Seeing the world with crystal-clear vision is a life-changing possibility, especially after living with the clouded, dulled vision that cataracts can cause. Getting cataract surgery is a remarkable step toward reclaiming your independence, and restoring your ability to see sharp details and vibrant colors, but what if your vision could be even better? Many of our cataract patients ask us: “Can I have LASIK after cataract surgery?” And they’re pleasantly surprised when we say, yes. As your trusted eye care partners in Las Vegas, we’re here to guide you through how these two advanced procedures can work together to help you achieve your best possible vision.
Looking At LASIK and Cataract Surgery Treatments
Think of cataract surgery and LASIK as two distinct chapters in your vision improvement story, which can help you see the world with greater clarity.
- Cataract surgery removes that clouded lens and replaces it with a crystal-clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- LASIK surgery fine-tunes your vision by gently reshaping your cornea to correct those frustrating issues like having difficulty seeing up close, seeing far away, or dealing with blurred vision from astigmatism. In reshaping the cornea, light can enter the eye and be properly focused onto your retina for clear vision.
How Soon After Cataract Surgery Can I Have LASIK?
While LASIK can technically be performed several weeks after your cataract surgery, we recommend waiting 3-6 months. This patience pays off as it allows your vision to stabilize and your eyes to heal, ensuring optimal results when you come in for your LASIK appointment.
Why Consider Getting LASIK After Cataract Surgery?
While modern cataract surgery techniques result in excellent vision, getting LASIK after cataract surgery for some patients can lead to optimal vision outcomes.
5 Benefits of Combining LASIK With Cataract Surgery
- LASIK can address any pre-existing corneal irregularities or any unexpected outcomes (we call these refractive surprises) from your cataract surgery, leading to better clarity and improved visual acuity.
- If you’ve had previous refractive surgeries and there’s residual refractive errors resulting from inaccurate IOL calculations, these can be fixed.
- It can reduce or eliminate your need for contacts or glasses after cataract surgery, allowing you to read and drive without visual hindrances.
- May lead to long-term savings on eyewear and eye care products if you don’t have to upkeep as many ongoing expenses related to these items.
- LASIK can effectively correct astigmatism that persists after cataract surgery.
This comprehensive, combined approach to vision correction not only restores your sight but enhances it to exceptional levels. The numbers speak for themselves – over 90% of patients achieve significantly improved vision, and many say goodbye to their glasses and contacts altogether.
How Do I Know That LASIK After Cataract Surgery Is Safe and Right For Me?
Safety is our top priority at Brimhall Eye Center. While you might experience temporary effects like dry eyes or light sensitivity, LASIK after cataract surgery is generally safe for suitable candidates who are:
- Over 18 years of age.
- Have maintained stable vision for 3-6 months post-cataract surgery.
- Enjoy good overall eye health without eye diseases.
- Have adequate corneal thickness.
- Are free from conditions that affect healing.
Even if LASIK isn’t right for you because of oversized pupils, thin corneas, unmanaged autoimmune diseases or diabetes, dry eyes, or unstable vision, some alternatives like Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), IOL exchange, and piggyback IOLs can be discussed.
What to Expect During LASIK? Treatment Steps & Recovery
The LASIK treatment process remains the same even after undergoing cataract surgery. On appointment day:
- We apply numbing drops for your comfort.
- We create a thin corneal flap using advanced laser technology (femtosecond laser).
- We lift the flap and use an excimer laser to reshape your cornea.
- We reposition the flap – no stitches needed.
The entire process takes about 10 minutes per eye, with actual laser time ranging from 20-120 seconds. Most patients return to their daily activities within 24 hours, and notice improved vision within 48 hours. Your vision will continue to stabilize over 3-6 months, and we’ll be with you every step of the way through follow-up appointments.
