Hello, I had lasik done 10 years ago when it first became available in the US. (Indiana, December of 1996)
My vision went from 20/500 left eye, to 20/20.
And my right eye from 20/600, to 20/15.

In 2001 I noticed my vison had changed to the point of getting glasses. My vision is still not bad, my left eye is 20/25, but my right eye is 20/45. I know too alot of people this is still great vision and wouldn't bother, but form me, I like and want too see perfect, especially when I drive. I beleive my vision also bothers me somewhat, as my right eye is dominant and wants to see clearly but can't.

Anyways, I'm considering lasik on my right eye only. I've been hesitant for alot of years as i thought my vision would keep changing. I still wear the same old glasses from 2001 and my vision hasn't changed since.

Are patients that get lasik twice a greater risk for complications? Am I a weaker candidate for lasik because i had it done already and now i'm 38 years old? I haven't seen too many 10 year patients wanting a touch up post on any boards.

Thanks for listening,
Eric

The risk for enhancement Lasik is virtually identical to the risk for initial Lasik, but there are some general advantages. Because the Lasik flap already exists, it will be lifted rather than a new flap being created. Yes, even after 10 years the flap can be lifted. Actually, “lifted” is the wrong term. It is more like being separated at the location of the original incision.

An advantage you have for Lasik enhancement is that in the past decade the technology has vastly improved and the probability of the desired result is greater today than in 1996.

I urge you to not rush into having enhancement correction. If you minor refractive error is myopia (nearsighted, shortsighted) vision, you are going to want that in a couple of years. There are two ways to describe myopia. One is that you can’t see distant object well, and the other is that you can see near objects well. At around age 40 the ability to change focus from distance to near is diminished to the point that reading glasses are required for near vision. If you are slightly myopic and have the good near vision that comes with myopia, you may be able to delay the need for reading glasses indefinitely. You may want to read about what I call “Sudden Presbyopia” at http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/sudden_presbyopia.htm

If you are still motivated to have enhancement surgery, consider monovision correction. http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik-monovision.htm

Glenn Hagele
http://USAEyes.org
Lasik Patient Advocacy & Surgeon Certification

I am not a doctor.