While our limbs and organs function well, we can’t be assured that they will be in a great state at all times. With aging and life circumstances either externally or internally, it seems like only a matter of time before we notice malfunctions in our body functions. That includes our eyes too.
With numerous possibilities that can put your vision and eye health in general at stake, your quality of life is likely hitting the grave. Not to worry though because advanced technology has grown tremendously in ensuring that we get a chance to correct those issues.
The common denominators that have plagued many lives are cataract and refractive vision errors which require the popular eye surgery sought after, cataract and LASIK eye surgery. Which is better, either a cataract or LASIK surgery for your eye situation? Let’s get to the bottom of that!
But before that, it’s best to understand what cataract surgery and LASIK eye surgery are, their purposes and how they benefit patients who require the procedure done.
Cataract and LASIK Eye Surgery: What are the Differences?
While the procedures involve similar steps, these two surgeries are performed for different reasons. Yes, both cataract and LASIK eye surgeries utilise lasers and anaesthetic drugs for the procedure, and the patient’s recovery period is very minimal, which makes them look like they’re the same type of surgery.
The major differences would be the conditions both surgeries intend to fix. Cataract surgery as the name suggests, is done to correct a cataract which is commonly known as the cloudy lens in the eye. LASIK eye surgery however corrects the focus of light on the retina of the eye which is done by reshaping the cornea itself.
Another factor that differentiates both these surgeries is that while LASIK eye surgery can be performed for both eyes at the same time, cataract surgery can only be done one eye at a time, that too isn’t a necessity to be done for both eyes.
Continue reading to understand each of the surgeries individually!
Cataract and LASIK Eye Surgery: What are They?
A form of refractive surgery, a LASIK eye surgery can correct the three infamous vision errors; nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism by, as mentioned above, reshaping the cornea using a laser.
In Malaysia, your best eye doctor performing your LASIK surgery would first need to assess your eye condition and once you fall under the eligibility requirements such as your overall health and steady eye condition that did not require a change of prescription at least for two years, you would be one step away from freeing yourself from glasses and lenses for good.
The procedure takes about 15-20 min tops, starting with anaesthetizing the eye with a local anaesthetic. The ophthalmologist will then proceed to use a femtosecond laser to carve out a corneal flap before reshaping the cornea with another laser. The corneal flap is replaced as the final step of the surgery.
Cataract surgery is performed to correct the cataract condition. A cataract, due to the clouding on their natural eye lens, shows up as blurred vision, frequent glares, and difficulty reading that usually develop gradually in patients; affecting their daily lives. Having those symptoms signs you up automatically as an eligible candidate for the surgery.
For cataract surgery, your eye doctor would first dilate your eye using an eye drop and then continued by anaesthetizing it. Using an ultrasound probe or in rare cases, an incision would be done to remove the cloudy lens. The last step would be to replace the natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) that’s designed to function clearly as a natural lens would.
Your Ophthalmologist Is Your Eye’s Best Friend: When to Visit for Cataract and LASIK Eye Surgery in Malaysia?
As much as these two surgeries are on the top of the list for eye surgeries globally, it is crucial to know that they benefit your eyes differently and they’re not for everyone. Hence, before making a conclusive decision on your own about your eye health, dropping by your trustable eye specialist in Malaysia can help you make an informed decision, about your need for a cataract and LASIK eye surgery.
You may address your doubts and questions to your eye doctor such as “Which is better, LASIK or cataract surgery?” or “Does cataract surgery correct vision?” that can be misleading if not advised accurately by experts in the field. Then if needed, you can rest assured that your eyes are in the best hands for a LASIK surgery in Malaysia.
We bet that if you’ve been scratching your head trying to figure out what is LASIK eye surgery and its’ differences from cataract surgery, you’re relieved with plenty of resourceful answers after your read here!
