Can you have LASIK eye surgery twice?

LASIK is designed to be a permanent solution to vision problems. But sometimes people wonder: what if my eyes change later? Can I have LASIK twice?

The answer is that a second LASIK procedure is possible in some cases, but it depends on your eyes, your age, and how your vision has changed.

Why would someone need LASIK again?

Most patients only need LASIK once. However, there are situations where a second procedure — often called an enhancement — may be recommended:

• Prescription changes: Your eyes naturally change over time, particularly if you had surgery at a younger age.
• Age-related changes: Conditions like presbyopia (difficulty focusing up close) or cataracts can affect your vision as you get older.
• Undercorrection or regression: Very rarely, the first surgery may not correct your vision fully, or vision may regress slightly over time.

Is it safe to have LASIK twice?

In many cases, yes. But there are important safety checks first. Your surgeon will assess:

• Corneal thickness: Each LASIK treatment removes a small amount of corneal tissue. If your corneas are still thick enough, a second treatment may be possible.
• Overall eye health: Your eyes must be healthy, free of conditions like severe dry eye or glaucoma.
• Prescription stability: Your prescription must have been stable for at least a year.

What if I’m not suitable for LASIK again?

If your corneas are too thin or your eyes have changed with age, a repeat LASIK may not be suitable. In those cases, other vision correction options may be discussed, such as:

• LASEK or TransPRK: Surface treatments that don’t require creating a flap
• Lens replacement surgery: Replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one, often for patients over 50

How common are enhancements?

Enhancements are relatively rare. Studies show that around 90–95% of LASIK patients are satisfied with their vision long-term after a single treatment. Only a small percentage ever need a second procedure.

What does the second procedure involve?

An enhancement is usually quicker than the original LASIK procedure. The surgeon may re-lift the original flap or use a different approach depending on your eyes.

Recovery is similar to the first time, and many people notice improvements quickly.

Risks of having LASIK twice

The risks are similar to the first procedure, including dry eye, glare, or minor overcorrections. The key concern is corneal thickness, which is why detailed scans are always carried out first.

How to reduce the chance of needing LASIK twice

• Make sure your prescription is stable before your first surgery
• Follow all aftercare advice
• Protect your eyes from UV exposure
• Attend all follow-up appointments

So, can you have LASIK twice?

Yes, but it’s not always necessary — and not always possible. The best way to know is to have a full consultation.

Next steps

Want to know if LASIK could work for you — or if a repeat procedure might be an option in the future?

Take our suitability self-test. It’s free, quick, and gives you an instant idea of your options.