Self-scheduling is currently available for select locations!
The world with cataracts is dull and cloudy. Luckily, cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful eye surgeries performed today. The experts at OCLI are pioneers in new technologies and advancements in cataract surgery and know how to ensure the best eye care outcomes for patients. Often times, patients will also have refractive errors they would like to correct as well as a need for cataract surgery. So, can you do both?
In this article, we will walk you through each surgery, discuss whether they should be combined or done separately, and outline the best candidates for each one.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts are protein deposits that form in the lens of the eye, obscuring and clouding your vision. Cataract surgery is performed to restore the vision of those affected by cataracts. Using a laser, the eye surgeon will cut open the cornea using small incisions with a laser, then a device is used to break up the cataracts and remove the cataract-filled lens. A cataract eye doctor will then replace the old lens with a new intraocular lens implant (IOL) before. There are different options for the IOL replacement, depending on what vision issues you have and what you and eye doctor decide is best. Once you heal from surgery, you should be able to see better with your new lens and cataract-free eyes.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK is refractive correction laser surgery used to fix vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and sometimes presbyopia. It is different from cataract surgery, but just as safe and also performed with a laser. The first eye correction laser surgeries in the country were performed by OCLI Vision surgeons! We know our vision correction.
During the procedure, the surgeon will create a flap of the cornea to expose the correct structures for the surgeon to fix. From this point, the ophthalmologist will make adjustments to the shape of the cornea to ensure correct vision at all distances. To finish, the flap is replaced and the eyes are covered to allow for healing. Healing is very quick, with most patients able to drive to their post-operative eye exams without glasses the very next day. New advancements in LASIK, like the femtosecond-assisted version, include using lasers to complete the procedure, ensuring more precise results. Bladeless LASIK has a high success rate and minimal recovery time!
Sometimes, patients are not good candidates for LASIK surgery. In this case, there are other options available, such as PRK. PRK is for those with thin corneas or those who have undergone other vision correction surgeries. With PRK, the surgeon does not create a corneal flap but rather uses an excimer laser to correct the shape of the cornea. It requires more healing time as the whole cornea has to recover, but the results are comparable to LASIK.
Can Cataract Surgery and Vision Correction be Done Together?
What if you could have crystal-clear vision? That is the ultimate hope for people suffering from both cataracts and refractive errors! And, they often want to know if they can have cataract surgery and LASIK. The answer is a bit nuanced.
Most people will develop cataracts at some point in their lives, it just depends on what age they are when it starts to impact their vision and how quickly the cataracts progress. For cataract patients still dealing with refractive errors, we have some good news! Thanks to advancements in IOL options, patients can choose a lens that addresses their refractive errors which will be placed during their cataract surgery, resulting in clear vision at any distance.
However, it is not advisable, nor is your surgeon likely to agree to perform both LASIK and cataract surgery at the same time. This is because refractive errors may be corrected with an IOL implant with the patient’s prescription during cataract surgery, reducing the need for LASIK. Additionally, your vision will need to stabilize after either surgery. You will not know right away if your refractive errors have been fixed with an advanced lens or if they are still present until after a complete healing time and a visit to your ophthalmologist for review.
In some cases, a patient’s refractive errors may be too severe for the IOL alone to fix. If that is the case, the eye surgeon may still suggest waiting after the surgery because combining the two surgeries could lead to complications from excessive corrections and a more complex healing process. Why perform two eye surgeries with two different experts when you could get the same results with one?
Can You Have LASIK After or Before Cataract Surgery?
Since LASIK has been around for over 25 years, many people that now have cataracts, may have already had corrective laser eye surgery to fix their refractive errors. In the future, that percentage of people will most likely increase. Patients that have undergone LASIK may still be good candidates for cataract surgery, as long as the surgeon does not notice any increased risk factors or other conditions.
How do I find an eye doctor near me to know if I am a good candidate for LASIK? Look no further than OCLI Vision! Contact our office today to schedule an eye exam.
What Are the Risks Associated with LASIK and Cataract Surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with a procedure. With any type of eye surgery, there is always the risk of ending up with worse vision than you had before surgery. And, while serious complications are rare, it is vital to be aware of all the risks. Some other risks associated with LASIK surgery include:
- Glares, halos, and blurry vision
- Infections
- Over corrections
- Corneal abrasions
Some risks associated with cataract surgery include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Infection
- Retinal detachments
- Blurred vision
- Vision loss
- Dislocated or misplaced IOL implant
However, for both eye surgeries, the risks are very low and complications are rare. Both surgeries are commonly performed and are safe.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK, Cataract Surgery, or Both?
Many people are eligible for refractive and cataract surgery, but your candidacy will need to be confirmed by an eye test and an ophthalmologist. Your ophthalmologist will develop a pre- and post-surgery plan with you to ensure you meet your vision goals. Make sure to choose a board-certified eye doctor you trust and have all of your questions answered before going into surgery.
For both LASIK and cataract surgery, all candidates need to have overall good general health as this helps to ensure the best surgery outcomes and a successful recovery. Beyond good general health, the ideal candidates for LASIK surgery include patients suffering from refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The ideal candidate for cataract surgery is anyone suffering from the development of cataracts who’s vision has been impacted.
Unfortunately, there are patients with the eye conditions listed above that are not good candidates for either surgery. Patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, glaucoma, other eye conditions, or diabetes, may not be candidates for LASIK or cataract surgery. In the case that you are not eligible for LASIK surgery, your doctor may suggest PRK or another laser vision correction surgery to get the best results, depending on your situation. For those that have cataracts but are not eligible for surgery, speak to your eye doctor about steps you can take to mitigate the impact of cataracts on your vision, such as updating your prescription and wearing anti-glare sunglasses.
Knowing What Surgery to Get and When
While it is not recommended to combine LASIK and cataract surgery, the two surgeries are still very useful to many people on their own. The best way to get started is to meet with an optometrist to get an eye exam and go from there. You may be a great candidate for an advanced IOL implant that negates your need for refractive surgery after your cataract surgery! Do not wait any longer to get the clear vision you deserve. Search for an ‘eye exam near me’ and select the OCLI Vision office closest to you to start your journey.
Finding Eye Specialists Near Me for the Best Outcomes
The experts at OCLI Vision are pioneers in both LASIK and cataract surgery. Contact us today to schedule an eye appointment.
