LASER vs Traditional Cataract Surgery

It is best described as LASER-Assisted Cataract Surgery

The laser pre-treats the eye before the cataract surgery begins

The doctor still has to use the traditional phacoemulsification probe to remove the cataract via ultrasound energy

Lasers can create incisions to enter the eye, relaxing incisions to treat astigmatism, and can soften the cataract for easier removal

You will be taken to the laser room and positioned comfortably on a bed

The laser applicator is slowly lowered and a suction is applied

You will feel a pressure sensation and the vision dims

The surgeon then measures the eye for all incisions and treatments

Once confirmed, the laser is applied

The whole procedure usually takes about 1-2 minutes

LASER IS different than traditional cataract surgery

All of the incisions and openings are created in a way that is more accurate and precise than can be done manually

One of the most important parts of the surgery is creating a circular and appropriately sized capsular opening

This allows the intraocular lens to sit in the right spot

The PHOTO shows the capsular opening as the pink circle, the cataract softening as the yellow cross and circle, and the corneal incisions as the two white lines

Safety is of the utmost importance in eye surgery

LASER may be safer in certain situations such as patients who have very large cataracts or patients with Fuchs Dystrophy

For most patients, the safety is the same for LASER and traditional

Recovery Time is about the same as well

Patients with Astigmatism qualify for laser cataract surgery

Astigmatism can be corrected using laser relaxing incisions

Patients can also qualify for laser cataract surgery if they are receiving a premium lens such as a Toric or Multifocal lens

LASER Cataract Surgery is NOT covered by insurance

Adding LASER to your cataract surgery can often cost $800-1200 per eye

This cost is usually bundled into your cataract surgery package

Prices for LASER plus Toric and Multifocal lenses are usually very clear

YES! There are.

Brands of LASER include:

• LensX (by Alcon)

• Catalys (by Johson and Johnson)

• Ally (by Lensar)

• Victus (by Bausch and Lomb)

All get the job done well

There is some debate as to whether LASER cataract surgery is better

Some surgeons prefer it for the accuracy, especially with advanced lenses such as toric and multifocal lenses

Others feel that it is unnecessary and an extra expense

Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons

They will likely give your their recommendation for what they feel is best