Unfortunately, not all LASIK patients come away with 20/20 vision following their initial procedure. While most people achieve satisfactory results from their LASIK surgery, some people require additional treatment. Their eyesight may be better, but not quite perfect, prompting them to contact their doctor to discuss having another LASIK treatment. These follow-up surgeries are referred to as enhancements.
Most patients do not require or elect to undergo a second treatment. Patients initially requiring a higher degree of correction are more likely to need enhancements. An enhancement procedure may be performed on only one eye or both.
Of those people who do undergo a second LASIK surgery, most experience significantly improved vision. Even if after your first procedure there were no complications, it is possible to experience issues following your enhancement. There is also the possibility that your vision ends up poorer than before. You will want to speak with your doctor about the risk factors when considering an enhancement.
If after your first LASIK procedure your vision is improved, but not as good as you had hoped for, re-treatment might be an option. The decision to have a second procedure is as important as the decision you made to have the initial surgery. After speaking with your doctor, you may decide that you are satisfied with sometimes needing to wearing glasses. If, for example, the only time you have problems with your vision is when you are driving a car in low light conditions, such as at night, you might decide that an enhancement procedure is not necessary. Your doctor can help you make this decision based on your circumstances.
People are often motivated to pursue a LASIK enhancement by frustration or the desire to completely rid themselves of their dependence on corrective lenses. If the results do not meet your realistic expectations, it is often a good idea to discuss the topic of re-treatment with your doctor. Additional fees may be charged for enhancements.
If you do decide on having enhancement surgery, the procedure will be familiar to you. You may be less fearful if you were anxious prior to the first treatment. You will have gone through the healing process before, so taking care of yourself after the surgery will be familiar and easier. That does not mean that you should not ask your doctor any questions you may have or that there is less risk.
If after having LASIK surgery, you are not totally satisfied with your results additional treatment is an option. Speak with your doctor to find out if you can undergo a second procedure. There may be additional costs involved or your doctor may feel that further surgery is not a good option. If you are considering having LASIK surgery for the first time you should be aware that your results may not be perfect and that additional surgery is a possibility.