Traditional Cataract Surgery Vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a natural process of aging and occur in your eyes, making your lens cloudy and causing blurry vision, besides other symptoms. While no medical treatment is currently available for this eye disorder, cataracts are surgically removable if they interfere with your everyday activities.

When you visit our eye clinic in Monterey complaining about blurry vision, light sensitivity, night blindness, and increasing changes in the way you view colors, the professional at the practice evaluates your eyes by diluting them. If the ophthalmologist diagnoses you as having cataracts, they discuss ways to prevent its progress and surgical options to remove cataracts by traditional or laser-assisted cataract surgery.

As a layperson, you might find it challenging to determine which option is better for your needs. This article explains the differences between the two to help you make an informed decision.

How is Traditional Cataract Surgery Performed?

The name for traditional cataract surgery is phacoemulsification. Traditional cataract surgery is a relatively standard procedure worldwide and is considered safe and effective. If you are undergoing traditional cataract surgery, our cataract Surgeon near you creates a tiny incision in your cornea using a scalpel.

After creating the incision, the surgeon inserts an instrument through the opening. The tool is directed behind the pupil, where your eyes lens sits over in a capsule. Next, the surgeon creates a round opening in the capsule and inserts a pen-shaped probe through the opening. The probe applies ultrasound to break the cloudy lens. After that, the surgeon suctions the broken pieces. They also replace your lens with an artificial intraocular lens. The incision in your eyes heals naturally without requiring sutures.

Performing Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

If you are undergoing laser-assisted cataract surgery, a camera is initially placed over your eyes to map its surface. The camera also gathers information about your lens. The results of the mapping are sent to a computer programming the laser.

The mapping provides the laser with the precise location, size, and depth for the incisions. The surgeon might use the laser to make the corneal incision and open the capsule. They might also use energy from the laser to soften the cataract. Next, an ultrasound probe helps break the lens into pieces to suction them out. Finally, the surgeon puts an intraocular lens in the eye, and the incision doesn’t require any sutures.

Is Everybody Suitable for Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?

Who becomes a suitable candidate is determined by Medicare guidelines stating only some patients qualify for laser-assisted cataract surgery. However, your surgeon might recommend this procedure if they find astigmatism during your consultation and you want it corrected during the surgical process. In such cases, the laser creates specific incisions in the cornea for reshaping it to correct astigmatism.

Surgeons also offer laser-assisted cataract surgery if you select a premium lens. For example, the lens you might choose be a toric multifocal or intraocular lens that helps correct astigmatism. Laser-assisted cataract surgery permits surgeons to view and map the lens capsule better. The process also allows surgeons to place the opening in the capsule precisely. In addition, the ability allows for better positioning of the intraocular lens, which is particularly important when premium lenses are chosen.

Can You Have Laser-Assisted Surgery If You Don’t Meet The Conditions?

If you intend to have cataracts removed using the laser-assisted process, you must meet at least one condition as described earlier. If you don’t, your eye surgeon will not offer or charge for laser surgery.

Benefits of laser-assisted cataract surgery

• When using lasers, surgeons can make precise incisions in minimal time.
• Lasers improve accuracy and consistency and can provide more correction than traditional cataract surgery. Furthermore, the laser produces the amount of ultrasound energy needed to soften the lens before removal.
• However, no evidence shows that laser surgery results in fewer complications. Similarly, studies haven’t revealed that laser-assisted cataract surgery delivers better outcomes. The results you acquire entirely depend on the skill and experience of your eye surgeon.
• Some people think replacing a cloudy lens and wearing eyeglasses is perfect for them. However, many others believe getting the best possible vision without glasses is optimal. Therefore you and your eye surgeon can decide on the best option based on your specific needs.

Visit an Eye Clinic Near You

We at Eye MD Monterey provide traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery in Monterey. If you have cataract symptoms in one or both of your eyes. Kindly schedule an appointment with this facility to understand which option based suits your requirements.