a significant decline in your vision quality over time, you might need a LASIK enhancement.
However, understanding whether additional correction is necessary requires careful consideration and a thorough evaluation by your eye doctor.
What Is a LASIK Enhancement?
A LASIK enhancement is a follow-up procedure intended to fine-tune your vision after an initial LASIK surgery. While the original LASIK procedure permanently reshapes your cornea to correct refractive errors (like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism), in some cases, the results may not achieve perfect vision or may degrade slightly over time. Enhancements provide an opportunity to address these issues, refining your visual acuity.
Although LASIK is highly successful, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better, factors such as improper healing, changes in the corneal shape, or natural ageing can lead to a need for enhancements.
Signs You Might Need a LASIK Enhancement
Here are some clear indications and scenarios that suggest you may benefit from a LASIK enhancement:
1. Declining Vision Quality
After LASIK, most patients experience sharp and clear vision for years. However, if you find your vision blurring again—either near or far—it could indicate residual refractive errors or regression, a condition where the cornea reverts slightly to its original shape.
2. Difficulty with Night Vision
Some LASIK patients notice glare, halos, or starbursts, especially while driving at night. While mild cases may resolve over time or be managed with eye drops, persistent or worsening night vision issues might warrant enhancement.
3. Needing Glasses or Contacts Again
One of the most significant benefits of LASIK is being able to ditch glasses or contact lenses. If you find yourself reaching for corrective eyewear for tasks like reading signs or working on a computer, it’s worth discussing further correction options with your eye doctor.
4. Astigmatism Returns
LASIK effectively addresses astigmatism for many patients. However, in some cases, a minor residual amount of astigmatism or regression could cause vision issues such as blurry images or difficulty distinguishing shapes. A LASIK enhancement can help correct this.
5. Age-Related Vision Changes
If you’ve undergone LASIK in your younger years, natural ageing processes, such as presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), can alter your vision. LASIK enhancement won’t prevent presbyopia, but it may address other underlying refractive issues.
Factors to Consider Before a LASIK Enhancement
Deciding whether you need an enhancement involves multiple factors. Some of these include:
1. Your Surgeon’s Evaluation
LASIK enhancements aren’t routine or automatic. Your surgeon will assess your eye health, corneal thickness, and stability of your prescription to determine if an enhancement procedure is appropriate. An overly thin or weakened cornea may limit your eligibility for further LASIK treatment.
2. Time Frame Since Your Initial Procedure
Healing is a critical factor. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least three to six months after your initial LASIK procedure to allow your vision to stabilise fully. Short-term fluctuations in vision following LASIK are normal and often settle without intervention.
3. Residual Vision Prescription
If your residual prescription is minimal (like +0.50 or -0.50 dioptres), enhancing it may not yield noticeable visual improvements. However, for significant residual errors, a LASIK enhancement can vastly improve clarity.
4. Corneal Thickness
LASIK involves reshaping the cornea by removing small amounts of tissue. If your cornea is too thin after the initial procedure, an enhancement may not be a safe or suitable option.
5. Overall Eye Health
Your eye’s health plays a crucial role in determining LASIK enhancement suitability. Conditions such as dry eye syndrome, cataracts, or glaucoma may require separate treatment or even render you ineligible for LASIK enhancement.
6. Your Vision Goals
Your personal satisfaction with your vision is also important. If minor imperfections don’t interfere with your lifestyle, enhancement may not be necessary. But if small adjustments can significantly improve your quality of life, it’s worth exploring the option.
What Does a LASIK Enhancement Entail?
If you and your eye surgeon decide that enhancement is the right step, here’s what to expect:
1. Pre-Procedure Assessment
Your surgeon will conduct extensive tests to evaluate your current vision, corneal health, and residual prescription. Advanced imaging techniques, like corneal topography and wavefront analysis, may also be used.
2. Flap Re-Lifting or New Incision
If your previous LASIK flap is still viable, your surgeon will lift the flap to perform additional reshaping. If the flap is no longer usable, they might create a new one using a laser.
3. Laser Re-Correction
Precision excimer lasers are used to apply the necessary corrections to your cornea, just as in the original LASIK procedure.
4. Post-Procedure Recovery
Recovery from a LASIK enhancement is usually quicker than the original procedure. Most patients notice improved clarity within a day or two, with complete stabilisation taking several weeks.
Alternatives to LASIK Enhancements
While LASIK enhancement can be highly effective, alternative options may be recommended based on your specific circumstances:
1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK may be advised instead of LASIK for further correction, especially if your corneas are too thin.
2. Contact Lenses or Glasses
For minor regression or residual errors, wearing glasses or contact lenses occasionally may be a practical and non-invasive option.
3. Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)
For individuals who’ve undergone LASIK but experience significant regression or other vision problems, ICLs may provide a longer-term solution without further corneal modification.
4. Monovision for Presbyopia
If presbyopia is your main concern, monovision correction (adjusting one eye for near vision and the other for distance) using LASIK or contact lenses is another possibility.
The Costs of LASIK Enhancements
Costs vary depending on factors such as the provider, the type of enhancement procedure, and post-operative care. Some providers include enhancements in their original LASIK pricing within a certain time frame. If enhancements are required years later, they might incur additional fees.
Be sure to clarify enhancement policies with your LASIK surgeon during your initial consultation. Discuss insurance coverage and potential financing options if cost is a concern.
Tips for Maintaining Optimal Vision Post-LASIK
To minimise the likelihood of needing an enhancement and maintain peak visual performance:
- Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions: Adhere to all recommendations from your surgeon, especially regarding drops and protective eyewear.
- Protect Your Eyes: Avoid eye strain, wear sunglasses outdoors, and reduce screen time whenever possible.
- Schedule Periodic Checkups: Regular visits to your eye doctor will help monitor changes in your vision and ocular health.
- Maintain Good Health: Conditions like diabetes or hypertension can indirectly impact vision. Healthy eating, staying active, and adequate hydration can all support long-term vision health.
Summing Up
A LASIK enhancement can be an excellent solution for refining vision if your initial results aren’t as precise or lasting as expected. However, the decision should always be guided by a professional evaluation and a clear understanding of your visual goals.
If you’re unsure about your current vision or wondering whether you need an enhancement, the best course of action is to consult your LASIK surgeon. With the right insights and next steps, you can continue enjoying the benefits of a sharp, clear vision for years to come.
