Can I Have Cataract Surgery After LASIK?
June 30, 2021
LASIK surgery can give you amazing results, sparing you the need for glasses or contact lenses for years. However, it can’t stop the development of cataracts. Cataracts are caused by a build-up of protein on the lens of your eye over time. It’s usually a slow process that can take years before you even notice a difference. Once it begins to become substantial, your vision becomes clouded or blurry. Eventually, it can get to the point that surgical intervention is needed. Cataracts typically develop after the age of 60, but this can be different for each person. If you have diabetes or you take steroids for a health condition, your risk of developing cataracts could increase. Surgery is the most effective way to address cataracts. Your ophthalmologist will diagnose your cataracts through the use of a series of tests that include a retinal evaluation, an evaluation of your visual acuity, and a slit-lamp evaluation. If you’ve had LASIK surgery, it’s important to know your options for cataracts, so here’s what to know.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe After a LASIK Procedure?
If you’ve already undergone LASIK surgery to improve your vision, cataract surgery is still possible. Cataract surgery focuses on the lens of your eye that has become cloudy over time. Your eye surgeon will remove the lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens. Cataract surgery offers you two benefits. It can eliminate blurred vision caused by the proteins affecting the lens of your eye. In addition, your ophthalmologist can address any refractive concerns having an impact on your vision. Even with LASIK, it’s possible that your eyes will change over time, increasing the possibility of needing glasses for reading. This can sometimes be corrected with cataract surgery.
Make Sure Your Cataract Surgeon Has Your LASIK Procedure Records
When you’re evaluated for cataract surgery, be sure to tell your ophthalmologist about your previous LASIK procedure. If you’re seeing a new provider, your ophthalmologist will request a copy of your records from your LASIK surgeon to know all the specifics about how your eyes were previously altered during surgery. The main goal is to make sure your cataract procedure will give you optimal results, so planning the right procedure and lens type for you and your eyes is an important step.
Schedule a Consultation
Our team at Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology can discuss the best approach to improve your vision. During a consultation, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your cataracts in order to create a treatment plan designed specifically for you. The best way to get started is by scheduling a consultation at our Falls Church office and meeting with our team. We invite you to contact us by calling or filling out our online form.
