Can lazik surgery correct astigmatism and cataracts?

I had an eye exam 6 month ago and My Doctor said I had the very beginning signs of a cataract on my right eye. I also have Astigmatism in both eyes. Because of this, my glasses do not correct my vision as much as I would like and I cannot wear contacts. Since, I have bi-focals they tried putting a different lense in each eye but I could not see at all with the contacts.

Approximately how long does is take from the beginning stages of Cataracts until Medicare will pay for the surgery? Also, is this same surgery the same as lazik that is suppose to correct our Farsightedness or Nearsightedness? Also, will Lazik surgery correct astigmatism? If so, would it be adviseable to go ahead and pay for my own surgery and have it alll corrected at once?
You would not be a good candidate for refractive surgery if you are developing cataract: your Rx would be very likely to be unstable, so setting the eye to zero with surgery might only be a temporary effect. The cataracts are going to have to be resolved first, and the possibility of Lasik reviewed once that has been settled.

Cataracts can take a very variable time to develop... from a few weeks (rare but possible,) to many years.
Technically, the cataract no longer has to be "ripe": it can be treated whenever the blur or the glare sufficiently interferes with your lifestyle that it outweighs the inconvenience and slight risk of having the operation.
For most people it should certainly be done before they become illegal for driving.
I'm in the UK So i can't answer the medicare/cost point.

If you have the Cataract surgery you may only have a minor resulting Rx, but you will have to make a choice at some point whether to go for bifocal or single vision implants.
(for my eyes, I'd want best vision over convenience, and I'd opt for single vision implants, but it's a very personal call)

Optometrist, retired.

Can lazik surgery correct astigmatism and cataracts? Keyword

Cataract surgery , Nearsightedness , Farsightedness , Astigmatism , Cataracts , My Doctor , Candida , My eye