There are many different ways that our eye care specialists can help patients achieve optimal vision and excellent eye health. This can be done through different kinds of laser eye surgery treatments. During the consultation process, we will be sure to give you all of the information that you need to make an informed decision about surgical treatments.
There is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to two procedures in particular: LASIK surgery and cataract surgery. We’d like to take a few moments right now to look at the two surgeries and the myths that surround them.
About LASIK Surgery
LASIK is a refractive surgery procedure, which means that a laser is used to reshape the cornea. This improves the way that light passes through the eye and focuses on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. LASIK is ideal for addressing:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
Our practice is pleased to offer patients iLASIK, an all-laser customized procedure that uses advanced technology. This is the safest and most effective form of LASIK currently available.
About Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
Cataracts refer to the clouding over of the naturally clear lens of the eyes. This tends to occur in old age as part of the natural aging process, though it can also occur as a result of eye injury. In very rare instances, babies can be born with congenital cataracts.
In order to address this problem, cataract surgery is performed. This will involve the removal of the clouded lens and its replacement with a clear artificial lens.
Can LASIK cause cataracts?
No.
LASIK specifically targets the cornea, not the lens of the eye. In order for cataracts to occur, the lens of the eye needs to be injured in some way.
Some people who have undergone LASIK wind up developing cataracts later on in life and attribute this to LASIK. This is not the case at all since cataracts can develop naturally as people age independent of LASIK surgery.
Can people who’ve undergone cataract surgery get LASIK and vice versa?
Yes.
Again, this issue has everything to do with the different parts of the eye that are treated in these separate treatments (i.e., the cornea and the lens). We have performed LASIK on many people who have had cataracts removed at our laser vision correction center, and these patients have achieved excellent results from both surgeries.
Can LASIK surgery be performed to remove cataracts?
No.
LASIK is only used for reshaping the cornea. Other surgical techniques and technologies will need to be used in order to successfully remove cataracts.
Regarding the Other Myths About LASIK and Cataracts
There are many other myths and bits of misinformation out there related to both LASIK surgery and cataract surgery. We’ve gone over a number of the basics here, but we’d be more than happy to discuss these in greater detail during your visit. Patient education and disseminating good information is important to all of us here.
Learn More About Advanced Laser Vision Correction
For more information about LASIK surgery, cataract prevention and removal, and other important topics in relation to overall eye health, be sure to contact our Rapid City laser vision correction center today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible eyesight.
