Some people who undergo certain types of laser eye surgery develop cataracts earlier in life than they otherwise might have, according to the U.K. National Health Service (NHS).

The National Eye Institute in the United States notes that any eye trauma or surgery can increase the risk of cataracts. This includes refractive laser eye surgery. A 2023 study notes that many people need cataract surgery after LASIK.

However, many people also develop cataracts as they age. More than half of people over 80 years old in the United States have cataracts or have undergone surgery to treat them.

So, while some types of laser eye surgery may speed up the onset of cataracts, they can also occur for other reasons in older adults.

Moreover, the symptoms of cataracts can be similar to the common side effects of laser eye surgery. Most people experience temporary side effects immediately after the procedure, but they usually go away in a few months.

The potential side effects include:

  • blurry vision
  • halos around lights, glare, floaters, or starbursts
  • difficulty seeing in low light (night blindness)
  • sore or dry eyes
  • red or pink patches on the eyes
  • double vision
  • general light sensitivity

Experiencing these symptoms after laser eye surgery can be a typical part of the recovery process and does not necessarily indicate a person has cataracts.

If symptoms continue for longer than a few months, they could be a sign of more persistent complications, such as permanent vision loss. Or, in some cases, it could be cataracts.

People may need more than one procedure or further treatments to address any complications. If someone has concerns, they should speak with their doctor.

Seek immediate medical help if any of the following symptoms develop after laser eye surgery:

  • floaters, dots, or lines that suddenly appear, or suddenly increase in number
  • sudden blurry vision
  • flashes of light
  • a “curtain” of darkness or shadow moving across your vision