Key Takeaways
- Most LASIK patients never need enhancement, but it is available when needed
- Blurry vision returning after LASIK is usually caused by myopic regression or under-correction, not LASIK “wearing off”
- Presbyopia (age-related reading vision loss) is not corrected by LASIK enhancement
- At Berkeley Eye Center, medically necessary enhancements within 2 years of your procedure are covered at no extra cost
- Candidacy depends on remaining corneal thickness and prescription stability
If your vision has changed since your LASIK procedure, you are not alone. You may have options. LASIK enhancement surgery is a follow-up laser procedure available to a small percentage of patients whose vision has shifted after their original surgery.
This guide covers what causes the need for enhancement, how to know if you are a candidate, and what to expect from the process at Berkeley Eye Center.
What Is LASIK Enhancement Surgery?
LASIK enhancement is a second laser eye procedure that fine-tunes the correction from your original LASIK surgery. It uses the same process as your initial procedure and has a similar recovery. Most patients who have it done experience improved clarity.
What enhancement is NOT:
- A sign that your original LASIK failed
- A routine part of LASIK; most patients never need it
- A solution for presbyopia (age-related reading vision loss)
If you are wondering whether LASIK results are permanent, read our guide on how long LASIK lasts.
Why Would I Need LASIK Enhancement?
There are three main reasons vision changes after LASIK:
1. Under-Correction or Over-Correction
Sometimes the laser removes slightly more or less tissue than planned. This leaves a small residual prescription that can be refined with an enhancement.
2. Myopic Regression
In a small number of patients, most often those with very high prescriptions, some nearsightedness gradually returns over time. This is more common with prescriptions above -8.00 diopters. It is not LASIK failing. It is the eye’s natural healing response making minor changes to the treated area.
3. Natural Prescription Changes
Patients who had LASIK in their early 20s may still experience minor prescription shifts as their eyes continue to mature. This is why Berkeley Eye Center recommends waiting until at least age 21 with at least one to two years of prescription stability before having LASIK.
What about presbyopia? Presbyopia, which is the gradual loss of near vision that begins in your 40s, is caused by the natural lens of the eye, not the cornea. LASIK enhancement cannot correct presbyopia. Monovision LASIK and other options may help. Learn more about presbyopia treatment →
How Common Is LASIK Enhancement?
Enhancement rates are low, especially with modern custom LASIK technology. With advanced systems like iDESIGN, the need for enhancement is significantly lower than it was with older conventional LASIK. Most patients with moderate prescriptions achieve permanent results from a single procedure.
Enhancement is the exception, not the expectation.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK Enhancement?
Not every patient who wants an enhancement qualifies for one. Your surgeon will evaluate three key factors:
Remaining Corneal Thickness
LASIK removes a small amount of corneal tissue. Enough must remain to safely perform a second treatment. This is the most common reason some patients cannot have enhancement. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, residual corneal tissue is the most critical safety factor for any follow-up laser procedure.
Prescription Stability
If your prescription is still changing, enhancement is premature. Your surgeon will typically want to confirm at least 12 months of stability before proceeding.
Time Since Original Surgery
Enhancement is generally most appropriate after the eye has fully healed. This is usually 6 to 12 months after your original LASIK.
What Does LASIK Enhancement Involve?
The enhancement procedure follows the same steps as your original LASIK:
- Your eye is numbed with drops
- The laser is applied to refine the corneal correction
- You rest briefly and go home the same day
- Vision improves within 24 to 48 hours for most patients
Recovery is similar to your first LASIK procedure. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
Not familiar with what LASIK surgery involves? Here’s exactly what happens during the procedure →
What Does Berkeley Eye Center Include with LASIK?
At Berkeley Eye Center, medically necessary enhancement treatments within 2 years of your initial procedure are covered at no additional cost.
This reflects our confidence in our surgical outcomes and our commitment to your long-term vision. If you are concerned about changes in your vision after LASIK with us, contact our team to schedule a post-operative evaluation.
For more pricing details, including our enhancement policy, visit our LASIK cost and financing page.
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
Ready to Find Out If You Qualify?
If you have noticed vision changes after LASIK and want to know whether enhancement is right for you, the first step is a post-operative evaluation at Berkeley Eye Center.
Our LASIK surgeons will review your corneal health, prescription history, and overall eye health. They will give you an honest, personalized recommendation.
If you think you might be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, or need corrective LASIK enhancement surgery, contact the Berkeley Eye Center via our website, or call us at (713) 526-3937 to schedule an appointment with a Houston LASIK eye surgeon.