by Dr. Robert Benza, MD
17. June 2014 06:00
Interestingly, two questions or statements by patients are very common regarding Lasik. " I heard that if I have Lasik that I couldn't have cataract surgery in the future". A second most common question, can I wear contact lenses again in the future if I have Lasik?
Patients that have Lasik who grow older and develop cataracts absolutely can have cataract surgery. A cataract is just a cloudy lens which sits behind the pupil. This lens can be removed and replaced with an artificial lens which is what we do every week for cataract patients. Patients who had Lasik have essentially no more risk for this procedure. The only difference is that the lens power calculation is more complicated since they had reshaping of the cornea from the Lasik procedure which alters our calculations. Otherwise, the procedure itself would be no different.
Can I wear contacts after Lasik? I was watching the Senior PGA championship and one of their most successful players recently went back to contacts after having Lasik years ago. There always is a potential that a patients glasses prescription can change over time whether they have Lasik or not. If a patient desires to go back to contact lenses for reading vision purposes or a change in their eyes, they may be a good candidate. Contact lens fitting after Lasik is a little more challenging than the average patient but can be done successfully by a skilled optometrist or optician.
I hope this clears up some of the common myths of Lasik. Remember, protect those eyes!!
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