Advanced techniques in laser cataract surgery bring a new level of precision and accuracy to cataract treatment. The best practices invest in state-of-the-art technology enabling them to identify, diagnose and treat eye conditions with surgical precision. While traditional methods are still used, the technological advancements in laser surgery offer many benefits, making it a very popular choice for those looking to undergo the procedure.
Laser Cataract Surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures performed today. Both the technology and methodology continue to improve with each new advancement. However, as eye technology, techniques, and practices advance, it can be hard to know the difference between the different types of cataract surgery available to patients today. Laser cataract surgery is a procedure that’s carried out to remove a diseased lens and replace it with an artificial one. The laser replaces the traditional hand-held blade to optimize all incisions for enhanced, reproducible surgical performance. This breakthrough technology provides the surgeon with real-time three-dimensional visualization for true customization of your lens replacement procedure. The procedure involves making a small incision in the cornea of the eye, breaking down the existing lens with ultrasound, and suctioning it out. The new lens is called an Intraocular Lens, or IOL.The IOL is inserted through a tiny incision that is constructed to be self-sealing, so in most cases it closes on its own without stitches.
At the time of the removal of your cataract, your surgeon will replace it with an artificial lens. More than ever before, cataract patients can enjoy an incredibly wide selection of intraocular lenses (IOLs), the advanced lens implants that bring life into clear focus after cataract surgery. These plastic IOLs, originally designed only to efficiently imitate the eye’s natural lenses, now provide capabilities that transcend the limitations of the cataract-clouded lenses they replace. There are a variety of IOLs to choose from. Which is best for you will depend on many different factors, such as the quality of your vision and your lifestyle. The best IOL for you will be discussed with your surgeon before treatment. Some, such as EDOF and multifocal, are not suitable if you have other eye conditions. Some are better for those with astigmatism (toric), and others are better for those who don’t frequently drive at night (monofocal). It’s vital to be frank and honest about your expectations so that your surgeon can help you decide which will be the best lens choice for your situation.
Both traditional and laser cataract surgery are commonly carried out procedures with an extremely high level of success. The advantages of laser over traditional include that it further reduces a relatively common post-surgery complication known as Posterior Capsule Opacity (PCO). This is where some cells remain that cause vision to become cloudy once again. However, there is a very simple procedure to combat this, known as a Laser Capsulotomy. Laser cataract surgery also reduces the already very low risk of postoperative complications, such as infection, bleeding, and lens dislocation. It’s normal to have a short recovery period after laser cataract surgery where you might have slight discomfort. This can include itching or a mild ache. This is completely normal and can be treated with over-the-counter analgesia or your surgeon may prescribe you some eye drops.
Traditional cataract surgery is performed by hand: the surgeon uses a scalpel to make a tiny incision in the cornea, then breaks down the clouded lens and suctions it out before fitting an artificial lens. Laser-assisted surgery uses a computer map of the eye to guide a laser that makes the incisions and helps position the lens. Both are proven, safe, and highly successful.
Both approaches have very high success rates and low complication rates, so neither is simply better for everyone. Laser cataract surgery is faster and more precise, causes less trauma to surrounding tissue, and allows premium lenses and astigmatism correction. However, it costs more, is not usually covered by Medicare, and is not offered at every location. Your surgeon can advise which option fits your eyes and lifestyle.
An intraocular lens, or IOL, is the artificial lens that replaces your natural lens during cataract surgery. Once the clouded lens is removed, the IOL is inserted in its place to focus light onto the retina. Options range from a basic monofocal lens to advanced premium lenses that can bring several distances into focus.
Common choices include monofocal lenses, which focus at a single distance; multifocal lenses for near and far vision; toric lenses that correct astigmatism; extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses; accommodative lenses; and light-adjustable lenses, whose prescription can be fine-tuned after surgery. Every lens except monofocal is considered premium and requires laser-assisted surgery. Your surgeon will help match a lens to your eyes and lifestyle.
Medicare and most insurance policies cover traditional cataract surgery along with a standard monofocal lens. Laser-assisted surgery and premium lenses generally are not covered. In most cases you can still have the advanced procedure and simply pay the difference between it and the covered traditional option. Coverage varies, so it is worth confirming the details with your own plan.
Yes. Depending on how much astigmatism you have, a surgeon can correct it during cataract surgery in one of three ways: limbal relaxing incisions that gently reshape the cornea, a toric lens implant, or a light-adjustable lens. These corrections are carried out during a laser-assisted procedure, so both issues are treated at the same time.
The femtosecond laser is the special laser used in laser-assisted cataract surgery. Guided by a detailed computer map of the eye, it makes the incision and helps break up the clouded lens with a high level of precision. The technology was approved by the FDA in 2010 and allows a wider range of premium lenses to be used.
Laser cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures performed today. Using a laser instead of a hand-held blade further reduces the already very low risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and lens dislocation, and it lowers the chance of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). A short recovery with mild discomfort is normal and usually eased with drops or over-the-counter pain relief.
