Can laser eye surgery cause cataracts?
Many people who are thinking about laser eye surgery ask an important question. Can laser eye surgery cause cataracts?
It is normal to want to understand the long-term effects of any eye procedure. Learning about cataracts and how laser eye surgery works can help you feel more informed.
At IVISION LASER in Adelaide, we help patients understand their options before making a decision. This article explains the link between laser eye surgery and cataracts.
This information is general in nature and does not replace advice from a qualified eye health professional.
What are cataracts?
A cataract happens when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. The lens sits behind the coloured part of the eye and helps focus light.1https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/
When the lens becomes cloudy, vision can slowly become blurry or dull. Some people also notice glare from lights or difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts are very common as people get older. In many cases, they develop slowly over time as part of the natural ageing process.2https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/
Cataracts can also occur because of other factors. These may include eye injury, certain medical conditions, or long-term use of some medications.3https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/
What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a treatment used to correct refractive errors. Refractive errors affect how light focuses in the eye.4 https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery-and-lens-surgery/
Common refractive errors include short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism.5 https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery-and-lens-surgery/
During laser eye surgery, a laser reshapes the front surface of the eye. This surface is called the cornea. Changing the shape of the cornea helps light focus more clearly on the retina. The retina sends visual signals to the brain so you can see.6 https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery-and-lens-surgery/
Laser eye surgery does not involve the natural lens inside the eye. The treatment focuses only on the outer surface of the eye.
Can laser eye surgery cause cataracts?
Current medical evidence shows that laser eye surgery does not cause cataracts.7medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cataracts-after-laser-eye-surgery
Cataracts form inside the eye when the natural lens becomes cloudy. Laser eye surgery works on the cornea, which is on the outside of the eye.
Because these areas are different, laser treatment does not directly affect the natural lens where cataracts develop.8medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cataracts-after-laser-eye-surgery
However, cataracts may still develop later in life for some people. This is part of the normal ageing process and can happen whether or not someone has had laser eye surgery.9medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cataracts-after-laser-eye-surgery
Why people sometimes think the two are linked
Some people have laser eye surgery when they are in their 30s or 40s. Cataracts often appear later in life, usually after the age of 60.
If cataracts appear years after laser eye surgery, it can feel like the two events are related. In most cases, this timing is simply part of natural ageing.10medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cataracts-after-laser-eye-surgery
It is also possible that early cataracts were already beginning before surgery but were not yet causing symptoms.
A detailed eye examination before treatment helps check for early signs of eye conditions.
Can you have cataract surgery after laser eye surgery?
Yes, many people who have had laser eye surgery can still have cataract surgery later in life.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye procedures worldwide. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.11 https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery-and-lens-surgery/
If someone has had laser eye surgery in the past, the surgeon will take this into account when planning cataract treatment. Special measurements and calculations may be used to choose the most suitable lens implant.12https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4780227/
Your eye surgeon will discuss the options available based on your eye health and vision needs.
Why eye assessments are important
A full eye assessment is an important step before laser eye surgery.
During this assessment, the eye doctor checks the health of your eyes. They also look for signs of conditions that may affect suitability.
The assessment may include measuring your prescription, checking the shape and thickness of the cornea, and examining the inside of the eye.
If early cataracts or other eye conditions are detected, your doctor will discuss this with you.
Sometimes another treatment approach may be recommended instead of laser eye surgery.
Age and eye health
Age alone does not decide whether someone can have laser eye surgery. However, eye health becomes more important as we get older.
Some people may develop age-related changes in the eye that affect suitability. Cataracts are one example of this.13 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218971/
If cataracts are already affecting vision, cataract surgery may be a more suitable treatment.
Your eye doctor will always recommend the option that supports the safest and best outcome for your eyes.
Understanding realistic expectations
It is important to have realistic expectations when considering any vision correction procedure.14https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34241701/
Laser eye surgery aims to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses for some people. Results vary depending on individual eyes and prescription.15https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34241701/
The procedure does not stop the natural ageing of the eyes. Changes such as reading vision difficulty or cataracts may still occur later in life.16https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34241701/
Your eye doctor will explain what you may expect based on your personal eye health.
When to seek advice about your vision
If you notice changes in your vision, it is a good idea to have your eyes checked.
Blurred vision, glare from lights, or difficulty seeing clearly may have many possible causes. Cataracts are one possibility, but there can be others.
Regular eye examinations help detect changes early and support ongoing eye health.
An eye health professional can guide you on the most suitable options for your vision.
Learning more about your options
Many people explore laser eye surgery to reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
Understanding how the treatment works and what it can and cannot do is an important part of the decision process.
Laser eye surgery does not cause cataracts. However, cataracts may still develop later as part of natural ageing.
The best way to learn whether laser eye surgery may be suitable for you is through a professional assessment.
Take the next step
If you are considering laser eye surgery, the first step is to learn more about your eyes.
Every person’s vision and eye health are different. A proper assessment helps determine what options may be suitable.
You can start by taking the suitability self test. This quick test can help you understand whether laser eye surgery may be an option for you.
From there, you can decide if you would like to book a full consultation with an experienced eye care team.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, your laser and cataract surgeon in Adelaide
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the joy of helping thousands of patients of all ages gain clear vision and freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
Laser eye surgery is a skill. Performing vision correction at a world-class standard hinges upon the expertise of your surgeon and their access to state-of-the-art tools.
I understand that getting eye surgery is a serious decision. Your eyes are unique and you should demand a custom solution tailored to your needs, lifestyle and goals. That’s why we offer a free appointment so we can meet and I can take the time to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you have.
I am passionate about helping patients transform their lives. I look forward to spending time with you at our gorgeous eye clinic in the heart of Adelaide to see whether you could gain exceptional vision without the need for glasses or contacts.
Dr Aanchal Gupta
MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO
Expert Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon
