LASER Cataract Surgery vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery

Laser Cataract Surgery vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery

Modern cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures performed today. There are over 3 million surgeries performed in the U.S. every year. The technology and methodology, both continue to improve with each new advancement. However, as the technology, technique, and practices advance, it can be hard to know the difference between the types of cataract surgery available to patients today.

At Joseph Eye & Laser Center, we guide you through your options and help you determine the procedure that is customized for your specific needs. Dr. Christopher Joseph, DO, FACS, is an expert in cataract surgery and refractive surgery. He completed an extra year of training by completing a fellowship in Pittsburgh, PA, which specialized in Laser Cataract Surgery and High-Tech lens Implants (IOLs), used to correct your vision during cataract surgery. Dr. Joseph is also one of the few ophthalmologists in the United States recognized for his excellence by the America College of Surgeons (ACS). In 2018, the ACS nominated Dr. Joseph as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Traditional Cataract Surgery

A traditional cataract surgery procedure involves making a very small incision using a handheld blade, such as a scalpel, on the side of the cornea in order to remove the cataract-clouded lens. A phacoemulsification probe, which uses ultrasound energy then breaks up the cataract in order for it to be suctioned out and removed.

After the cataract is removed, an intraocular lens will be inserted in order to replace the natural lens. The cut eye tissue, at the site of the original incision, heals itself without the need of any sutures. One of the main differences between traditional and laser cataract surgery is in the technology used. Traditional cataract surgery uses handheld instruments, such as a blade and forceps to cut the incisions and remove the lens.

LASER Cataract Surgery

One of the latest advancements in cataract surgery combines 3D imaging and laser technology to remove the cataract more precisely. First, the surgeon will create a customized surgical plan with 3D imaging of your eye. This 3D imaging allows the surgeon to precisely map out the unique characteristics of your eye and cataract. Your surgeon will then use a femtosecond laser to create precise incisions at the edge of your cornea and an opening in the front layer of the cataract, studies have shown the laser to be 10x more precise than making the incisions and opening the front layer of the cataract by hand.  

Your surgeon can also use the laser to correct any astigmatism that you have at this time. Instead of using manual instruments, your surgeon will use the laser to break up the cloudy lens. The lens is then suctioned out via small incisions in your cornea. Your surgeon will replace the lens with an intraocular lens appropriate to your needs. Laser-assisted blade-free cataract surgery both reduces the number of instruments used and increases the precision of the procedure. The use of a laser also improves healing time, by decreasing the amount of swelling caused by the use of ultrasound energy during traditional cataract surgery.

Since no manual or blade instruments are used during an advanced laser cataract surgery procedure, some of the traditionally challenging steps of cataract surgery are now computer controlled, automated, and are an overall safeguard in the procedure. The laser can also allow for more precise incisions and capsulotomies from which the lens is removed. This leads to a better refractive outcome, greatly reducing your need for glasses after laser cataract surgery.

Whether traditional or advanced laser-assisted cataract surgery is right for you depends on many factors, all of which can only be assessed by your laser eye surgeon. Both procedures are extremely safe, common, and have a high success rate. However, the use of cutting-edge technology can be difficult to master, so picking the right surgeon is critical. Dr. Joseph is fellowship-trained in laser cataract surgery, dropless cataract surgery, high-tech lens implants (IOLs), and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). If you would like to further learn about any of our cataract surgery procedures, contact the trusted experts at Joseph Eye & Laser Center today.