September 2024
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LASIK-CATARACTS Q: What exactly is LASIK surgery, and how does it work? Q: How is LASIK different from cataract surgery? A: LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a common outpatient eye surgery designed to improve vision. It utilizes laser-based technology to correct a A: Although both LASIK and cataract surgery are procepatient’s refraction (prescription) and reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses. If you have vision problems like nearsightedness (where near vision is clear, but distance is blurry), farsightedness (where near vision is blurry), or astigmatism (where vision is blurry at all distances), LASIK might be a good option for you. During LASIK, a special laser is used to reshape the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface of your eye). The cornea’s shape affects how light enters your eye and focuses on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). By reshaping the cornea, LASIK helps light focus correctly on the retina, which makes your vision clearer. The procedure is quick—usually about 15 minutes for both eyes—and most people notice an improvement in their vision within a day or so. Recovery is also fast; you might experience some mild discomfort or dryness in your eyes, but most people are back to their normal activities within a day or two. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, meaning that they may no longer need glasses or contacts.
Q: What is cataract surgery, and why might I need it? A: Cataract surgery is performed when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision. It is a normal part of aging. Cataracts can cause glare and haloes with bright lights, especially at nighttime, and can cause colors to look duller. In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). This artificial lens works just like your natural lens did before it became cloudy, helping you see well again. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed today. It is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day, and is covered by your medical insurance. After surgery, most people notice a big improvement in their vision. Some people may still need glasses for reading or other tasks, but their vision is much clearer, and colors are more vivid after cataract surgery. If you are interested in reducing or eliminating your need for glasses altogether, we can discuss premium intraocular lens options that may also be an option for you.
dures that improve your vision, they’re used for different reasons and at different stages of life. LASIK is a laser-assisted elective procedure used to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. It’s typically done on younger people who want to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK changes the shape of the cornea, so by Nisha Dhawlikar light focuses correctly on the retina. Gosai, M.D. Cataract surgery, on the other hand, is usually needed when you get older and your natural lens inside of your eye Glaucoma-Cataracts Consultants, Inc becomes cloudy. This cloudiness causes blurry vision, like looking through a foggy window, and it cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. Cataract surgery is not optional if you want to restore clear vision—it’s necessary when cataracts start affecting your daily life. In this surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, which helps you see clearly again. So, while LASIK and cataract surgery both aim to improve your vision, LASIK is more about fine-tuning how your eye focuses light, and cataract surgery is about replacing a part of your eye that is no longer working well.
Q: Can I have both LASIK and cataract surgery? A: It is possible to have both LASIK and cataract surgery, but not at the same time. If you’ve had LASIK earlier in life and then develop cataracts as you get older, you can still have cataract surgery. The cataract surgery would address the cloudiness of the lens and restore your vision. Sometimes LASIK can also be performed after cataract surgery to finetune the vision and reduce the need for glasses. If you are considering either of these surgeries or are experiencing vision problems, I am happy to discuss these procedures in more detail with you and choose the treatment best for your specific needs and lifestyle. References: 1. New England Eye Center. LASIK surgery [Illustration]. https://www.neec.com/lasik-surgery-boston/. Accessed August 12, 2024. 2. American Academy of Ophthalmology, EyeWiki. Mature Cataract [image]. Updated June 2, 2017. EyeWiki website. https://eyewiki.org/File:Mature_cataract.jpg. Accessed August 12, 2024. 3. Wikipedia. Cataract surgery: Intraocular lens implant [image]. Wikimedia Commons website. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract_surgery - /media/File:Hinterkammerlinse_01_(fcm).jpg. Published May 6, 2006. Accessed August 12, 2024.
Dr. Gosai is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, refractive, and cataract surgery. She received her undergraduate degree from Boston University and her medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Tufts Medical Center and cornea fellowship at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. She currently practices with GlaucomaCataract Consultants, Inc.
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