Can my vision go back to being cloudy after the surgery?
Even after the surgery is done, your vision can go back to being blurry or cloudy, in a period ranging between a few weeks, to a few years. This condition is known is “posterior capsular opacification”, and it happens after the eye heals from the surgery, as the posterior capsule membrane itself becomes cloudy. When this happens, a laser procedure called YAG laser can prove helpful, and it can help to restore clear vision.
How do I choose between Traditional and Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?
Traditional cataract surgeries are very safe, effective and commonly-done surgeries, and whereas laser-assisted cataract surgeries can have benefits in specific cases, they’re not usually covered by insurance plans, as they cost more than traditional surgeries. Choosing between traditional and laser-assisted surgeries can be discussed with your ophthalmologist. Moreover, you may very well want to take the opinion of another eye surgeon.
How Is Traditional Cataract Surgery Done?
In Traditional cataract surgery, also known as Phacoemulsification, your surgeon will look through a special microscope. Then he will create tiny incisions near the edge of your cornea, with the help of a scalpel. The surgeon would then use these incisions to reach the lens in your eye. And with the help of Ultrasound, he will break up the lens with the cataract and remove it. Then he will put your new artificial lens into place.
How Is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Done?
First, the surface of the eye is mapped by using a special camera/ultrasound device that’s used to gather information about your lens. Then, the computer device is programmed with the specific information sent it it, allowing it to specify the exact size,,depth and location for incisions. In some cases, the surgeon may user a laser for making the corneal incision and the capsule opening, and in other cases, the cataract may be softened with energy from the laser itself . Ultrasound is then used to break the lens into small pieces that get suctioned out. After that, the IOL is inserted in the eye. When the surgery is done, there’s no need for any stitches to heal the incision.
What are the conditions for Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery?
- Having a case of astigmatism.
- Desiring to correct the case of astigmatism during the surgery.
In such a situation, the laser would correct the astigmatism by creating specific incisions in the cornea in order to reshape it.
Moreover, laser surgery can be an option if you want to opt for a premium len, such as a toric or a multifocal IOL, to correct astigmatism.. In general, surgeons are better able to see and map the lens capsule through laser cataract removals. Moreover, laser surgery helps them to more precisely place the opening in the capsule. This is very important when using a premium lens, as it allows for better-centering of the IOL.
Which Type of Cataract Surgery Has a Shorter Recovery Time?
There is no difference in recovery time after either type of cataract surgeries. Some people notice their vision clearing almost immediately. Others are still experiencing vision problems after a few weeks or months. Usually, patients would need 3 months to achieve full recovery from the cataract surgery.
What are the benefits of Laser Cataract Surgeries?
Laser surgery allows the surgeon to make very precise incisions more quickly and more accurately, as it provides a higher level of correction than traditional surgery. It can also reduce the amount of ultrasound energy that is needed for softening the lens before surgery.
That being said, as per the latest studies, laser surgery doesn't seem to result in fewer complications, nor does it seem to provide better outcomes. In fact, the outcome of your surgery is heavily dependent on your surgeon's level of skill as well as his experience.
