For Release: October 11, 2021

Why Laser Cataract Surgery Is Effective

The number of people with cataracts in the United States is expected to double by 2050. This will result in about 50 million people with cataracts. Because this is such a prevalent issue, it is important to learn more about the best treatment options. 

What Is Laser Cataract Surgery?

What is the treatment for cataracts? Cataracts are a common problem in the United States and surgery is one of the only cataract treatment options available.

Some new treatments for cataracts include laser cataract surgery. This is done by many vision institutes and is typically an outpatient surgery. This means you will not have to stay in a hospital and you will be able to regain use of your eye much faster. 

This procedure will include cataract surgery with lens replacement to help improve your vision as well.

When you get laser surgery for your cataracts, you will first numb your eye with drops or injections so you do not feel pain during your surgery. You will also be under mild sedation to prevent any other complications during your procedure. 

Next, your ophthalmologist will make an incision in your eye with a femtosecond laser.

This incision will give them easier access to the lens of your eye. This way, they can break up cataracts, remove the lens of your eye, and then perform the cataract surgery lens replacement.

In traditional cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will use a small blade to make the incision in your eye, rather than a laser. 

By getting your laser cataract surgery, you will be able to improve cloudy or blurry vision. 

Advantages of Laser Surgery

Many great advantages come with using laser surgery for cataract removal.

Both traditional cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery will improve your vision. However, there are many clear benefits of using laser surgery to treat your cataracts. 

Here are the biggest advantages of laser surgery. 

Precise and Repeatable Process

First, the incision made with the laser during cataract surgery can seal better than an incision that is made with a blade. Because lasers are so precise, your eye will be able to heal faster and better with laser surgery.

Laser surgery provides more accurate and precise incisions, which means your surgeon will be able to make these incisions in less time than they would be able to with a blade. 

Finally, because this process is so precise, it creates a more reliable and repeatable incision. Your surgeons will be less likely to make mistakes than if they were cut by hand. 

Can Prevent Complications

Another reason why you should consider getting laser surgery for your cataracts is that it can prevent many cataract surgery complications. 

This is because laser cataract surgery requires less energy for the phacoemulsification process, which uses ultrasound vibrations to break up cataracts into small fragments. 

Essentially, the laser is used to soften a dense cataract before the phacoemulsification process which makes it easier to break up cataracts in your eye. Because it uses less energy, laser cataract surgery may prevent damage to your retina, bleeding, and many other complications.

Since laser-assisted cataract treatment uses less energy, it will also reduce the risk of your cornea swelling and may lead to faster healing.

Can Improve Other Eye Problems

Finally, laser-assisted cataract surgery can also help with other eye problems. For example, they can correct minor astigmatism in your eye. This means you will have better vision, even without glasses after your surgery. 

Laser surgery can improve minor astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. If your cornea is not curved correctly, this can lead to minor problems with your vision.

If you have other problems with your eyes along with your cataracts, this may be a good solution for you. 

May Lead to Better Vision

While there is not much research done about which type of cataract treatment provides better results, many surgeons believe that laser surgery for cataracts can lead to better vision after getting cataract surgery. 

This is because your surgeon can replace the lens of your eye with premium lenses. For example, a multifocal lens can improve your close-up vision. A toric lens can correct astigmatism. 

If you want to improve your vision while removing your cataracts, you may want to ask your surgeon if laser cataract surgery is a good option for you. 

Should You Consider Laser Surgery for Cataracts?

It may seem overwhelming trying to choose between the different treatment methods for cataracts. While laser-assisted surgery for cataracts has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. 

For example, this may be a more expensive procedure, as many insurance companies will not cover laser surgery or premium lenses. You may also not be able to get laser cataract surgery depending on your medical history. If you have had previous surgery for your cornea or glaucoma or if you have any type of scarring in your eyes, you will not be able to get this surgery. 

To make sure it is the best choice for you, you should consult with your surgeon to talk about the best treatment options for your unique situation. 

Learn More About Laser Cataract Surgery Treatments Today

Getting laser cataract surgery is a great treatment option when compared to traditional cataract surgery. Not only does it reduce the risk of any complications, but it can also help you heal faster and may result in better vision. 

When you get this laser treatment for your cataracts, you need to be sure you find the best eye doctor to perform it. 

Are you looking for cataract treatment in New York? Vision Center of New York can help! Our ophthalmologists are nationally certified and offer more than 30 combined years of experience. Dr. Gary Fishman and Dr. Simon Wu take pride in their experience and help patients maintain and improve their vision.

Contact our team to learn more about the advantages of getting laser surgery for your cataract treatments and to book an appointment with our doctors today!

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