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.
Most patients who choose to have an enhancement find that their eyesight is greatly improved as a result. Be aware that having a second treatment does not guarantee perfect eyesight and that the same risks that the patient has to consider before having their first surgery need to be considered again prior to the second. Your doctor will help set realistic expectations and answer any questions you have about the risk associated with having another LASIK procedure.
If after your initial LASIK surgery, you are unsatisfied with your vision an enhancement procedure might be best. If your vision is good but not quite perfect, then you have an important decision to make. You may decide that wearing eyeglasses on occasion or for specific situations such as driving at night is perfectly acceptable. Consult with your doctor and decide whether you can adapt or if more surgery is a good idea.
People who undergo a second procedure are often motivated by either an under correction or an overcorrection of their vision. They might see well in general, but their vision in certain circumstances is not as strong as they had hoped. If they find that they need eyeglasses for distance vision or perhaps for reading, they may opt instead for a second procedure. If your vision following your first LASIK eye surgery procedure is unsatisfactory, then certainly it is worth a discussion with your doctor.
With an enhancement, patients know what to expect in terms of the surgery. Complications can still occur, though. The procedure may be identical or slightly different than your first surgery, but having gone through the process once you should be aware and accepting of the risks.
Before you have your first LASIK procedure, your doctor will or should make it clear to you that the need for additional surgery is one possible outcome. Not everyone achieves perfect eyesight following LASIK and of those who do not some find that the imperfections require further surgery. If you are not sure you can live with the results or if you know you want to have an enhancement, speak with your doctor. Discuss your options, the risks, and any costs that you'll have to bear associated with a LASIK enhancement.