When Is a LASIK Enhancement Needed?
If you’ve had LASIK and your vision isn’t as clear as expected—or has changed over time—you may wonder if you need a LASIK enhancement, also called a LASIK touch-up.
A LASIK enhancement is a secondary vision correction procedure that may improve residual or newly developed refractive errors after LASIK. However, not everyone is a candidate, and an eye examination is needed to determine if an enhancement is appropriate.
What Is a LASIK Enhancement?
A LASIK enhancement is performed after an initial LASIK procedure to fine-tune vision. While most LASIK patients achieve significant vision improvement, some may have a small amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism remaining—or experience changes in their prescription over time.²
Blurred vision after LASIK can also have other causes, such as dry eye or changes in the eye, so an enhancement is not always the best solution.2
Who Is a Candidate for a LASIK Enhancement?
Your eye surgeon will evaluate several factors before recommending an enhancement, including:
- Stable prescription: Your vision and prescription should remain stable for an appropriate period after LASIK.³
- Healthy corneas: Your corneas must have adequate thickness and an appropriate shape for additional treatment.
- Good overall eye health: Active eye conditions may make an enhancement inappropriate.
- Correctable refractive error: Your surgeon will determine whether your vision changes can be addressed with additional laser correction.
What Happens During a LASIK Enhancement Evaluation?
The process of a LASIK enhancement is similar to the initial LASIK procedure. It involves:
- Comprehensive Examination: You eye surgeon relies upon a thorough examinations, including a cycoplegic refraction, to determine if you are a suitable candidate for an enhancement. This testing may performed by your initial LASIK surgeon’s medical team or potentially your own eye doctor / optometrist.
- Corneal Reshaping: Using advanced laser technology, your surgeon will adjust the corneal shape to correct any residual refractive errors.
- Recovery: The recovery period for a LASIK enhancement is typically the same as the initial procedure as the cornea has already undergone some changes.4 And you’ll still need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.
Should You Consider a LASIK Enhancement?
Deciding to undergo a LASIK enhancement is a significant choice. If you’re experiencing changes in your vision or are dissatisfied with the results of your initial LASIK surgery, consulting with an experience eye surgeon may be needed. They can assess your individual circumstances and guide you toward the best course of action.
Like and surgery, a LASIK enhancement has risks and potential complications that will be discussed with you during a surgical consultation prior to the procedure.
LASIK enhancements can offer an opportunity to fine-tune your vision and achieve the level of clarity you desire. If you’ve previously had LASIK and are considering an enhancement, consult with a qualified eye surgeon to explore your options and determine whether an enhancement is the right choice for you. Remember, each individual’s situation is unique, and personalized guidance is essential in making informed decisions about your eye health.
- Moshirfar, Majid, Noor F. Basharat, Nour Bundogji, Emilie L. Ungricht, Ines M. Darquea, Matthew E. Conley, Yasmyne C. Ronquillo, and Phillip C. Hoopes. “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Enhancement for Residual Refractive Error after Primary LASIK.” Journal of Clinical Medicine 11, no. 16 (August 18, 2022): 4832. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11164832.
- Refractive Surgery Council. “LASIK Enhancements: LASIK Touch-Up Facts,” August 18, 2022. https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/understanding-facts-lasik-enhancement/.
- “How to Approach LASIK Enhancements,” October 6, 2014. https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/how-to-approach-lasik-enhancements.
- Refractive Surgery Council. “LASIK Enhancements: LASIK Touch-Up Facts,” August 18, 2022. https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/understanding-facts-lasik-enhancement/.
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