Can you get laser eye surgery twice?

If you’ve had laser eye surgery before, you might be wondering-can you have it again?

At Blink Vision Clinic in Canberra, this is a question we hear from people whose vision has changed years after their first treatment, or who still rely on glasses for certain tasks. The short answer is: sometimes, yes, but it depends on several factors.

Why would someone need laser eye surgery twice?

Laser eye surgery is designed to permanently change the shape of the cornea. But your eyes can still change naturally over time due to:

• Age-related changes (such as presbyopia)
• Shifts in prescription
• Eye conditions developing later in life

Some people may benefit from a second laser procedure, known as an enhancement, to fine-tune their vision.

What’s an enhancement procedure?

An enhancement is a secondary laser treatment performed after the original procedure. It’s usually quicker than the first surgery, as less tissue needs to be reshaped.

Not everyone needs or is suitable for an enhancement—most people remain happy with their vision for many years after their initial procedure.

What determines if you can have laser surgery again?

We’ll look at several factors before recommending a second treatment:

1. Corneal thickness – There needs to be enough tissue remaining to safely reshape the cornea again.
2. Eye health – Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or corneal disease may mean lasers is no longer suitable.
3. Prescription stability – Your vision should be stable for at least a year.
4. Time since first surgery – We typically wait until vision changes are significant enough to benefit from retreatment.

Is the second procedure different?

The process is similar to the first, but it can vary depending on your initial surgery type. For example:

• If you had LASIK, the original flap might be lifted, or a surface treatment like TransPRK may be used instead.
• If you had TransPRK, the laser will treat the corneal surface again.

Are there extra risks?

Because less corneal tissue is available after the first surgery, enhancements require careful planning. Risks are generally similar to the first procedure, but suitability is more limited.

That’s why a full clinical assessment is essential before making a decision.

Can laser fix all changes in vision?

No. If vision changes are due to conditions inside the eye, like cataracts, laser surgery won’t help. In those cases, other procedures, such as lens replacement, are more appropriate.

What if I’m not suitable for laser again?

If a second laser procedure isn’t safe or likely to meet your needs, we’ll explain why and discuss alternative refractive solutions. Our goal is always to recommend the safest, most effective option for your situation.

What should I do next?

If you’ve had laser eye surgery before and want to know whether you could have it again, start with a free appointment.