Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful eye procedures performed today. The goal of cataract surgery is to restore clear vision affected by cataracts.
Recently, advances in technology have made cataract surgery even more safe and effective with the use of lasers. Unlike traditional cataract surgery, laser technology does not use blades.
Instead, it utilizes advanced lasers, making it more precise and leading to a faster recovery. Keep reading to learn more about what it is like to have laser cataract surgery!
When Should You Have Cataract Surgery?
If cataracts have affected your vision and visual aids no longer help, it’s best to see your eye doctor for help. During your visit, your eye doctor will assess the progression of your symptoms and suggest cataract surgery if necessary.
What Happens Before Laser Cataract Surgery?
Before your laser cataract procedure, your eye doctor will take detailed measurements of your eye. These measurements will help your cataract surgeon plan and customize the procedure to align with your eye’s unique shape, size, and prescription.
You will also need to select an artificial intraocular lens, also known as an IOL, that will replace your natural lens. Your eye doctor will help you choose an IOL that best matches your vision needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Your eye doctor will also give you some instructions to follow prior to the day of your procedure. This may include picking up prescription eye drops or arranging for a friend or a family member to take you to and from the procedure.
What Happens During Laser Cataract Surgery?
After you are given eye drops to numb the surface of your eyes, your cataract surgeon will place a device over your eye to map its surface and collect information about your lens. These details will be sent to a computer that programs the laser for the exact depth, size, and location of the incision.
Once the femtosecond laser is programmed, your cataract surgeon will use it to make an opening in the cornea, which is the transparent, dome-shaped layer that covers the front part of the eye. This incision enables your cataract surgeon to reach the natural lens with a cataract.
Next, energy from another laser is used to gently soften and break the cataract into small pieces. The fragments are then carefully removed from your eye using suction.
After removing the natural lens, your cataract surgeon will place an artificial lens in your eye. Once your IOL is positioned correctly, the procedure is complete.
The incision is tiny enough that it does not need sutures and will heal on its own during your recovery.
What Happens After Laser Cataract Surgery?
Your cataract surgeon will place a protective shield over your eyes. Then, you will remain in the recovery room for about thirty minutes before being discharged.
You will also be given a pair of sunglasses to wear outside. Remember to follow all of your eye doctor’s care instructions, including attending all your post-op appointments and applying prescribed drops for a smooth recovery.
What is the Recovery Like After Laser Cataract Surgery?
After cataract surgery, you should rest as much as possible. It’s also essential to protect your eye from water as it heals.
Don’t get behind the wheel until your eye doctor gives you the green light to drive again. Recovery is often quick, however, the time required for full recovery will vary from person to person.
That said, most people can notice an improvement in their vision within twenty-four hours of their procedure and resume normal activities within a few days.
Find Out if It is Time for You to Have Cataract Surgery
You do not have to live with poor eyesight due to cataracts. Laser-assisted cataract surgery at Simone Eye Center is a quick, safe option to eliminate cataracts and restore clear, crisp vision.
Are you interested in knowing more about laser cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Simone Eye Center in Warren or Macomb Township, MI, today!
