It is not recommended to undergo LASIK surgery if you have cataracts. LASIK reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Cataracts, however, involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits behind the iris. LASIK cannot address the cloudiness caused by cataracts. The primary goal for someone with cataracts is to treat the cataract itself to restore clear vision.
Why LASIK Isn’t Suitable with Cataracts
LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors, improving how light focuses onto the retina. However, cataracts develop within the eye’s natural lens, causing it to become cloudy, scatter light, and blur vision. LASIK cannot remove this cloudiness or improve the clarity of the natural lens.
Cataracts are progressive. As they advance, the lens becomes increasingly opaque, leading to a continuous decline in vision. Even if LASIK were performed, any temporary improvement would be short-lived because the underlying cataract would continue to worsen. This would render the LASIK procedure ineffective over time.
The Standard Treatment for Cataracts
Cataract surgery is the highly effective treatment for cataracts. This common procedure involves removing the cloudy natural lens from the eye, which is then replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This replacement restores the eye’s ability to focus light properly, clearing vision.
Cataract surgery is a safe and routine procedure, with millions performed annually. It has a high success rate, with approximately 95% to 98% of people experiencing improved vision. While full recovery can take up to four weeks, many individuals notice vision improvement within a few days.
Achieving Vision Correction with Cataracts
Refractive errors can be addressed either during or after cataract treatment. Modern cataract surgery offers the opportunity to correct pre-existing refractive errors through the implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs). These specialized IOLs can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses after surgery.
Advanced IOLs include Toric IOLs, which correct astigmatism. Multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs provide vision correction at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far), reducing dependence on glasses. Light-adjustable lenses (LALs) allow for post-operative adjustments to fine-tune vision after the eye has healed.
If a residual refractive error persists after cataract surgery, a LASIK or PRK enhancement can be considered. This secondary laser procedure is performed only after the eye has fully healed and stabilized from the cataract surgery, typically after several months. LASIK after cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to fine-tune vision and achieve better clarity for those who still require some correction.