Cataracts & Other Eye Conditions

Refractive eye surgery does not correct vision defects, such as cataracts, amblyopia, or strabismus, that do not arise from refractive errors. Patients with such conditions may be subject to additional risks and additional side effects and should discuss their condition with the LASIK surgeon and optometrist before deciding whether to have laser eye surgery.

Cataracts

A cataract is a gradual clouding of the lens inside the eye resulting in reduced vision correctable by cataract surgery. ASA or LASIK eye surgery will not prevent cataracts, nor will they reverse the effects of a cataract that is beginning to appear.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia is a medical condition that develops in early childhood in which a person who has reduced vision in one eye relies on the other eye to focus. ASA or LASIK eye surgery will not reduce or eliminate amblyopia. It will not improve the vision in the amblyopic eye beyond its current level of vision with eye glasses. If the patient experiences side effects or complications from laser eye surgery in the normal eye, he or she could experience a loss of vision because the normal eye would no longer be able to compensate for the amblyopic eye.

Strabismus

Strabismus is an eye disorder caused by a weakness in the eye muscles in which the eyes may not align properly. ASA or LASIK eye surgery will not correct, reduce, eliminate or prevent strabismus. Patients with a history of strabismus may develop double vision after refractive eye surgery.