Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery

People with vision problems frequently use vision aids like contact lenses and corrective glasses to improve their vision. However, eye surgery may also be necessary for more serious problems. Cataract is one of those vision problems that develop as we age, requiring advanced cataract removal techniques. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 94 million individuals are dealing with cataract globally. 

Cataracts are cloudy patches on the lens of the eye that typically affect older people. They cause visual problems and may worsen over time. If left untreated, they can result in partial or complete blindness. The majority of cataract patients must undergo surgery. It can clear up the cloudy cataract and restore your vision. Compared to traditional cataract surgery techniques, laser cataract surgery is a more recent technique that can give better, more accurate results. 

Let's look at the laser eye surgery advantages in more detail. 

What Is Laser Cataract Surgery?

During traditional cataract surgery, a surgeon uses a blade or scalpel to make a tiny incision in the eye. Then, a circular cut is made on the eye’s lens. Ultrasound waves are then used to break up the cataract. Finally, the eye is implanted with a new, customized lens. 

Laser cataract surgery represents an outpatient surgery, which means you can return home the same day. If you decide to have laser cataract surgery, the laser will replace most of the other tools. Under the surgeon's supervision, it will carefully make a small cut in the eye, creating a perfect circle in the lens. The clouded cataract is then broken up into small pieces by the laser, which the ultrasound machine then removes. Laser cataract surgery is regarded as a very safe operation with a high success rate. 

What Are the Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery?

Why do some people decide to use laser surgery rather than traditional techniques? There are a number of factors that are considered to choosing laser cataract surgery over traditional cataract surgery. Let's look at what are blade-free cataract surgery benefits: 

• Eye Mapping in 3D: Before the procedure, a laser will create a map of your eye, allowing the surgeon to see the structure of your eye and the precise location of the incisions. 
• More Accurate and Reliable: The laser will create a more precise circle in the eye's lens above the cataract, even if the surgeon is extremely skilled with a scalpel. If the patient requires the implantation of an additional lens to correct their vision, the lens will be much easier to implant by cutting the circle due to the precision in cataract surgery. 
• Makes A More Precise Incision in Difficult Cases: Cataracts get worse with time. A surgeon employing the traditional approach may encounter difficulties making the incision if the cataract is extremely dense. In such a situation, laser cataract surgery provides a more precise and accurate incision.
• Reduces Downtime: During the circular incision, the laser will disintegrate and soften cloudy cataracts. Compared to standard cataract surgery, which uses an ultrasound, this uses less energy. This typically results in a faster recovery after cataract surgery and less swelling. 
• Correction of Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common disorder that can cause distortion in your vision. This is because the cornea, a portion of your outer eye, is damaged. Laser cataract surgery can be used to resolve minor cases of astigmatism.
• No Need for Glasses Afterwards: The lens placed in your eye can help address any vision problems you have been experiencing. Additionally, it may be customized to fit your lifestyle and your ideal vision. When paired with astigmatism correction, this could eliminate the need for glasses. Consult your doctor to determine whether this is an effective option for you. 

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How is Laser Cataract Surgery Performed?

Laser cataract surgery takes about 20 minutes, but you should spend one to three hours at the surgical centre, including preparation and recovery time.

Upon arrival, you'll check in and be taken to a pre-operative area. There, medical staff will monitor your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, temperature and respiration rate. You may receive a sedative either orally or through an IV placed in your hand or arm to help you relax.

Before the procedure, you’ll likely meet with your anesthesiologist and ophthalmologist to review the surgery plan and ask any last-minute questions. The steps in the process are as follows:

1. Incision: With the use of integrated optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, a femtosecond laser creates an incision in the eye that creates a high-resolution, enlarged image of your eye.
2. Cataract Fragmentation: Before using ultrasound vibration, a femtosecond laser may be used to "soften" the cataract by breaking it into tiny pieces. This helps to lessen the amount of ultrasonic vibration required for dense cataracts.
3. Phacoemulsification: The cataract is broken up into small pieces by using high-speed ultrasound vibration, which is then carefully suctioned out of the eye.
4. Capsulotomy: To access the cataract, a circular hole is created within the capsule (which holds the lens). When the femtosecond laser is used to finish this phase, the new lens may be placed precisely so that the circular form, size, and centring over the cataract can be achieved.
5. Replacement: The existing capsule is then replaced with a new lens.

A laser device is used for capsulotomy, cataract fragmentation, and incision. The new lens must be manually inserted. This whole process is performed by an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon. Pain is managed with intravenous (IV) or oral (by mouth) sedation and local anaesthetic.

After the Surgery

Pain medication may be administered if necessary, during your recovery process. Your nurses will ensure that you are at ease and that eating and walking will not be difficult for you. Within a few hours of your operation, you should be allowed to return home if there are no signs of complications, such as pain, bleeding, or swelling.

You will be advised on how to take care of your eyes after surgery, when to schedule a follow-up, and how to identify any warning signs of complications before you are released from the hospital to achieve improved vision outcomes with laser surgery.

How Much Does the Surgery Cost?

The cost of laser cataract surgery varies by state. Laser cataract surgery typically starts at about 50,000 INR per eye. However, that sum may be partially covered by insurance. Unfortunately, the majority of insurance will pay more for traditional cataract surgery than for laser treatment. Some do not cover laser surgery at all. That can result in higher out-of-pocket expenses for you. To figure out the exact cost, it is best first to verify your insurance plan and then locate a reputable surgeon.

Get the Most Advanced Cataract Removal Surgery at Apollo Spectra

Laser cataract surgery is one of the most common advanced cataract removal techniques, which is regarded as safe compared to traditional cataract surgery, and there may be some clinical benefits. For improved vision results, people may need to wear eye protection during their recovery. After laser cataract surgery, patients should consult their doctor if they have significant eye pain, vision loss, or extensive floaters.

We at Apollo Spectra have highly experienced ophthalmologists and surgeons who deliver high success rate for recovering vision. You will receive exceptional care during and after the laser cataract removal surgery. Get in touch with us today if you’re facing difficulties in your daily chores like reading or driving at night.