Can You Get Cataracts After LASIK Surgery?
One of the most common questions we hear from LASIK patients is: "If I have LASIK now, can I still get cataracts later?" It's a great question — and the honest answer is yes, you can. Here's why, and what it means for your long-term vision.
What LASIK Does (and Doesn't) Do
LASIK corrects refractive errors by reshaping the cornea — the clear dome at the front of your eye. It has no effect on the crystalline lens, which sits behind the iris. Cataracts are a clouding of that crystalline lens. Since LASIK doesn't touch the lens, it cannot prevent or cause cataracts.
Will My LASIK Results Affect Cataract Surgery Later?
This is where it gets nuanced. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL). To calculate the right IOL power, surgeons use your eye's measurements — and prior LASIK changes the corneal curvature, which can complicate those calculations if not accounted for.
The good news: modern IOL calculation formulas specifically designed for post-LASIK eyes (such as the Barrett True-K, Haigis-L, and others) have made this much more accurate. When you have cataract surgery at a practice like Restivo Laser Vision — where we know your complete history — we can achieve excellent refractive outcomes even after LASIK.
When Will Cataracts Develop?
Most people develop age-related cataracts between ages 55 and 75, though some develop earlier due to genetics, UV exposure, diabetes, or steroid use. If you have LASIK at 30, you're likely looking at 25–40 years of glasses-free living before cataracts become a concern.
What About Refractive Lens Exchange?
If you're over 50 and considering vision correction, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is worth discussing. RLE replaces the natural lens now — eliminating any future cataract risk and correcting your vision simultaneously. For many patients over 50, this is a better long-term investment than LASIK.
Book a free consultation at Restivo Laser Vision to discuss the best long-term vision strategy for your age and prescription.