CONCERN #5 If I have LASIK, I won’t be able to have cataract surgery if I need it in the future. There is no relationship between LASIK and cataract surgery. LASIK does not cause cataracts, accelerate the development of cataracts, or interfere with patients undergoing successful cataract surgery. LASIK changes the shape of the cornea to correct vision errors, while cataracts are a gradual clouding of the lens inside the eye, usually due to age. Patients who underwent LASIK two decades ago while in their 30s and 40s are now in their 50s and 60s and may be developing cataracts. With our Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery procedure, we are able to offer them excellent outcomes. Thousands of people all over the world have had successful cataract surgery after LASIK. CONCERN #6 LASIK causes dry eyes and terrible nighttime vision. In the early days of LASIK, there were reports of dry eye and nighttime glare or halos. With the introduction of Bladeless LASIK and other advances, however, these issues are less of a problem for the majority of patients. It is true that following LASIK, there may be some degree of temporary dryness due to decreased tear production post-surgery. But we take steps to manage this side effect by having patients use lubricating eye drops to reduce any discomfort. The vast majority of patients report significant improvement in only a few months. Similarly, nighttime vision is also less of an issue today due to improvements in the way the laser is used to reshape the cornea. Mild symptoms almost always disappear within a few months. Dr. Robin performed LASIK on two brothers who are professional baseball players. Their major motivation for LASIK was to sharpen their nighttime vision, and they have been very pleased with the results. 12