Can You Get LASIK with Cataracts?

At Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, we often get this question: can you get LASIK with cataracts? LASIK and cataract surgery are two distinct eye conditions and procedures. While both deal with vision correction, they are not typically performed together. We’ll explore what cataracts and LASIK are, their differences, and whether LASIK is an option for someone with cataracts.

Cataracts are a common eye condition that primarily affects older adults but can develop at any age. They occur when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision and glare from lights. Cataracts can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to see clearly, read, drive, or even recognize faces.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is a popular refractive eye surgery used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve how light enters the eye and focuses on the retina. LASIK can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, providing clearer vision.

Can LASIK Be Performed if You Have Cataracts?

In general, LASIK is not suitable for individuals with cataracts. Cataracts involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which LASIK does not address. LASIK works by reshaping the cornea, and it does not replace the cloudy lens affected by cataracts. Therefore, if you have cataracts, LASIK will not resolve the underlying issue causing your vision problems.

Treatment Options for Cataracts

If you have cataracts, there are several treatment options available, but LASIK is not one of them. The primary treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery, a safe and effective procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This surgery can restore clear vision and often reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with high success rates.

The Process of Cataract Surgery is as follows:

• A local anesthetic is applied to numb the eye.
• A small incision is made in the eye.
• The cloudy natural lens is broken up using ultrasound (phacoemulsification) or a laser.
• The cloudy lens fragments are removed.
• An artificial IOL is implanted to replace the removed natural lens.

Cataract surgery is highly effective in restoring clear vision and improving the quality of life for individuals with cataracts. After the procedure, some patients may still require glasses for reading or specific activities, but their overall vision is significantly improved.

In summary, if you have cataracts, LASIK surgery is not a suitable option to address your vision problems. Instead, cataract surgery is the recommended treatment to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens, ultimately improving your vision and quality of life. Our Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania surgeons can even replace the cataract-damaged lens with one that has built-in vision correction. We hope we’ve sufficiently answered the question: can you get LASIK with cataracts? If you have any concerns or questions about your eye health, it’s essential to consult with one of our expert team members who can provide you with personalized advice and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs.