LASIK vs Cataract Surgery: What’s the Difference?

Table Of Content
  • So, what exactly is LASIK?
  • What is a Cataract and Cataract Surgery?
  • What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
  • How LASIK and Cataract Surgery Differ
  • Recovery and What to Expect Afterwards
  • Final Thought
  • FAQs

 

LASIK and cataract surgery are both trusted ways to improve eyesight, but they’re designed to treat different conditions. LASIK uses a laser to gently reshape the cornea, helping correct issues like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism.

To restore sharper vision, cataract surgery removes the eye’s cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one.

 

So, what exactly is LASIK?

LASIK is a well-established laser treatment that helps light focus properly on the retina by gently altering the shape of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye.

Before anything begins, your surgeon will apply anaesthetic drops to keep your eye fully comfortable. A thin flap is then created on the cornea and gently lifted. Using an advanced excimer laser, the tissue beneath is reshaped with great precision to correct your vision. Once done, the flap is placed back down, where it begins healing naturally.

The treatment for each eye takes just a few minutes. Many patients report improved vision within minutes, and most are back to everyday tasks, including work, screen time, and even driving within a day or so.

 

What is a Cataract and Cataract Surgery?

A cataract is a natural part of the ageing process where the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy over time. It tends to build gradually, making your vision feel blurred, misty or as if you’re always looking through a fogged-up window. Common signs include trouble seeing in low light, increased glare from oncoming headlights, or needing frequent changes to your prescription.

Surgery is the only effective solution for cataracts. The surgeon removes the clouded lens and places a clear intraocular lens (IOL) in its place to help you see better.

 

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Here’s a simple overview of how the procedure is usually performed:

Step 1: The eye is prepared with dilation, anaesthetic and cleaning protocols.

Step 2: A small incision, typically 2 to 3 millimetres wide, is carefully made at the edge of the cornea to access the lens.

Step 3: A fine ultrasound probe is inserted through the opening. This gently breaks the cloudy lens into smaller fragments, which are then removed.

Step 4: Next, a soft, foldable lens is inserted through the same small opening. It unfolds inside the eye and settles into place behind the pupil, ready to take over the role of the natural lens.

Step 5: Because the incision is so small, it usually closes on its own without stitches. Your eye will be protected with a shield, and you’ll be prescribed eye drops to support healing and reduce any risk of infection.

The entire procedure usually takes no more than 25 minutes per eye and is done on a day-case basis, meaning you’ll return home the same day. Your recovery is supported by personalised follow-up care to make sure everything is progressing as it should.

 

How LASIK and Cataract Surgery Differ

Although both LASIK and cataract surgery help improve vision, they focus on different areas of the eye and use different techniques. Let’s break down how they compare, starting with the part of the eye each one treats.

  • Area of the Eye Treated
    LASIK focuses on the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye, and reshapes it to correct vision problems like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism. Cataract surgery targets the eye’s natural lens by removing the cloudy portion and replacing it with a clear synthetic lens to improve vision.
  • Type of Incision and Tools Used
    LASIK improves vision by gently reshaping the cornea to adjust how light is focused. At AccuVision, this begins with the creation of a precise, ultra-thin flap. This flap is gently lifted to reshape the underlying tissue with a laser. During cataract surgery, a tiny incision (about 2–3 mm) is made in the cornea. Ultrasound is used to break apart the cloudy lens, which is then removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens.
  • Use of Laser or Ultrasound
    LASIK uses an excimer laser to precisely reshape the corneal layers.
    While some cataract procedures use a laser for added precision, most rely on ultrasound (phacoemulsification) to break apart and remove the cloudy lens.
  • Is the Natural Lens Removed?
    With LASIK, the eye’s natural lens remains intact.
    During cataract surgery, the clouded natural lens is completely removed and swapped out for a clear intraocular lens (IOL).
  • Duration of the Procedure
    LASIK is a fast procedure, typically finished in just 5-10 minutes per eye. Cataract surgery typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes per eye, as it involves removing and inserting a lens within one eye (intraocular).
  • Post-Surgery Protection
    After LASIK, a soft contact lens may be placed over the cornea to aid healing.
    After cataract surgery, the eye is covered with a protective shield.
  • Anaesthesia and Comfort
    Both procedures are done using numbing eye drops, with the option of mild sedation if recommended by the surgeon. Patients remain awake and comfortable throughout. In rare cases, cataract surgery may be performed under general anaesthetic.

 

Recovery and What to Expect Afterwards

LASIK Recovery

One of the stand-out benefits of LASIK is the speed of improvement. Most people notice sharper vision just hours after the procedure, and many see clearly by the next morning. You might experience mild dryness or a gritty feeling, but this usually passes fast.
You’ll use prescribed eye drops to aid healing and prevent infection, and a few simple steps like avoiding rubbing during the first 48 hours, will help everything settle. Most return to work and screen time within two days, and your vision often continues to improve, with many no longer needing glasses for daily use. Long-term outcomes are typically stable and lasting.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

Cataract recovery is usually straightforward. Every day tasks like reading or watching TV become easier almost immediately. Healing continues over the following weeks, with most returning to work, driving, and regular activities within a few days. Additional care post-operation may be required.

 

Final Thought

At AccuVision, we don’t stop once the procedure is over. Our team provides clear, tailored follow up care and guidance on using your eye drops, caring for your eyes, and protecting your sight. We invite you back for regular follow-up visits to check that your recovery is on track. Your comfort and long-term vision are always our main concern.

 

FAQs

Q1. What’s the main difference between LASIK and cataract surgery?
LASIK reshapes the cornea; cataract surgery replaces a cloudy lens. LASIK is not appropriate for patients who have cataracts.

Q2. Do LASIK and cataract surgery use the same tools?
No, surgical technique is different; LASIK and other corneal procedures involve working on the surface of the eye. Cataract surgery is an “intra ocular” procedure, which involves operating inside the eye, that replaces the natural lens.

Q3. Will I be awake during the procedure?
Yes, both are done with numbing drops while you’re awake and comfortable.

Q4. How long does each procedure take?
LASIK is done in just a few minutes per eye, while cataract surgery usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

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