Is It Safe to Have Laser Eye Surgery?

LASIK after cataract surgery is very safe.  With Intralase, the all-laser LASIK, it is actually safer than the cataract surgery itself. 

 

The things to be aware of is issues such as dry eyes, healing times, and medical conditions such as Diabetes are more common and must be carefully considered in LASIK patients.

LASIK can be a great way to fine-tune your vision after cataract surgery.  It typically has a much higher accuracy than picking of an IOL.  Cataract surgeons commonly send their patients to me to refine the vison.  We can fix residual nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  I prefer to wait for three months after surgery before LASIK.

There are several types of laser surgery that might help you after cataract surgery. First, a posterior capsulotomy with the YAG laser may clear cloudiness behind the lens implant. LASIK or PRK can correct residual nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. I favor PRK in this setting for extra safety, but LASIK is also reasonable.

You are most likely referring to a laser capsulotomy.  About 20% of cataract implant patients need to have the capsule (the envelope that surrounded the cataract and now holds the artificial lens implant or replacement) “polished” or “cleansed” with a laser.  Usually the patient will notice a gradual decrease in vision before the surgeon recommends this treatment.  The laser is very fast, painless, and often can be done in the office.  The recovery is almost immediate.  The procedure is one of the safest we perform.

Laser surgery can be safe if you are a good candidate and have had an appropriate preop workup and consultation to ensure that it is a safe procedure for you to undergo.  This can be a good adjunct to help correct your vision after cataract surgery if you do not want to wear glasses or contacts.