Can I Have LASIK After Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye which, left untreated, can lead to a complete loss of vision. Once discovered, cataract surgery is the only way to prevent vision loss. During cataract surgery, your natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Your new lens will be immune to future clouding and, in many cases, can greatly improve vision.

The purpose behind cataract surgery is to prevent blindness by removing the cataract. Optimal vision correction achieved through various intraocular lenses is possible, but certainly not guaranteed. Your eye surgeon will discuss what you can realistically expect following your cataract surgery in more detail.

LASIK after Cataract Surgery

If you are not happy with your vision improvement following cataract surgery, you can discuss your refractive surgery options with your ophthalmologist. A more common approach is to undergo LASIK while a cataract is still small, waiting until necessary to remove the clouded lens. However, there is no single approach that is right for everyone and what is best for you should be determined by a trusted ophthalmologist.

If you are considering LASIK or have questions about your candidacy for refractive surgery following the removal of a cataract, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area today to schedule an initial consultation.