Laser Cataract Surgery: Innovations in Eye Care
Cataract is a common medical condition characterized by abnormal clouding of your lens. This results in blurred and cloudy vision with irritability. Routine tasks like reading, watching TV, and driving may become challenging. Modesto cataract surgery is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Currently, many doctors prefer laser cataract surgery.
This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to remove cataracts and improve vision. This comprehensive blog will highlight a few key points about laser cataract surgery. So read on!
What is the purpose of laser cataract surgery?
The main purpose of laser surgery for cataracts is to improve vision by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens. This can significantly improve your vision and enhance your quality of life.
How do you prepare before the surgery?
Your doctor will prepare your eye by prescribing necessary eye drops for use before the surgery. This prevents swelling and inflammation during and after surgery. You may be advised to avoid eating solid foods for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
What to expect on the day of the surgery?
On the day of the laser cataract surgery, the procedure takes place in an outpatient surgical center or hospital. The medical team will explain the procedure again and answer any questions that you may have. A healthcare professional will then test your vital signs to ensure you are healthy for surgery. Laser cataract surgery will be performed under local anesthesia or a sedative that keeps you awake but doesn’t make you feel any pain or discomfort.
The steps of the procedure include:
- Numbing the eye with an injection or numbing eye drops
- Cleaning the eye with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection
- Placing a device called a speculum in the eye to keep eyelids open during the procedure
- Giving eye drops to dilate pupils
- Placing a camera device over the eye to guide the procedure
- Using a femtosecond laser to make a precise incision in the cornea and create an opening in the lens capsule
- Breaking the cataract into small pieces and removing it
- Implanting the artificial lens to replace the removed natural lens
What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery?
Laser cataract surgery has several benefits, including:
- More correction than traditional cataract surgery in some cases
- Requires less energy and time, reducing corneal damage that can affect vision
- 3D eye mapping to guide the surgeon
- More precise and consistent incisions
- Ability to make a more accurate incision in difficult cases
- Reduces downtime and leads to faster recovery
- Ability to correct astigmatism
- Possibility of not needing glasses afterward
What to expect after the laser cataract surgery?
Some people notice significant vision improvements within a few days, although full recovery can take up to 12 weeks.
After the surgery:
- Doctors may prescribe eye drops to help prevent swelling, and inflammation, and manage pain
- You may need to wear protective eyeglasses while your eye heals
- Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye
- Avoid washing your eyes with soap and water directly for a few days
- Avoid activities like swimming and heavy physical exercises for at least one to two weeks after surgery
Are there any side effects associated with laser cataract surgery?
Laser cataract surgery is a simple and safe procedure, but you may experience mild side effects that are short-lived. These include:
- Itching
- Mild discomfort
- Slight swelling inside the eye
- Intense pain that doesn’t get better with medicine or time
- Loss of vision
- Eyelid swelling
- Flashes of light or “dots” in vision
- Eye redness that worsens with time
Laser cataract surgery involves the removal of the clouded and damaged lens using a femtolaser to create an incision in the eye. The clouded lens is then removed and replaced with a suitable artificial lens. This technique is safe, and painless, with minimal side effects and quick recovery. This can greatly restore your vision and improve your quality of life.
