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Laser cataract eye surgery has revolutionized the treatment of cataracts around the world. With millions of people undergoing the procedure each year, it is one of the most common and safest eye surgeries performed today. If you are considering laser cataract eye surgery, there are a few things you will want to know before undergoing your procedure. In this article, we will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after laser cataract surgery, and why finally getting the procedure is worth it when it comes to improving both your vision and quality of life.
Cataract surgery is the surgical removal of the cataract using handheld tools and ultrasound energy. Laser cataract surgery follows the same process but is performed using femtosecond lasers. The femtosecond laser follows a detailed map of the patient’s eye to create a small incision in the cornea. After the incision is made, the laser will soften and breakup the cataract so it can be removed from the lens and an artificial lens implanted. The laser is exceptionally precise which may result in reduced inflammation and faster healing time. Understanding Cataracts and Laser Surgery
Cataracts are cloudy protein deposits that form in the lens of the eye obstructing vision. They can lead to blindness and impact millions of people around the globe. Cataracts naturally occur with age, with the vast majority of the population developing them by the age of 80. As cataracts form, they can cause blurry or foggy vision, halos around lights, poor night vision, double vision, and glares.
The only lasting solution to cataracts is cataract surgery. Evidence suggests that cataract surgery was performed in ancient civilizations by slicing cataracts into small pieces and removing them. In ancient India, surgeons would use a needle to push the cataract backward to clear the vision. In more modern times, the first extracapsular and intracapsular cataract extractions were performed in the mid-1700s where the cataract was removed by an incision in the cornea. However, it was not until the 1950s that the first intraocular lens implant was developed and used. Laser cataract surgery is the most recent advancement in the field of cataract surgery utilizing femtosecond lasers, the same lasers used in LASIK eye surgery, to breakup and remove the cataract.
What is Laser Cataract Surgery?
Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery provides precision results using highly advanced femtosecond lasers. Because it creates small incisions, and uses less energy to soften and break up the cataract, laser cataract surgery delivers numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced precision – Before surgery, the surgeon will use a program to create a 3D map of your eye which the laser will use to cut into the cornea and remove the lens. This map provides the precise location and depth of the cataract, making unnecessary or excessive cutting obsolete when using the laser.
- Faster recovery time – Because of the reduced inflammation from the laser, recovery times may be faster with laser cataract surgery.
- Better vision outcomes – The femtosecond laser is also used to improve the placement of the IOL lens which can help ensure better vision overall after surgery.
- Reduced dependency on glasses – After cataract surgery, most people will not need to continue to use their glasses, especially if they select a premium lens implant which corrects for certain refractive errors.
The Cataract Laser Treatment Procedure
When you decide on cataract surgery, it is important to select an experienced cataract surgeon that you trust to perform your cataract laser treatment procedure. The surgeon will perform a comprehensive eye examination to ensure your candidacy for laser cataract surgery and walk you through the process. When you come in for your pre-surgery evaluation, the surgeon will create a comprehensive 3D map of your eye, including the depth and location of the cataract using a computer program. This will be used to guide the laser in the removal of the cataract.
On the day of your procedure, your surgeon will numb your eyes using eye drops or a small injection. To start the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the cornea to access the cataract. The cataract is broken up using the laser and the pieces retrieved. Finally, the surgeon will place the IOL into the lens capsule, allowing you to see clearly once again. You may receive a patch or a bandage over the healing eye but stitches are not required to close the incision.
The whole procedure will take about 30 minutes, it could take longer depending on if you need surgery in one eye or both, and the type and severity of your cataracts. After surgery, you will be able to rest for a bit before returning home. Make sure to schedule a ride home as you will not be able to drive. Your surgeon will prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops to help with healing, as well as give you post-surgery healing recommendations.
Laser Cataract Surgery Recovery
Healing from laser cataract surgery is generally a fast process. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to several months in order for your vision to stabilize. Your vision may change as your eyes adjust to the new lens. You will visit your surgeon for a follow-up appointment about a week after surgery or two weeks out if you have selected an adjustable IOL. To ensure a smooth recovery, follow the recommendations given to your by your ophthalmologist, which may include the following:
- Do not rub or scratch your eyes as this increases your chances of an infection.
- Do not drive until your surgeon gives you the all clear.
- Protect your eyes from sunlight and foreign objects.
- Avoid strenuous activity
- Rest and heal!
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
In case you still have questions about cataract surgery, we have put together a quick list of the most common questions we get from our patients about cataract surgery.
Does laser eye surgery cause cataracts? No, there is no evidence to suggest that laser surgery will cause cataracts later in life. The difference between laser eye surgery and cataract surgery is that laser eye surgery corrects the shape of the cornea whereas cataract surgery impacts the lens.
Does laser eye surgery prevent cataracts? No, laser surgery will not prevent cataracts. When we look at lasik eye surgery vs cataract surgery, cataracts occur mostly due to aging and affect the lens of the eye. LASIK eye surgery, on the other hand, corrects the shape of the cornea so will have no bearing on the lens of the eye.
Are you awake for cataract surgery? Yes, generally patients will only require local anesthesia to undergo cataract surgery, which also speeds up the recovery time.
Is cataract surgery safe? As with any surgery, there are risks to getting cataract surgery. However, cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries you can elect and it is commonly performed around the world.
What are the disadvantages of laser cataract surgery? The one downside to laser cataract surgery is the cataract laser operation cost, which is higher than traditional cataract surgery. Unfortunately, the cataract laser operation cost is often not covered by insurance so patients will be expected to cover the entire cost out of pocket or through a payment plan.
When did they start doing modern cataract surgery? Cataract surgery as we know it, was introduced in the 1940s when the first intraocular lens was invented and implanted.
Which is better manual or laser cataract surgery? Both manual and laser cataract surgery result in better vision and great outcomes.
How are cataracts removed? The broken up cataract is often removed using suction through the small incision in the cornea.
If you are ready to begin your cataract treatment journey, reach out to the team at OCLI Vision to schedule an appointment today.
