Can I Undergo Cataract Surgery After LASIK?
“5 years ago, I had LASIK surgery in Mumbai, and my eyes were absolutely fine. I have cataracts, which I suppose have increased. Can I undergo cataract surgery after LASIK?”
This patient’s query intrigued us to discuss this topic with everyone because it’s quite a relatable life situation. LASIK and cataract surgeries are very common eye surgeries with high success rates, and both can be done on the same eye. But many people who had LASIK eye surgery for vision correction doubt whether they can have cataract surgery.
The answer is YES; you can have cataract surgery in Mumbai after the LASIK procedure.
With this blog, we intend to explain how it is possible, how safe it is, and why you should not delay a cataract surgery after having LASIK surgery earlier.
What happens in LASIK eye surgery for vision correction?
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses (LASIK) is an eye surgery to correct refractive vision problems. The procedure can permanently correct visual acuity and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
In normal vision, the cornea refracts or bends the light rays to focus them on the retina and provide clear images. But due to inappropriate cornea shape, the light is bent incorrectly and causes vision acuity like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, resulting in blurred vision.
During LASIK surgery in Mumbai, a cutting laser is used to precisely incise and change the shape of the cornea (the transparent dome-shaped clear tissue in the front of your eye, responsible for causing 75% of vision) to improve vision.
Also Read- AM I TOO OLD FOR LASIK EYE SURGERY?
How is this possible to have cataract surgery after LASIK?
It is possible and safe to have cataract surgery after LASIK. This is because the procedures treat different parts of the eye to solve different vision problems.
Let’s understand both procedures in brief.
LASIK surgery is done on the cornea to correct near, far, or blurry vision problems. It alters the shape of the cornea to correct the refractive error of light and helps focus light on the retina, which solves the refractive index problem.
But in cataracts, the eye’s natural lens, which is supposed to be transparent and clear, becomes hard and clouded, causing hazy vision.
Cataract surgery aims to remove and replace the natural eye lens with Intra Ocular Eye Lens and correct vision problems.
How safe is cataract surgery after LASIK?
Cataract surgery is one of the most opted and safest eye surgeries, giving positive results in more than 99% of eyes that have done lasik procedures previously.
It is also safe if you have had LASIK done and want cataract surgery now!
The eyes heal quickly and completely in almost 3 months. You can have cataract surgery anytime beyond that duration.
You can contact Krishna Eye Centre for advice on when to have cataract surgery. Our well-experienced team of doctors will be happy to serve and treat your eye condition.
Why should you not delay a cataract surgery if you had LASIK surgery earlier?
A cataract develops gradually over time, diminishing vision and causing vision-related problems in day-to-day activities, for example, driving, using stairs, running, or even walking.
Both Procedures are different. A Lasik procedure does not mean a patient will not develop cataract
Also, there is a myth that cataracts should be operated on after a certain age when they mature. It is not true. Although cataract surgery is very safe (both before and after LASIK), the earlier you seek surgery, the better results you can expect.
If you already had a LASIK surgery for vision correction due to astigmatism, near or far-sightedness, you should disclose all details about the surgery, including
- When you had the surgery
- Power of your spectacles of eyes: before and after the LASIK surgery
- Details of corneal ablation with LASIK surgery
- Any further complications of the eyes, such as diabetic retinopathy
- Health complications such as blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
Our doctor will take your eye measurements for the accurate IOL lens power beforehand. If you had LASIK earlier, your corneal thickness would also be considered for accurate calculation of the power of the artificial lens (to be replaced in the cataract procedure.)
Why choose Krishna Eye Centre for LASIK, cataract surgery or other eye treatments?
We have been an advanced eye care centre for more than 25 years, meeting international standards in ophthalmology. We are a patient-centric clinic, providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatments for many eye conditions such as cataracts, distance vision issues, diabetic retinopathy treatment, glaucoma, pediatric eye care, and many more.
Our centres are conveniently located in central Mumbai, Sion, Dadar and Parel so that you can reach us when in need. With our highly qualified team of doctors, comprising vision therapists, optometrists, and technicians, we are committed to providing you best ophthalmic care.
We are sure that your search for the best cataract surgeon in Mumbai or the best eye specialist in Mumbai will end once you meet our team.
Book an appointment with Krishna Eye Centre and discuss your eye issue in a one-on-one consultation
Read More- BUSTED! TOP 5 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY DEBUNKED
