I was hoping that someone could help me with this question. I had my original Lasik surgery done on March 6, 2000. I was told at my post-op visit that my astigmatism was gone. At my one month visit I was told that my astigmatism in my right eye was 1.00 diopter, and .50 in my left. I just had an enhancement on my right eye September 20th. Again, the astigmatism is gone. My question is this; is it possible for astigmatism to come back again after the enhancement? I asked my doctor this but got a very vague answer. I was just wondering if in anyone has seen this happen. I am probably just worrying too much, but thanks in advance for any input!!

Astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia can recur following an initial LASIK or an enhancement. But most people end up with stable refractions. Only a small percentage of people generally need enhancements following the initial procedure (from 5-20% depending on the center). I would think that there is a similar chance of needing a second enhancement.
But worrying doesn't help reduce one's risk for an enhancement.

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

astigmatism may be present after surgery as it refers to the shape of the cornea, and instead of being completely spherical like a marble, the cornea has a ridge in some direction, causing distortion. the height of the ridge determines how distorted the vision will be.

all corneas have some degree of astigmatism, and it is only if your vision is distorted that it begins to be a problem. so while the enhancement will be aimed to get rid of the astigmatism, some may be present after the surgery as well.

debra tennen ,md