If cataracts cloud your vision, you may wonder about laser surgery to remove them.
 

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts develop when the eye’s lens gets cloudy, thus stopping light from clearly passing through to the retina. Slowly, vision gets foggy, hazy, and blurry as cataracts develop. They mainly affect older adults but can happen earlier due to health issues. Luckily, cataract removal surgery clears things up.
 

Traditional vs. Laser-Assisted

Cataract surgery traditionally uses ultrasound to break up the old lens. Then, the fragments get gently washed out. A new artificial lens goes in its place. This tried-and-true method works very well.
 

Laser-assisted cataract surgery offers some potential bonuses. First, an advanced laser system helps make ultra-precise incisions. Then, the ultrasound still breaks up and removes the cloudy natural lens. Last, the new artificial lens gets positioned correctly.
 

Who Is Laser Cataract Surgery For?

Laser-assisted cataract surgery suits many people. Those who value faster healing times find the laser’s precision beneficial. Athletes, busy parents, working professionals, and standard patients who want quick visual recovery with little interruption to life. Detail-oriented folks appreciate the accuracy, too.
 

Standard surgery already has excellent outcomes. The laser boosts precision slightly. Insurance does not cover the Laser or a premium lens in Cataract surgery.  However, certain interest free programs, offered by Care Credit, are available.  Laser-assisted cataract surgery aids the average patient. But it shines brightest for those desiring peak precision. It is best to consult your ophthalmologist about your unique situation.
 

Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery

Here are some of the many potential benefits a precision laser bring to cataract surgery:
 

• More accurate incisions.
• Quicker healing.
• Ability to correct astigmatism.
• Less dependency on glasses.

How the Laser Procedure Works

First, the ophthalmologist measures your eye carefully, allowing precision planning for the laser. The advanced laser then makes cuts in the lens capsule and loosens the cataract. After that, an ultrasound breaks up the remaining cataract pieces. Finally, the new replacement lens gets put in place and positioned correctly.
 

Although the laser part takes only 10 to 15 minutes, there are 30 more minutes before that for prep work. This allows the accuracy boost from using the laser. The total time at the surgery center is a few hours, including numbing the eyes, preparations, the procedure, and watching recovery.
 

Post-surgery Care

Caring for your eyes after laser cataract surgery follows standard advice. Use the prescribed eyedrops regularly. Go to all follow-up appointments as directed. Take it slow and rest completely for the first days, allowing healing.
 

Do not rub or press on the eyes at all. Be sure to wear the provided eye shield when sleeping. Tell your doctor about any unusual pain or changes right away. Follow specific activity rules they provide post-surgery and only drive once officially approved after checkups.
 

Also, avoid hot tubs and swimming pools initially. The weeks after surgery gradually stabilize vision as your eyes mend. Working closely with your ophthalmologist brings the best long-term results.
 

Laser cataract removal offers greater precision than the standard method. Talk over the options with an experienced ophthalmologist. They will determine if laser-assisted surgery is the right choice over traditional treatment.
 

For more on cataract surgery, visit Eastside Eye Physicians at our offices in St Clair Shores or Shelby Township, Michigan. Call (586) 774-2020 or (586) 247-2020 to schedule an appointment today.