Were you hoping for perfect vision after cataract surgery yet still find yourself needing prescription lenses to see clearly at certain distances? Cataract surgery can dramatically improve your vision by removing your eye’s cloudy natural lens, but in some patients this procedure alone may not help you to overcome your existing refractive errors.
To further improve your vision after cataract surgery, you may be a good candidate for LASIK or PRK. This popular surgery remains the best and safest options for improving refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism — even after cataract surgery. Once your eyes have had time to heal from cataract surgery, Dr. Ernest Kornmehl can perform blade-free LASIK or PRK with laser technology to further limit your dependency on glasses and contacts.
Who Is a Candidate for LASIK After Cataract Surgery?
To be clear, most patients do not need LASIK or PRK after cataract surgery. Those who have been properly informed of their premium lens options can select an intraocular lens (IOL) that provides them with the best vision possible.
However, a small percentage of cataract surgery patients develop what is known as a “residual refractive error” or “refractive surprise.” This occurs when the IOL does not correct a refractive error as well as expected. Some other patients who had cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL later decide that they would like to enhance their visual clarity with refractive surgery.
Although LASIK or PRK is a good option for many patients, it may not be advisable for patients with thin corneas, oversized pupils, or certain medical diagnoses. Dr. Kornmehl can assess your candidacy during a consultation, suggesting alternative procedures if appropriate.
How LASIK Is Performed After Cataract Surgery
Dr. Kornmehl uses state-of-the-art laser equipment to provide quick and comfortable surgery. The iDesign software takes over 1,200 measurements to produce a unique map of your eye, detailing any irregularities and imperfections that may need to be considered to achieve ideal results.
You will receive anesthetic drops in your eyes prior to surgery to further limit discomfort. Next, Dr. Kornmehl uses a femtosecond laser (not a blade) to make a tiny flap at the corner of your cornea. Through this flap, he can carefully reshape the corneal tissue with an excimer laser that is guided by the iDesign technology for ultimate precision. This allows incoming light to refract correctly to the retina.
Once the eye is reshaped, Dr. Kornmehl moves it back into place, with no need to use stitches to reconnect it. The whole process is usually finished in under 10 minutes per eye.
LASIK After Cataract Surgery Results
LASIK has been found to be highly effective in patients who have had cataract surgery. Most patients have vision within one diopter of 20/20 after having these two surgeries. This enables clear, crisp vision indefinitely with little need to wear prescription lenses. It also negates the need to replace your IOL, which is a slightly more invasive procedure.
Learn More About LASIK After Cataract Surgery
Dr. Kornmehl is a leading ophthalmologist in Boston and Wellesley, MA who is committed to helping his patients achieve near-perfect vision with procedures like cataract surgery and LASIK. To schedule a consultation at Kornmehl Laser Eye Associates, please call 1-877-870-2010 today.