Had LASIK and Now Need Cataract Surgery? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’ve had LASIK surgery to correct your vision, you may wonder how this impacts your future eye health, especially if you’re now facing the need for cataract surgery. 
At Optical Expressions, our doctors are here to provide clarity and guidance for your unique situation.

LASIK and Cataracts: Understanding the Difference

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular procedure designed to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, it does not prevent or contribute to the development of cataracts, which are a natural result of aging or other factors that cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy.

Cataract surgery involves removing the eye’s cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). For those who have had LASIK in the past, the cataract surgery process remains effective, but there are special considerations your surgeon will need to take into account.

The Importance of Sharing Your LASIK History with your Cataract Surgeon

One of the most crucial steps for patients is to inform their cataract surgeon of their LASIK history. Why? LASIK alters the corneal shape, which can impact the precision of measurements needed to determine the correct IOL power for your cataract surgery. Specialized testing and adjustments are often required to ensure the best possible outcome.

What You Can Expect During Cataract Surgery After LASIK

Your ophthalmologist will perform additional tests to calculate the right IOL for your eye. This process may include:

• Advanced measurements of the corneal surface and curvature.
• In-depth discussion about lens options, including premium lenses that correct astigmatism or even reduce dependence on glasses.
• Laser guided cataract surgery is another option that can monitor measurements of the cornea and provide instantaneous calculations about the eye’s surface during cataract surgery to help the surgeon achieve the desired visual outcome post-surgery.

Rest assured, cataract surgery after LASIK is both safe and effective when performed by a skilled eye surgeon with the right knowledge and experience. 

Special Considerations and Warnings

• Lens Selection: Choosing the right IOL is critical. After LASIK, your visual needs may differ, and a customized approach is key.

• Post-Operative Recovery: Your recovery timeline may look slightly different than someone who hasn’t had LASIK, but most patients recover well and experience significant improvements in vision.

• Follow-Up Care: Regular post-op visits are essential to ensure healing is progressing properly, especially for patients with previous refractive surgery.

Conclusion: Trust Your Eyes to an Experienced Team

If you’re considering or were recommended to have cataract surgery and have had LASIK in the past, you do not have to navigate these decisions alone. 

At Optical Expressions, we specialize in tailoring cataract surgery plans for patients with a history of LASIK. Our expert team ensures you receive the best care and optimal visual outcomes.

Our doctors are optometrists and do not perform cataract surgery themselves, but we work with many different ophthalmologists in town to provide referrals and coordinate post-operative care.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help restore your vision with cataract surgery, even if you’ve had LASIK in the past.