LASIK for Cataracts: Is it the right choice for you?

LASIK or laser eye surgery is a procedure that eliminates the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. It is a simple eye surgery that is used in correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is also a very effective procedure for cataracts. In fact, LASIK can significantly improve your vision. So, if you are suffering from cataracts, one of the procedures that you should consider if LASIK. So, to help you understand your options, here are some facts that you should know.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye. It can develop in one of both eyes. The cloudier the lens, the blurrier the vision since light cannot pass through the lens. Two types of cataracts exist: age-related cataracts and congenital cataracts. Cataracts are usually age-related although they can also be caused by trauma to the eye, overexposure to UV radiation, certain medications, eye disease and medical conditions, such as diabetes. Age-related cataracts are a non-preventable condition. As such, it is now one of the leading causes of blindness.

Cataracts progress very slowly. This is the reason why many people do not realize that they have the condition during its early stages. Eventually, however, the blurred vision or the cloudiness gets worse which makes it difficult to clearly see images, especially when it is dark. So, if you have a cataract, wearing eyeglasses can temporarily improve your vision although as the condition gets worse, eventually even wearing eyeglasses may soon not be enough. The cloudiness will affect your mobility and certain activities. For example, you will not be able to drive at night, do needlework and enjoy certain sports. This is actually the reason why many people choose to treat their cataracts with surgical procedures.

What are your options if you have a cataract?

The good thing about cataracts is that they are treatable. You can do something if you feel that it is affecting your lifestyle. So here are you two treatment options for cataracts:

  •  Traditional cataract surgery – Traditionally, cataracts are generally treated surgically by removing the lens of the eye and replacing them with an intraocular lens, commonly known as an IOL. In cataracts, the IOL can correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness, but not astigmatism. This is why many people who have had the traditional surgical procedure for cataracts eventually have LASIK. LASIK is used to treat their astigmatism.
  • LASIK surgery – LASIK surgery is different from traditional surgery for cataracts. Instead of removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an IOL, the eye surgeon will use a laser beam to reshape the cornea of the eye. The eye will then be able to focus on objects clearly.

LASIK and cataract surgery are very different and both have their disadvantages and advantages. It is best, therefore, to talk to a doctor to learn more about the procedures. Houston LASIK & Eye, one of the leading eye centers in Houston, can help you decide which procedure is right for you.

Houston LASIK & Eye leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston LASIK & Eye, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.

 

References

http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/ask/questions/lasik-with-cataracts.cfm

http://www.lasikworld.com/lasik-cataract-difference.html

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157510.php

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