Cataract Surgery After LASIK

Is it possible to have cataract surgery after LASIK surgery? Yes; in fact, successful cataract surgery can be performed after any type of laser vision correction procedure (including PRK, Epi-LASIK and LASEK), so there is no reason to worry about losing your vision.

LASIK and Cataracts

LASIK and other types of laser vision correction are performed on the cornea — the dome-shaped “window” at the front of your eye. During surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea so it will bend light rays and focus more precisely on your retina, providing clearer vision.

Cataract surgery, on the other hand, is performed on the natural lens inside your eye that is positioned just behind the iris (the colored part of your eye). When this natural lens becomes cloudy, it is called a cataract.

Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implant. After cataract surgery, many people have clear distance vision without glasses, although most still need glasses for close-up work or reading.

If you have had LASIK surgery, your cataract surgeon will have to make some extra calculations to determine the correct lens power for the IOL. To ensure that you will be able to see well after cataract surgery, you should plan to provide the surgeon with information about your eyes and eyesight from before and after your LASIK surgery.

The records from your LASIK surgery should contain this information. If you do not have them, request them from the doctor who performed your LASIK surgery.

If you are unable to obtain copies of your records, cataract surgery can still be done. The Elmquist Eye Group team will do thorough testing to attempt to pinpoint the best lens choice for you.

Cataracts can occur at any age, but are a very common part of the natural aging process. If you have trouble reading, seeing in the distance, or difficulty when driving at night, you may have a cataract. Many people don’t even realize they have one until it is discovered during a routine eye examination.

If you think you may need cataract surgery after LASIK, Elmquist Eye Group can help you achieve the best possible visual results. Call us today at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment and get started.