Changes in refraction FAQ

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What is the time course for healing after LASIK?
Most patients will have stable results after LASIK. That is, the one month to three month results will usually be permanent for most patients. However, some patients with initially good results may experience a change in their refraction over the first 3 to 6 months (and possibly longer). This shift in results over time is called regression.

What factors increase the risk of needing an enhancement?
The chance of having regression following LASIK is related to the initial amount of refractive error – that is – patients with higher degrees of myopia (-8.00 to –14.00) are more likely to experience regressions. For example, a –10.00 myope may initially be 20/20 after LASIK at the 2 week followup visit. However, over the course of the next 3 months, the refractive error may shift (regress) from –0.25 to –1.50 (or even more). This could reduce one’s visual acuity without glasses to less than 20/40 – at which point one could consider having an enhancement.

Are there other risk factors?
Regression is a change in refraction over the first few weeks to months after LASIK. It can also occur in women who are pregnant or who become pregnant shortly after LASIK. Birth control pills may also increase the risk of developing regression.

What to do if a regresion occurs?
If regression occurs, a patient should consult with their surgeon as to whether an enhancement would be advisable. Many surgeons wait a minimum of 3 months before considering an enhancement. The risks of an enhancement are similar to the risks of the original procedure. Updated July 2002