Are There Advantages to Having Laser Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss throughout the country. That’s why cataract surgery is the most common medical procedure in the country. 

It’s effective at restoring vision after you develop cataracts. But that does not mean there is no way to improve cataract surgery.

Traditional cataract surgery relies on the skill of your surgeon and manual equipment. Laser cataract surgery is an advancement in the cataract surgery process.

It makes the procedure more effective, safer and enhances visual outcomes. Keep reading to learn more about laser cataract surgery and its advantages.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery removes and replaces your natural lenses when they develop cataracts. Your natural lens gets replaced with an intraocular lens or IOL, which gives you your sight back!

To start, your surgeon numbs your eyes so you don’t feel any pain. Then they can remove your cloudy lenses.

First, they make an incision in your cornea to access your lens behind it. Once they have access, they break the lens into smaller pieces, making it easier to remove.

When the lens is in small enough bits, it gets removed with gentle suction. Then, your surgeon replaces it with an IOL.

IOLs perform the same function as your natural lens, plus they can’t develop cataracts. Your options for IOLs range from very basic monofocal IOLs to premium IOLs with exceptional visual capabilities.

Your eye doctor will help you choose the best IOL for your situation. Once the IOL is in your eye, your surgeon reattaches the corneal incision, which heals without adhesive or sutures.

Then you go home to recover from the procedure and can get back to your daily routine within a few weeks. You can resume driving and lower impact tasks within a few days of your cataract surgery.

How is Laser Cataract Surgery Different?

Laser cataract surgery follows much of the same process as traditional cataract surgery. Your lens still gets removed and replaced with an IOL.

But laser cataract surgery uses fewer tools and is more automated. It reduces the impact on your eyes.

Many of the manual tasks in traditional cataract surgery get done with a laser instead. This automation makes your recovery simpler, may enhance your visual outcomes and gives you a custom procedure.

It starts with the laser mapping your eye. This map guides the procedure, which enhances precision, and limits collateral tissue damage.

The laser makes the incision in your cornea instead of your surgeon doing it by hand. It also guides the placement of your IOL.

That way, the incision is smaller and smoother, which is less irritating to your eye. Next, the laser breaks your lens into smaller pieces.

In traditional cataract surgery, ultrasound energy does this. Laser cataract surgery also uses ultrasound, but the laser does some work, so less gets used.

Less energy going into your eye reduces damage to your tissues. The result is a more straightforward recovery.

Once your lens is out of your eye, the IOL can replace it. The map makes the placement of the IOL more accurate, resulting in an ideal outcome.

Should You Get Laser Cataract Surgery?

Most insurance plans do not cover laser cataract surgery. But, the precision and the reduced impact it produces may be worth it.

Custom laser cataract surgery increases your chances of enhanced visual outcomes. The precision could reduce your need for glasses after your cataract surgery, especially with a premium IOL.

Your eye doctor will help you decide if laser cataract surgery is right for you. Its advantages may be worth it.

Do you need cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Arizona in Scottsdale, AZ. See if laser cataract surgery is the best way to get it done!