Hear from our Clinical Director and Laser Suite Supervisor, D.D. Jewell, about what you can expect during your complimentary LASIK…
Laser Cataract Surgery: What Does This Involve?
Patients at our Jacksonville vision center are pleased by our state-of-the-art approach to eye care and vision surgery. By using cutting-edge technology, we can improve the safety and the effectiveness of the procedures we offer. This goes for the diagnosis of conditions as well as laser vision correction surgery.
We’ve received a number of questions from patients about the use of lasers in cataract surgery. Let’s cover the basics and show why laser cataract surgery is so beneficial to our patients.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract refers to the clouding of the naturally clear lens of the eye. This can occur for many reasons, such as advanced age, injury to the eye, steroid use, radiation exposure, the use of certain medications, and so forth. Long-term sun exposure and smoking can increase the risk of cataracts forming.
When a cataract develops, it causes the lens to look milky and leads to blurry or hazy vision. Severe cataracts can lead to total vision loss. Thankfully cataracts can be dealt with through a routine removal surgery.
About Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery is the next step forward in cataract removal. Rather than using physical tools of the past, the corneal incision to remove the cataract is made with a safe and accurate surgical laser. Though this laser incision, the clouded lens of the eye can be broken up and extracted, improving the overall quality of one’s vision in the process.
The Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery
There are many benefits to laser cataract surgery. They are as follows:
- Enhanced Safety and Accuracy – The laser used in cataract surgery is extremely precise and carefully guided, offering even greater safety and accuracy than a skilled eye surgeon with a scalpel can achieve.
- Limits Damage to the Cornea – The incision made during laser cataract surgery is less likely to harm the cells of the cornea and the endothelium, which means healthier eyes in the long run.
- Even More Efficient Cataract Removal – When breaking up the cataract during laser eye surgery, studies have found that almost half as much ultrasound energy is require in laser procedures than in standard cataract removals.
- Lowers the Already Low Risk of Infection – Since there is less physical contact made with the eye, the already low risk of infection is further reduced.
Are There Any Risks or Dangers to Laser Cataract Surgery?
In general, the risks of laser cataract surgery tend to be the same as those in traditional cataract surgery. Keep in mind that traditional cataract surgery is rather routine and safe to begin with, which makes the laser procedure an even safer option for people who would like to see clearly again.
Is Laser Cataract Surgery Right for Me?
To find out if laser cataract surgery is the right option for you, it’s important to stop by the practice for a consultation. In some cases a patient may just need prescription glasses to address the vision loss causes by their cataracts. We can discuss all surgical and non-surgical options available in full detail so you can make the best choices for your needs.
Learn More About Laser Cataract Surgery
To learn more about cataracts and how they affect your vision, be sure to contact our advanced eye care and laser center today. We will work with you to address these issues as they arise and help improve your eyesight and overall quality of life.