Laser cataract surgery means removing the clouded lens from the eyes and replacing it with an artificial lens. It is evident that all types of cataract surgeries are done through laser. Although it is a safe and efficient treatment, most health insurance policies do not cover laser cataract surgery, which is also more expensive than the traditional method. Furthermore, A cataract, or hazy lens in the eye, is removed during an outpatient surgical procedure called laser cataract surgery and replaced with an artificial lens to restore vision. (Cataract Surgery Benefits)
Purpose of Laser Cataract Surgery
It has been said that having a cataract is like looking out of a dirty window. Some describe their eyesight as being clouded, foggy, fuzzy, or hazy. Clearer vision can be restored by replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens. Moreover, the aim or purpose of laser cataract surgery is to create an incision or lens opening and for fragmenting the lens of the eyes.
An eye exam can be used to identify cataracts. If your astigmatism will be treated during the treatment or if a specific lens implant, such as a multifocal intraocular lens, is required, you might be a candidate for laser-assisted cataract surgery (IOL).
Advantages of Laser Cataract surgery
There are many benefits of laser-assisted surgery. If compared to traditional cataract surgery, this procedure is more beneficial. Nowadays, laser cataract surgery is performed more commonly. Following are the advantages of this procedure.
Blade-free
In contrast to traditional surgery, which makes an incision using a needle, blades, and handled instruments, laser surgery uses a laser to break up the cataract and produce a tiny incision to remove the afflicted lens.
Vision improvement
The laser-assisted surgery can correct pre-existing astigmatism, in comparison to traditional surgery, which can only repair cataracts. The cataract and astigmatism can both be corrected with the astigmatism correction module.
More precise and accurate
According to studies, laser-assisted surgery uses femtosecond laser technology to create ten times more accurate incisions than conventional surgery. The incision must be placed precisely and in a circular pattern. The most common purpose for this kind of surgery is to cure astigmatism.
Less recovery time
In comparison to traditional surgery, laser surgery is less painful and requires a shorter recovery period. If the patient takes the required precautions, they can resume their normal activities within a few days of surgery.
Risks & Complications
People used to successfully undergo cataract surgery. Millions of people undergo this surgery every year. However, some complications that may occur during the surgery are the following:
- 1. Intraocular lens dislocation
- 2. Light sensitivity
- 3. Ocular hypertension – which means increased pressure in your eyes.
- 4. Eye inflammation
- 5. Ptosis – droopy eyelids
- 6. Macular edema – means swelling of the middle part of the retina.
- 7. Posterior capsule opacity – PCO
- 8. Photopsia – this perceives flashes of light
- 9. Detachment of retina
- 10. Glaucoma
- 11. Eye infection
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Expectations During and After Surgery
Your eye will be open during the laser cataract surgery. Your eye will be kept closed throughout the process by a little retractor that will be placed around it. With the laser, your ophthalmologist will create a tiny incision on the edge of your cornea. The length of this incision, which should have a small vertical and horizontal component, should be between 2 and 2.5 millimeters (mm). The following steps will provide in-depth details about this procedure.
- 1. The lens is disassembled into tiny fragments using a femtosecond laser.
- 2. A small hole is cut into the front portion of the lens capsule, which houses the lens, to perform the capsulotomy. Because the OCT is integrated with the laser, the capsulotomy is made in an almost perfect circular shape. The new lens implant can be held in place by precisely centering this circular incision.
- 3. In order to replace the lens that was previously removed, a new intraocular lens implant must be inserted as the following step in the cataract surgery.
- 4. Using the laser, your surgeon may also make a few tiny incisions to stop any postoperative astigmatism from developing.
- 5. This incision or cut can be healed on its own, so stitches are not required while for protecting your eyes, it will be covered with a bandage.
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After laser cataract surgery
- 1. You might be prescribed painkillers as needed during your rehabilitation. Your nurses will check to see if you are comfortable and can easily walk and eat.
- 2. Within a few hours of your procedure, if you aren’t showing any signs of difficulties (such as bleeding, discomfort, or swelling), you should be allowed to leave the hospital and return home.
- 3. Before leaving the hospital, you will be given advice on how to care for your eyes after surgery, when to schedule a follow-up appointment, and any potential complications.
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How to know that you are a candidate for cataract surgery?
You may be a candidate for this condition, if you have cataracts that have caused your eyesight to become clouded and you are also exhibiting additional symptoms that are negatively affecting your life, such as fuzzy vision or the need for brighter lighting when reading.
Cost of laser cataract surgery in India
Laser cataract surgery will cost about 85,000 to 1.2 lakhs in India. However, it may differ as per the location, hospital, procedure, and equipment used in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser cataract surgery better?
Yes, laser cataract surgery is better than the traditional method. As per estimation, the overall success rate is about 98% or more.
How long is recovery from laser cataract surgery?
It will take almost one to two months of the recovery period.
Is cataract laser surgery painful?
No, there is no pain involved in laser cataract surgery as there is no blade used during this procedure.
What is the success rate of laser cataract surgery?
Laser cataract surgery has a success rate of 98%.
How do you feel after laser cataract surgery?
Just after the surgery, your eyes may feel burn, itchy, or may feel like there is something in it.
Are you asleep for laser eye surgery?
During this surgery, your eyes will be numbed through eye drops, though you will be awake during the whole procedure.
How traditional surgery is different from laser cataract surgery?
The major difference between traditional surgery and laser cataract surgery is that there is no blade used during laser surgery whereas a vibrator needle is used in the traditional method.
Can you drive after laser cataract surgery?
You can not drive on the day of laser cataract surgery because it will be unsafe for you to drive immediately after the surgery.
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