Can You Get LASIK Twice?
If you’ve had LASIK surgery in the past, you might wonder if it’s possible to have the procedure again, especially as your vision changes over time. A common concern for those over 45 is presbyopia—a condition that affects near vision. If you are experiencing age-related near vision loss after LASIK surgery, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) might be an ideal solution to achieve clearer vision.
Why Your Vision Changes After LASIK
- LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea to correct distance vision issues.
- Presbyopia, however, affects the eye’s lens, which naturally hardens and loses flexibility with age.
- If you had LASIK years ago, presbyopia is likely unrelated to the initial correction.
Can You Have LASIK Again?
In some cases, a LASIK enhancement can be performed. However, this is usually only if your cornea still has enough thickness for further reshaping. LASIK surgery is not designed to address presbyopia or age-related lens changes. This is where RLE comes in.
What Is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?
RLE is a surgical
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Refractive Lens Exchange
Cleveland Clinic
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procedure
that replaces the natural lens of the eye with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is similar to cataract surgery but performed to correct presbyopia and improve vision.
Key Points About RLE:
- Ideal for individuals aged 45 and older
- Addresses presbyopia directly by replacing the lens
- Can provide both near and distance vision correction
Are You a Candidate for RLE?
If you’ve had LASIK and now struggle with near vision due to presbyopia, consider these factors:
- Age: RLE is most beneficial for those 45 or older.
- Lens Condition: If your natural lens has started losing flexibility, RLE might be right for you.
- Previous Eye Health: A thorough evaluation will confirm if your eye is healthy enough for lens surgery.
Benefits of RLE for Those with Prior LASIK
- Lasting Vision Improvement: Unlike LASIK surgery, RLE replaces the lens, which doesn’t change with age.
- Reduced Risk of Needing Glasses: Helps you see clearly at various distances.
- Potential Cataract Prevention: Replacing the lens prevents cataracts from forming in the
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A Review of Refractive Lens Exchange
Review of Ophthalmology
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future.
1 Cleveland Clinic. Refractive Lens Exchange. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24840-refractive-lens-exchange. Accessed November 1, 2024.
2 Review of Ophthalmology. A Review of Refractive Lens Exchange. https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/a-review-of-refractive-lens-exchange. Accessed November 1, 2024.
The content on this page was authored and medically reviewed by Dr. Leonard M. Bley, MD, FACS, founder of NY LASIK and Surgical Director of Laser and Microsurgery Institute. Dr. Bley is an internationally recognized, board-certified refractive and cataract surgeon with over 35 years of clinical experience and more than 30,000 vision correction procedures performed across our Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens offices. A Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and member of the American College of Eye Surgeons, he trained at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital and completed fellowship training at New York University Hospital, with hospital affiliations at NYU Langone and Staten Island University Hospital. By combining decades of surgical expertise with a commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care, our team ensures all content on this site reflects the most current and accurate information in refractive surgery, cataract care, and advanced eye health.