What is Laser Cataract Surgery?

August 6th, 2024

Is your vision blurry? Have you noticed that everyday activities like doing dishes or laundry have become more difficult due to changes in vision? This could be due to cataracts.

Cataract surgery is the only way to permanently treat cataracts that have started to affect your vision. The procedure is highly effective, with cataract surgery improving millions of people’s vision.

Cataract surgeons can use various techniques to perform cataract surgery, including laser cataract surgery. Both traditional and laser cataract surgery are safe and offer patients excellent outcomes. 

Keep reading to learn more about what laser cataract surgery is and what it could do for your vision.

What is Laser Cataract Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a familiar concept, as many vision correction procedures incorporate lasers as the primary tool. Lasers can be used to make incisions in the eye and reshape tissue in the eye to improve vision. 

Before laser cataract surgery, your eye doctor will use 3D imaging technology to create a map of the eye and a treatment plan for the procedure.

Lasers like the CATALYS® system are excellent tools for precision in cataract surgery.  Your cataract surgeon will use the laser to create a tiny circular opening to access the cataract-affected lens of the eye. The laser’s heat softens and breaks up the clouded lens into tiny pieces, which your surgeon can gently remove. 

After removal, your cataract surgeon will place an intraocular lens, known as an IOL, in your eye to improve your vision. 

What is Traditional Cataract Surgery?

In traditional cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon uses a handheld, single-use diamond blade to make incisions into the eye. They use specialized microsurgical instruments to create an opening in the lens capsule to remove the clouded lens and place the IOL. 

In both types of cataract surgery, your comfort is a priority.  Your eyes will be treated with topical anesthetic eye drops to numb them. You may also receive a sedative to help you relax during the procedure.

Both methods only take a few minutes to complete and don’t require sutures afterward. The surgical incision will quickly heal on its own following the procedure.

You will be able to go home shortly after the procedure, though you will need to use prescription eye drops to prevent infection. You will also need to take care to protect your eyes during the healing process. Your cataract surgeon will give you instructions for aftercare. 

Laser Cataract Surgery Results

Laser cataract surgery is more precise than traditional cataract surgery. It can shorten recovery time and help many patients experience visual results more quickly. You will likely notice an immediate improvement in your vision since you will no longer have cataracts.

Any clouding and discoloration from the cataract-affected lens will be completely reversed by placing the new IOL in your eye. You will notice improvement in your vision over the next several weeks as your eyes fully heal.

Depending on the IOL you choose, you may even have better vision than you ever experienced before cataracts. Premium IOLs can correct common refractive errors, meaning you may not need glasses or contacts after cataract surgery.

Do you think you may be experiencing symptoms of cataracts? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!