Comparing Laser Cataract Surgery vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery
&srotate=0)
Cataracts cause blurry or cloudy vision, which makes it difficult for the retina to transmit clear images. While they aren’t painful in any way, when they are left untreated, it can lead to vision loss. This is why it’s so important to seek medical attention when you’re experiencing any signs of cataracts to learn more about cataract removal surgery. At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in Los Angeles, CA, we offer laser cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery to help restore our patients’ vision successfully.
About laser cataract surgery
At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley, we offer the most specialized diagnosis technology and different treatment approaches for cataracts. Since cataracts are opaque areas of the lens, we have to remove it and implant an intraocular lens that will resolve blurry or cloudy vision. During laser cataract surgery, we use the FDA-approved VICTUS Femtosecond Laser Workstation.
Some benefits of the VICTUS femtosecond laser used during femtosecond laser cataract surgery are:
-
Its advanced docking technology minimizes eye tilt or any distortion. It also allows our team to precisely align the implant, which helps maintain your natural shape of the eye.
-
It offers different lens patterns, which allow us to fit the lens shape accurately for our patients in Los Angeles, CA.
-
This system offers live online viewing throughout the entire surgery.
-
The energy used in the fragmentation can be adjusted to the proper cataract grade for each patient.
Benefits of laser versus traditional cataract surgery
Our laser cataract surgery uses the latest technology to allow us to successfully insert an implant into the eye to resolve blurry or cloudy vision. Overall, it is much safer than other similar technology. This non-contact treatment doesn’t touch the corneal surface of the eyes, which results in less irritation and a faster recovery. In terms of recovery, both types of surgeries can lead to initial blurriness for patients as their eyes will need time to heal after cataract removal. Most patients have improved vision the same day while those with traditional cataract surgery may not experience this for a few days.
Who is the best candidate for laser cataract surgery?
Almost any patient with cataracts is eligible for femtosecond laser cataract surgery in Los Angeles, CA. During a consultation with our professional team, our experienced eye surgeons can discuss any concerns a patient may have and help them choose the best cataract surgery for their eye health.
What happens during femtosecond laser cataract surgery?
Before surgery, your eyes are numbed for a comfortable experience. During laser cataract surgery, we use advanced laser technology to remove a cataract. The laser portion of your surgery is performed first, which takes about five minutes. We use lasers to find the precise position of your cataract. After it is removed, we can replace it with the selected intraocular lens.
For patients with astigmatism, we use a different incision type during cataract surgery known as the limbal relaxing incision. These arch-shaped incisions are made on the cornea’s edges. This reduces the steep curve within the eye. The entire process should take about 10 – 15 minutes, and oral or intravenous sedation can be used. A small bruise on the white of the eye known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs commonly with the femtosecond laser, but it disappears quickly during recovery. We will prescribe our patients post-operative eye drops that should be used three times a day when they get home from surgery. This helps to make the eyes feel more comfortable.
Learn more about different cataract surgeries
When they aren’t treated, cataracts can change one’s daily life dramatically. However, laser cataract surgery at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley can help eliminate cataracts and restore vision. Our experienced team can diagnose and treat cataracts successfully at their West Hills and Encino, CA eye offices. To learn more about laser and traditional cataract surgeries in Los Angeles, call our office today to schedule a consultation.