Cataract surgery can significantly improve your vision. Whether you opt for traditional or laser-assisted surgery, finding the right method is crucial for your unique needs.
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the cloudy lens in the eye and restore clear vision. For many patients, understanding the differences between laser cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery is key to making an informed decision. Both techniques have proven safe and effective, and your journey to clearer vision will depend on your unique needs and overall eye health.
Cataract surgery involves removing the eye’s cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is the most commonly performed eye surgery, especially among individuals over 60 years of age, and it plays a crucial role in relieving vision impairment. With the evolution of technology, patients now face two primary methods: traditional cataract surgery and laser-assisted cataract surgery—each with its own benefits and considerations.
Traditional cataract surgery, also known as phacoemulsification, has been a reliable method for decades. In this procedure, our eye doctors create a tiny incision in the cornea using a scalpel; then, they insert a thin probe that emits ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens. The fragmented pieces are gently suctioned away, and an artificial lens is inserted in its place to help restore vision with minimal recovery time.
Let’s walk through the steps of traditional cataract surgery:
With its long record of successful outcomes, traditional cataract surgery is widely covered by insurance and remains a popular choice, especially for patients with routine cataract conditions.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find a top optometrist near you who specializes in cataract surgery.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery, sometimes called femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), represents the advancement of technology in eye care. In this method, a laser is used to perform key steps with high precision by mapping the eye’s structures with a sophisticated imaging system. The laser makes highly controlled incisions and softens the cataract, ultimately facilitating improved accuracy during lens removal and replacement.
This technique begins with an advanced imaging process where a camera/ultrasound device takes detailed pictures of the eye. Here’s how the process unfolds:
This high-resolution mapping and laser technology can be particularly beneficial in cases where precision is paramount, such as when using premium lenses that require exact positioning for optimal visual outcomes.
One of the distinguishing features between laser-assisted and traditional cataract surgery is the level of precision offered by laser technology. While both techniques deliver successful outcomes, the laser method provides a computer-guided approach that minimizes human error. This precision can be especially valuable in creating consistent incisions and in accurately aligning the replacement lens.
In traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon manually creates incisions and performs lens fragmentation with handheld instruments. Although this method is highly effective, it may not match the reproducibility of the laser system in certain cases. In contrast, laser-assisted surgery uses detailed imaging to plan every incision, potentially reducing the need for excessive ultrasound energy and thereby minimizing trauma to the surrounding eye tissue.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find a top optometrist near you who specializes in cataract surgery.
Understand the differences between cataract surgery options, including laser-assisted and traditional methods, to make an informed decision.
