Can cataracts develop after laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery has helped millions of people reduce their need for glasses. If you've had LASIK, PRK, or a similar procedure in the past, you may be wondering: Can I still get cataracts later in life?

The short answer is yes, pretty much always.

Laser vision correction reshapes the surface of the eye but does not prevent age-related changes to the natural lens inside the eye, which is where cataracts form. In this blog, we explain how cataracts can develop after laser eye surgery, how they’re treated, and what makes private cataract surgery with Professor Paul Ursell a trusted option for patients with a history of laser treatment.

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery changes the shape of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This corrects refractive errors like:

• Short-sightedness (myopia)
• Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism.

It helps focus light more accurately on the retina, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.

However, laser surgery doesn’t affect the lens inside your eye. That lens, over time, will still develop cataracts.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This clouding develops gradually as part of the normal ageing process, and typically starts to affect people in their 60s or 70s.

Signs of cataracts include:

• Changes in your glasses prescription
• Blurry or hazy vision
• Glare around lights (especially when driving at night)
• Difficulty reading or recognising faces
• Faded colours.

Whether or not you’ve had laser vision correction in the past, everyone is at risk of cataracts as they age.

Can cataracts be treated after laser eye surgery?

Yes, they can and with excellent results.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is safe, quick, and highly successful.

Even if you’ve had laser eye surgery years ago, cataract surgery is still an option. However, it’s important to choose a specialist like Professor Paul Ursell, who has experience treating patients with complex vision histories.

What’s different about cataract surgery after laser eye surgery?

The surgery itself is the same but choosing the right lens implant becomes more complex.

Laser surgery changes the shape of your cornea, which can make it harder to calculate the perfect lens power. If these measurements are even slightly off, your vision result may not be as clear as expected.

In private care, you’ll benefit from:

• Advanced diagnostic scans
• Personalised calculations based on your prior laser surgery
• A wider selection of premium lenses
• Consultant-led care from start to finish.

Professor Ursell uses sophisticated imaging and techniques to fine-tune your lens choice, so you get the best visual outcome possible.

Can I still choose a premium lens?

Yes. If you're suitable, you can still opt for:

• Monofocal lenses (for one clear distance)
• Multifocal or trifocal lenses (to reduce your dependence on glasses)
• Toric lenses (to correct astigmatism).

During your consultation, Professor Ursell will review your prior vision correction, lifestyle needs, and eye health before recommending the best lens.

Is the risk of complications higher after laser eye surgery?

With an experienced surgeon and the right planning, the risks are very low. However, because the cornea has been altered by laser treatment, certain calculations can be less predictable.

That’s why private cataract surgery with a specialist is strongly advised. Professor Ursell’s experience means he can adjust for these variables and minimise risk.

What are the results like?

Most patients are thrilled with their results. In fact, many say their vision is better than it was after their laser eye surgery.

Cataract removal also restores contrast and colour, helping you enjoy reading, driving, and daily life again, often without the need for glasses.

Final thoughts

Yes, cataracts will still develop after laser eye surgery. But with the right care, they can be treated safely and successfully.

If you're starting to notice cloudy vision, glare, or struggling with glasses again, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.

Take our suitability self-test to see if you’re ready for private cataract surgery with Professor Paul Ursell.