Cataract Surgery After LASIK eye procedure requires special expertise. There are many important points to think about. Lets divide the factors to consider into three groups. Calculations before Cataract eye procedure, Techniques during the cataract surgery and management after the cataract eye surgery.
Cataract After Lasik Eye Surgery: Understanding the Risks and Treatment Options
Lasik eye surgery has become a popular and effective option for people who want to correct their vision problems. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea to improve the way light enters the eye, resulting in clearer and sharper vision. However, like any surgical procedure, Lasik eye surgery comes with potential risks and complications. One of the most common complications associated with Lasik eye surgery is the development of cataracts. In this article, we will discuss cataracts after Lasik eye surgery, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects millions of people around the world. They occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to blurry or distorted vision. Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes and usually develop slowly over time. They are more common in older adults, but they can also affect younger people, especially those who have certain medical conditions or have undergone eye surgery.
What causes cataracts after Lasik eye surgery?
Cataracts after Lasik eye surgery can occur for several reasons. One of the most common causes is the age-related changes in the eye lens. As we age, the proteins in the eye lens can begin to break down, leading to cloudy or opaque areas in the lens. This can cause cataracts to develop in people who have had Lasik eye surgery, even if they had perfect vision after the procedure.
Another common cause of cataracts after Lasik eye surgery is the use of certain medications. Some medications, such as steroids, can increase the risk of developing cataracts. People who have had Lasik eye surgery and are taking these medications may be at a higher risk of developing cataracts.
Lastly, certain types of Lasik eye surgery procedures can increase the risk of cataract development. In some cases, the procedure may damage the lens, leading to the formation of cataracts.
What are the symptoms of cataracts after Lasik eye surgery?
The symptoms of cataracts after Lasik eye surgery are similar to those of cataracts that develop naturally. They include:
- blurry or hazy vision
- difficulty seeing at night
- sensitivity to bright lights
- seeing halos around lights
- double vision
- a yellowish tint to vision.
If you experience any of these symptoms after undergoing Lasik eye surgery, it is important to contact your eye doctor right away.
How are cataracts after Lasik eye surgery treated?
The treatment for cataracts after Lasik eye surgery depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, the symptoms may be managed with glasses or contact lenses. However, if the cataracts are more advanced and are affecting your quality of life, cataract surgery may be necessary.
Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure that involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can usually return to th
Calculations before Cataract eye procedure
Its very important get certain data before proceeding with cataract eye surgery.
- Length of the eye: This can be measure by ultrasound or laser. Laser detection with Iol Master or Lenstar is more accurate.
- Curvature of the cornea: This is where the fun and headaches begin. Lasik eye surgery changes the relationship between the front curvature of the cornea and its back curvature. Scientists ahve developed various calculations to determine the real curvature.
- Power of the cornea: Curvature of the cornea and its thickness indicate the true power of the Cornea. This estimation allows prediction of the correct IOL power for emmetropia in patients undergoing cataract surgery after lasik eye surgery.
- Distance between cornea and the lens: Also known as anterior chamber depth is also imprtant.
Techniques during the cataract surgery
During cataract surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision in the eye and use a special tool to break up the cloudy lens. The lens fragments are then removed from the eye, and an artificial lens is inserted in its place. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete, and patients will be given local anesthesia to numb the eye and prevent any pain.The style of removing the cataract and inserting the new lens.
- Laser Or Manual Cataract Surgery: Will laser make corneal incisions too close to the flap?
- Type of Implant – Monofocal or PIE: or presbyopic implant in eye: Depending on the type of lasik patient has had we may need to choose the implant wisely. After hyperopic lasik an implant with negative spherical abberation should be used. After myopic lasik an IOL with positive spherical abberation is preferred.We need to to asses the optical zone on Corneal topography. Corneal pachymetry map needs to be evaluated.
- Which PIE or Presbyopic Implant in Eye will work best for that eye?: Symfony optiblue is the preferred one in 2023. Tecnis multifocal could be an option. Some patients have loved the crystalens..
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure, but like any surgery, it comes with potential risks and complications. Some of the common risks include:
- infection
- bleeding
- swelling
- inflammation
- increased pressure in the eye
- retinal detachment.
However, these complications are rare and can usually be managed with proper intervention.
Management after the cataract eye surgery
Correcting the residual refractive errors by laser or limbus relaxing incisions may be required. Aggressive management of dry eyes is essential.
LASIK eye surgery involves reshaping your cornea to correct a wide range of refractive errors – providing you with clear, sharp vision that either eliminates or greatly reduces your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. However, LASIK cannot prevent the development of cataracts later in life, since cataracts are a problem with the eye’s lens, not the cornea.
Because LASIK involves reshaping your cornea, you will need to consult with an experienced eye surgeon before undergoing cataract surgery in the future. Once your cornea is reshaped during LASIK, your cataract surgeon will need to perform a careful examination in order to determine the correct degree of power needed for your intraocular lens (IOL) – the artificial lens that is implanted during cataract surgery.
Some fluid may enter the space between the flap and the cornea and delay final visual outcome. There might be some residual imperfections in eye.
If an inexperienced surgeon takes the incorrect measurements, your vision may become out of focus following cataract surgery, requiring additional procedures to restore ideal vision. Thankfully, Dr. Khanna’s extensive experience with both LASIK and cataract surgery has equipped him with the skill necessary to accurately evaluate the changes in your eyes caused by LASIK surgery, ensuring the best possible vision with your IOL after cataract surgery.
After removing the cataract, Dr. Khanna will reevaluate your vision and power. Based on this information, further fine tuning may be performed with lasers. You can read more about this topic in the bestseller book on cataract surgery.
Conclusion
Cataracts are a common eye condition that can occur after Lasik eye surgery. The condition can cause blurry or distorted vision and may require cataract surgery to correct. The best way to prevent cataracts after Lasik eye surgery is to follow your eye doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your eye health. If you experience any changes in your vision, it is important to contact your eye doctor right away. With proper care and treatment, most people who develop cataracts after Lasik eye surgery can regain their vision and enjoy a good quality of life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:
Is cataract surgery more difficult after LASIK?
Yes it is more difficult. Advanced calculations are required as lasik changes the shape of the cornea.. During surgery flap may cause issues.
Can I Have Cataract Surgery after LASIK?
Yes you may. It is better to search for a doctor who has been doing this for many years.
If you have further questions about LASIK or cataract surgery, please contact The Khanna Vision Institute today or call (877) 254-2662 to schedule an appointment with board-certified Beverly Hills LASIK surgeon Dr. Rajesh Khanna.
We serve patients in Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and surrounding areas of Los Angeles.
