Is Cataract Surgery OK with Lazy Eye?

A lazy eye (or amblyopia) is when the brain does not have a clear image during childhood, resulting in decreased vision. This condition will be permanent if not treated by around age 9. A lazy eye can be the result of an eye that is not straight or requires a glasses prescription to improve vision.

People with a lazy eye can still have cataract surgery with any technique, including conventional (phaco) or laser cataract removal. It is important to remember that cataract surgery can only improve your vision to the best that your eye has the potential to see. For example, if your best vision with a lazy eye was 20/40, then 20/40 is the best vision we can achieve with cataract surgery.