29 May The Difference Between Lasik and Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are an ocular condition that can worsen over time, eventually causing complete blindness. Cataract symptoms are described by blurry vision (in the sense that you are looking through a fogged window or a pane of frosted glass), light and glare sensitivity, difficulty reading, halos appearing around lights, fading colors, and single-eyed double vision. When you pay attention to your eyesight, cataract symptoms are fairly easy to notice. They are also treatable thanks to cataract corrective eye surgery.

How is Cataract Surgery Different From Lasik?

Lasik (laser eye surgery) is an incredibly popular procedure for individuals with imperfect vision. Lasik uses targeted lasers to reshape the cornea, allowing your eyes to focus correctly. This works for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. It will not, however, help with cataracts. There is a different procedure for this.

Cataract surgery actually replaces the affected (cloudy) focusing lens. The lens that’s removed is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens that is not obfuscated. Since cataracts don’t affect the shape of your focusing lens, Lasik would be an ineffective form of treatment.

Is it Safe?

Lasik is incredibly safe, regardless of the lasers involved. Under 1% of individuals who have undergone Lasik surgery have experienced complications. It’s normal to be worried about losing your sight during eye surgery, but there’s no need. Lasik is a very routine procedure.

Cataract surgery might sound more intimidating, but the scenario described above is only done in severe cases. Most cataract surgeries can be done by eye doctors in roughly a half hour. They are a very simple routine procedure unless the cataracts are severe. Even still, complications are rare.

If you feel nervous going into either of these types of eye surgery, talk to your ophthalmologist about your concerns. They can help walk you through the process, describing each step in terms you can understand. Since you will be under a previously agreed upon sedation plan, you will not have to worry about pain. The most patients feel is mild pressure in the eye while the cataract is being removed.

If you are experiencing any of the tell-tale cataract symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your eye doctor today. If you catch cataracts before they grow too large, the surgery will be quicker and less stressful.