Q: Can cataract surgery be performed by laser?
A: Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the United States, and can be performed both traditionally (by hand) and by laser. Laser cataract surgery has been shown to significantly improve accuracy and precision of corneal incisions and the capsulotomy. Laser cataract surgery is gentler on the eye because less energy is required to remove the cataract compared to traditional cataract surgery. This can help reduce post-operative recovery time.
In order to understand specifically how laser cataract surgery may be beneficial, it’s important to understand what a cataract is and when surgery is typically performed.
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that eventually results in blurry and/or decreased vision. Cataracts require treatment when visual impairment begins to interfere with your daily life such as difficulty seeing street signs, glare, difficulty reading or watching TV. The only way to treat a cataract is through surgery. There are no clinically proven methods to reverse the progression of cataracts.
During cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed and an artificial lens or an intraocular lens (IOL) is placed in the eye to restore vision. Surgery takes less than half an hour and is usually performed in an outpatient setting. A typical cataract surgery includes the following steps:
In traditional surgery, these steps are performed manually with blades and needles by the surgeon. However, in laser cataract surgery, a highly-accurate, computerized laser assists the surgeon in performing some of the critical steps of the procedure. Specifically, corneal and astigmatic incisions, capsulotomy, and the break-up of the lens are all steps that can be performed by laser, making the procedure blade-free! Additionally, the laser provides optical coherence tomography cross-sectional imaging of the eye to help guide your surgery.
Overall, cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that can restore clear vision. If you have been recently diagnosed with or think you may have cataracts, it is important to schedule a consultation with your ophthalmologist to discuss the best treatment options for you.
Samir A. Shah, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.S. is a board-certified, surgical ophthalmologist with Beach Eye Medical Group in Huntington Beach. Dr. Shah is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the Cornea Society, and the California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
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