How Lasers Are Used to Treat Cataracts

When you have a Cataract, there are two different kinds of treatment. You can go with traditional Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification) or with laser-assisted cataract surgery. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery treatments are becoming popular and can be safer and quicker than manual surgery for cataracts. Laser-assisted cataract surgery also involves extra out of pocket costs not covered by Medicare and commercial insurance. Several studies have shown that the final outcome of both types of cataract surgery is equivalent in terms of final vision and low complication rates.

With laser-assisted surgery for cataracts, an ultrasound imaging device or camera is placed over the eye to create a digital map of the surface and the density of the cataract. This also helps gather the exact information that is needed about the condition of the cataract (the cloudy lens that needs to be removed and replaced with a new artificial lens). The device then transmits the information about astigmatism to the computer, which gives the femtosecond laser the precise size, depth, and location of the incisions used to correct astigmatism.

The surgeon will make a corneal incision and then open your lens capsule with the laser. The laser also softens the protein clumps and then an ultrasound probe, just like the one used in traditional cataract surgery, is used to break down the cataract even more. The cataract is then suctioned out of the eye. Just like with traditional cataract surgery, the cataract surgeon then places an artificial lens into the eye and seals the incision so you won’t usually require any stitches.

What to Know about Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery is more effective since lasers are better at breaking up the clumps of protein on the cornea surface. However, not everyone will qualify for this type of cataract surgery. If you have medical conditions that affect your eyes or take certain medications, you may not be a good candidate for this form of treatment. If you are not a good candidate your recovery can be more inconvenient and may take longer. You may even have problems with your vision after cataract surgery.

If you are a good candidate for laser-assisted- cataract surgery then the recovery time will be the same as with traditional cataract surgery.

With any Cataract Surgery, your vision is going to be sensitive for a day after the procedure and you will need to avoid using your eyes in low-light conditions. Within three days, your eyes should be free of cataracts, and your vision less blurry. As long as you take care of your eyes, you shouldn’t have any significant complications.

Find a Trusted Cataract Surgeon™

Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ features true experts in who are among the best cataract surgeons in the United States. Please visit our "Find a Cataract Surgeon" Directory to find a highly qualified cataract surgeon with proven expertise.

All LASIK and cataract surgeons featured at Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ are screened to ensure you can find a surgeon who has proven expertise and one with professional accomplishments that have been recognized by their peers. To learn how we screen surgeons, please visit our discussion entitled “How are surgeons screened at Trusted LASIK Surgeons™”?

Most of the cataract surgeons featured at our website are also expert LASIK surgeons and many perform other refractive procedures, like the Kamra Inlay, which can help with reading problems, lens implant procedures, and corneal transplants. 

Whatever your vision needs, Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ is here to help you find the best vision correction specialists you can find.