Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery
How Does Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Work?
If cataracts are causing your vision to decrease, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. Laser-assisted cataract surgery utilizes laser technology to improve precision and accuracy and minimize risks during the procedure.
About Cataracts
Each eye has a natural lens that refracts the light that enters it, and this lens allows you to see correctly up close and far away. Cataracts occur when the natural lens becomes cloudy, causing symptoms like blurry vision and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts most often happen as you age, but diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity can increase the risk of them occurring.
Cataracts do not always affect both eyes at the same time or at the same rate. But cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people 40 and over and can lead to blindness if they are not treated.
Laser Cataract Surgery Procedure
Incision
With the assistance of optical coherence tomography (OCT), which creates a magnified, high-resolution image of your eye, a femtosecond laser is used to make an incision in the eye.
Cataract Fragmentation
A femtosecond laser may be used to break the cataract into small pieces before ultrasound vibration is used. If the cataract is dense, this process helps to reduce the amount of ultrasound vibration needed.
Phacoemulsification
Ultrasound vibration is delivered at a high speed to dissolve the cataract into tiny fragments, which are then removed.
Capsulotomy
A femtosecond laser is used to create a circular opening in the capsule that holds the lens, where the new lens will be placed. The laser allows for the opening to be centered over the cataract and for the new lens to be placed with precision.
Replacement
A new lens (IOL) is placed into the capsule.
Laser Cataract Surgery FAQs
Am I a candidate for laser cataract surgery?
Most people with cataracts are candidates for laser surgery. Your doctor will examine your eyes and discuss your options more in-depth during your cataract exam.
What should I expect on the day of surgery?
You will receive information and instructions prior to the procedure. When you arrive, your eye will be properly marked and dilated—one eye is operated on at a time—and you will receive medication to help you relax. You will be given anesthesia and your eye will be numbed making this a painless procedure. Some patients describe seeing a kaleidoscope of lights while other patients do not have any memory of the procedure whatsoever . The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes. A protective shield will be placed over your eye and you will be given post-operative instructions following your procedure. Being an outpatient surgery, patients go home very quickly following the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
You can expect to spend about two to three hours at the surgical facility. Most patients are in the surgery room for 30 minutes or less, and the 3D imaging and laser portion of the procedure only takes a few minutes.
What should I expect for recovery?
It is normal to have blurry vision for a day or two after surgery, but some patients have improved vision immediately after surgery. There aren’t many changes you have to make to your daily activities after surgery, but it is important that you do not bend forward, lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activity, in order to avoid increasing the pressure in your eyes.
Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery at Michigan Eye Institute
The expert eye doctors at Michigan Eye Institute perform laser cataract surgery using cutting-edge surgery technology for the best results and recovery. If you think laser cataract surgery may be right for you, schedule an appointment today.
Read What Our Patients Are Saying
“Michigan eye Institute is a great place to go if you have problems with your eyes. They are polite, professional and caring. The doctors and staff are very knowledgeable.”
“Always have had a good experience with the staff in the office and never have had to wait a long time! I’ve had cataract surgery and that went very well!
“Large facility with many employees but very organized and courteous. Each department is managed and run like a company within a large umbrella moving clients along each process in a timely manner. Very clean facility, hospital like setting and employees continuously wipe equipment after client use.”
“I was treated with the utmost respect and the entire staff were professional and compassionate. I felt very comfortable discussing all my concerns. I was treated like a person (friend even) and not like a number. I highly recommend this institution.”
“Every single person whether on the phone or when I’ve been there in person has been very professional, helpful and kind! I’m amazed how great the staff is! And my doctor is awesome! In a office where they have this many patients I never thought my experiences would be consistently great! It’s a well oiled machine and they keep things moving along easily for each step of the process. I’m so happy I found Michigan Eye! 10 stars!”
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Concerned about how laser-assisted cataract surgery works? The eye experts at Michigan Eye Institute can help you maintain your lifestyle and sustain your vision. Come see how we can improve your life.
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