LASIK, CATARACTS & LENS IMPLANTS

Q: I’m 57 and had LASIK 15 years ago. I’m noticing changes in my vision, especially at night with glare. How long does LASIK last? A:

: In most cases the improved vision LASIK surgery provides is permanent. But in a limited number of cases — usually due to changes that can occur in the lens inside the eye, with or without LASIK surgery — some nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism can return over time, causing blurry vision. If a regression of this sort occurs and becomes bothersome, a follow-up procedure called a LASIK enhancement usually can be performed to restore clear vision.

In your case, you might a condition called dysfunctional lens syndrome or (DLS) which can be an early sign of cataracts. As we age, the clear crystalline lens of the eye can become cloudy, which is what eye doctors call cataracts. In your case, you might just have Stage 2 DLS, which is when the protein deposits change in our lenses (this happens before the lens turns cloudy) which can cause glare and halos, especially at night. Some ophthalmologists that specialize in refractive cataract surgery and/or LASIK, usually have a special diagnostic testing analyzer, which can determine how much light scatter you are experiencing due to DLS. If you have DLS, then a LASIK enhancement won’t help and you will most likely need early cataract surgery called, Refractive Lens Exchange, or RLE. RLE is the exact same thing as cataract surgery, except you do not have cataracts as of yet. Your surgeon will remove your eye’s natural lenses which are causing your night vision issues and replace them with an artificial intraocular lens or IOL. Some of today’s lens technology options may allow patients to see at all distances, even up close, with little to no dependency on glasses. Plus, with RLE, you will never need cataract surgery in the future.

See your eye doctor to see if a LASIK enhancement or Refractive Lens Exchange is for you. Michael E. Rom, M.D.

Insight Eye Center Chardon (440) 286-1188 Mentor (440 205-5840 www.insighteyecenter.com