post-cataract lasik

[tonyc23]

I had cataract surgery in both eyes 8 years ago. I am now a2 months short of 64. My right eye, which had always been dominant, was undercorrected to give me some near vision, but i am unhappy having to wear glasses almost always for clear distance as well as treading. if i had that eye lasik corrected for distance, i would be at plano...that is my goal, so i would only need reading/computer glasses.  how do i know that the eye surgeon wont overcorrect that eye to make me beyond plano and 20/10?  that would mean i would alwsays need glasses for reading and middle distance, so i ma back where i started.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

I would wait a little longer to see if you are able to adapt to the new vision.  If you are not happy with the distance vision in the right eye, LASIK is an option.  You should see an expert LASIK surgeon, who should be able to correct your distance vision.  Correcting the right eye to plano means you will need glasses for reading and the computer.

[tonyc23]

A related discussion, Lasik vs Piggyback lens was started.

[tonyc23]

What I mean is what do i tell him prior to lasik surgery in that right eye; yes, i am right-handed.

[tonyc23]

Thank you, Dr. Fazio. How do i make sure that the surgeon doesnt overcorrect?  or should i take no chances and just wear the proclear toric contact as needed?

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

It is not a firm rule, but usually the dominant eye is corrected for distance.  Again, if you are not able to adapt to having the right eye as the reading eye after cataract surgery, then LASIK could be considered to make the right eye plano and your distance eye.  You are correct; you don't want the LASIK to overcorrect you to hyperopia (farsightedness), or otherwise you will not be able to see clearly at any distance without glasses, unless it is only +0.25.

[tonyc23]

What does dominat eye have to do with all this? I am right eye dominant, yet that eye was undercorrected for distance. Does it matter? Thank you very much.