Lens Implant Problems after LASIK

Question: I have had LASIK surgery and I was told that as a result I have 50 % chance that the lensimplant would fail in cataract surgery.  Is this true?

Answer: Having any type of eye surgery, including LASIK, can make the calculation of the lens implant powers more challenging. That said, today, in the right surgeon’s hands using the sophisticated instrumentation, imaging methods and measurement systems and calculations it is possible to reduce the margin of error considerably. Further, having access to your LASIK preoperative measurements also can help mitigate error. By using multiple measurements and calculations to recheck the lens implant calculation it is possible to really manage this to a great extent. That said, the word “fail” doesn’t really apply as what would happen is that the optical power of the lens implant would be slightly or moderately miscalculated. You would do one eye first, check the results carefully and then in the worst case if the power were VERY far off, would need to have a lens exchange. Thus, “failure” is harsh but there is a reasonable likelihood of being slightly off power. Your best bet is to seek a consultation from a LASIK Surgeon who is also a Refractive Cataract Surgeon and is thus very familiar and has access to the most advanced measurement, imaging and calculation systems and formulae.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.