Why do they only operate on one eye at a time?

[Cindy G]

I don't understand why they only operate on one eye at a time. They don't for Lasik and usually don't for PRK. I know they are different procedures, but isn't cataract surgery just as safe as laser surgery?
I have just been trying to imagine how I am going be able to see to do certain things with good vision only in one eye. I don't know how I am going to be able to go for a week until the next surgery with as nearsighted as I am. I have read that taking a lens out of you glasses doesn't work and they don't want me to put a contact in. I am hoping that some people who have experienced this will visit this message board and be able to tell me what their vision was like between surgeries.

[CataractExpert]

I don't understand why they only operate on one eye at a time. They don't for Lasik and usually don't for PRK. I know they are different procedures, but isn't cataract surgery just as safe as laser surgery?

In Lasik vision recovery can be within a few minutes to a day. With PRK the patient will have poor, but functional, vision for a day or two, "functional fuzzy" vision for a few days to weeks, and the clear vision after a few weeks. Because of the relative speed of vision recovery, Lasik is commonly done both eyes at one time. Because of the relative delay in vision recovery, PRK is often done one eye at a time, however can be done both eyes at the same time if the patient is able to deal with reduced vision for a while.

With all forms of laser vision correction are no incisions into the eye, everthing is done at the cornea (clear front of the eye). Cataract surgery requires an incision into the eye, tools to work within the eye, and an implant placed in the eye. Cataract surgery is medically safe and effective, but is considered to have a higher risk of infection than Lasik or PRK.

Also, because of the incisions, the eye needs to be protected. After cataract surgery you will wear an eye patch for a day or so to keep the eye from sufferring trauma.

I have just been trying to imagine how I am going be able to see to do certain things with good vision only in one eye. I don't know how I am going to be able to go for a week until the next surgery with as nearsighted as I am.

You will need correction for your nearsighted vision in the eye that has not had surgery. Although removing the lens from a pair of glasses is not ideal, it certainly is functional. Keep in mind that if all goes as planned you will have your eye patched for a very short time.