Can I Have LASIK After Cataract Surgery?
Yes, LASIK can be performed after cataract surgery . . . but it may not be needed.
In modern cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon can also correct your nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism with the use of a premium intraocular lens (IOL) customized to correct your specific refractive errors and reduce or eliminate your need for eyeglasses after surgery.
This advanced type of cataract surgery sometimes is called refractive cataract surgery.
There are even multifocal IOLs that can correct near vision problems caused by presbyopia, reducing your need for reading glasses, too. Generally, for these premium IOLs, your cataract surgeon will also recommend laser cataract surgery for the best possible visual outcomes.
Sometimes, minor refractive errors still remain after refractive cataract surgery. If so, LASIK or PRK often can be performed several weeks or a few months later to further improve your eyesight without glasses.
Refractive cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery usually involve additional out-of-pocket expenses beyond what your health or vision insurance covers for the cost of cataract surgery. Ask your eye doctor and cataract surgeon for details.
Page published on Wednesday, January 2, 2019
