Laser surgery is one of the premier options when it comes to effective cataract treatment. Laser cataract surgery offers the best in precision and accuracy, letting patients get back to the things they love most. We’re proud to offer this option for cataract treatment with the help of our expert ophthalmologists.
If your ophthalmologist has diagnosed cataracts and recommends correction because your cataracts interfere with your daily life, then you’re likely a good candidate for laser surgery. However, we’ll discuss your options during an appointment so our ophthalmologists can determine whether you can benefit from laser cataract surgery.
How does Laser Cataract Surgery work?
Laser cataract surgery begins with a full 3D mapping of your eyes, allowing your ophthalmologist to create the right treatment plan for you and your cataracts. This can help your ophthalmologist be as precise as possible when performing the surgery. Your eyes will then be numbed and we can provide a mild sedative so you’re relaxed and calm. Next, our LenSx Laser system creates a series of tiny incisions in the cornea with unmatched precision and accuracy. This allows the laser to gently soften and break up cataracts into very tiny pieces so it can be removed along with the affected lens. Then, an appropriate replacement lens can be placed, called an intraocular lens implant (IOL), which can also be optimized to correct conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia. Overall, this surgery can take about 30 minutes, although the steps involving the laser system only last a few minutes.
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I went to see Dr. Nguyen for a cataract removal and it was by far the best experience I've ever had with any doctor. The office was clean and the people at the desk were very friendly. Dr. Anh explained the removal to me very clearly and reassured me in anything I didn't understand. The actual surgery went by quick and in post-op I was very comfortable. Thanks to Dr. Nguyen, I can see a whole lot better than before!
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Laser Cataract Surgery Recovery
After laser surgery, your incisions will be completely self-healing and you can generally return to your normal schedule. Although some patients see improvement immediately, you can expect some blurriness in the first few days. Because of the laser techniques used, your incisions can heal quickly. However, you should be sure to avoid strenuous activity or lifting for the first week after surgery. You’ll receive instructions to follow during your recovery to ensure your surgery is successful and effective.
Cataract Surgery for Post-LASIK Patients
If you’ve had LASIK surgery in the past and are now considering your options with cataract surgery, our ophthalmologists can help. Post-LASIK cataract surgery can require some extra attention and care, and our ophthalmologists can take detailed measurements and calculations for the best surgical plan for you. Additionally, your ophthalmologist may recommend specific types of lenses or incisions to work with your previous LASIK surgery. Because cataract surgery after LASIK can be a more refined process, it’s important to find experts in cataract surgery who can make sure your surgery is safe, effective, and risk-averse.
Schedule an Appointment
Laser cataract surgery is one of the most effective ways to reclaim your lifestyle and see the world the way you want to again. To begin discussing your options for cataract treatment, contact Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology by calling or filling out our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you awake during cataract surgery?
Surgery is done as a Ambulatory Surgery Center (day in day out) surgery therefor the anesthesiologist will inject a little bit of medication to relax patients. Patients are not asleep during surgery and will be aware during surgery just in case the physician needs to speak to the patient.
Are you sitting or lying down during cataract surgery?
All patients will be lying down on a table for surgery.
At what stage should cataracts be removed?
Cataracts are only removed when they are bothering the patient. The
How long do I have to wear the eye shield after cataract surgery?
Following cataract surgery, you should wear an eye shield when you sleep for about seven days.
How long do I need to wear dark glasses outside after cataract surgery?
Patients will be most comfortable to wear dark sunglasses for the next month after surgery. Your eyes will be light sensitive right after surgery.
How long does it take to recover from laser cataract surgery?
You can expect your vision to continue getting clearer for several days after surgery, and may notice small fluctuations in your vision for up to two weeks.
Is cataract laser surgery painful?
No, cataract surgery is not painful. During cataract surgery, your eye will be numbed with eye drops or an injection around the eye. This will ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure.
What happens if you blink during cataract surgery?
Your eye is held open with a lid speculum therefor you are not able to open your eye. n
What is the average age for cataract surgery?
While there is no “right” age to have cataract surgery, most people who undergo this procedure are over the age of 40.
What kind of sedation is used for cataract surgery?
Surgery is done as a Ambulatory Surgery Center (day in day out) surgery therefor the anesthesiologist will inject a little bit of medication to relax patients. Patients are not asleep during surgery and will be aware during surgery just in case the physician needs to speak to the patient.
What type of lens does Medicare cover for cataract surgery?
Medicare will only cover the most basic surgery, they will cover conventional cataract surgery as well as conventional lens. Medicare unfortunately does not cover laser cataract surgery or any of the specialty lens options.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
In some cases depending on what type of lens the patient selects they patient will need glasses after surgery. Some patients choose a lens for up close distance therefor the patient would need glasses for distance. Vice versa its patients preference on what type of lens they are wanting and they are willing to give up after surgery.
Can laser cataract surgery improve my astigmatism?
There are specialty IOLs called “toric IOLs” that can be used to correct your astigmatism.
