LASIK vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery
How Both Procedures Correct Vision in Different Ways
We often answer questions from patients with cataracts about whether they can have LASIK surgery, or if they should have LASIK following cataract surgery. While both LASIK and cataract surgeries are used to treat vision problems, those problems are inherently different—and they must be treated differently. Let’s break down the key differences between LASIK and cataract surgery, including the vision problems they correct, what happens during surgery, and what makes someone a good candidate.
LASIK Surgery
What vision problems does it correct?
- Vision problems caused by the shape of the cornea, including conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
What happens during the surgery?
- A corneal flap is created to allow a laser to reshape the cornea
Who is a good candidate?
- Someone in good health with stable vision (generally a prescription that has not changed in two years)
Cataract Surgery
What vision problems does it correct?
- Blurred vision caused by the clouding of the eye’s lens
What happens during the procedure?
- The affected lens is removed and a lens implant is inserted and positioned
Who is a good candidate?
- Someone who is suffering from blurry or hazy vision due to cataracts caused by eye trauma, eye disease, or heredity
If you are unsure whether a traditional cataract surgery or LASIK is right for you, the best thing you can do is speak to your primary care doctor or schedule a consultation with our team. We can help assess your vision and determine the best vision correction options for you.
