When cataracts are present, lens replacement surgery is usually more appropriate than laser eye surgery, because laser cannot remove lens clouding.
Why cataracts change the plan
Cataracts scatter light inside the eye, so even perfect corneal shape will not restore clear vision if the lens itself is cloudy.
- Symptoms such as glare, faded colours, and hazy vision despite updated glasses
- Evidence of lens opacity on slit‑lamp examination
- Need to address the cataract sooner or later for driving and daily tasks
- Cataract surgery allows prescription correction at the same time
- Corneal laser first would not prevent, and might complicate, later cataract surgery
When laser may still be considered
In very early lens changes with minimal impact, some people may choose laser, knowing this does not remove the future need for cataract surgery.
- Small, non‑progressive lens changes with excellent best‑corrected vision
- Strong preference for corneal treatment now and willingness to accept future lens surgery
- Detailed discussion of how cataracts could alter results over time
- Careful biometry planning if lens surgery is likely within the next decade
- Often, refractive lens exchange is favoured instead in mid‑life and beyond
