Sunglasses, They Make You Look Great!

There is a familiar misconception that primary cataract surgery is implemented using a laser. Nothing could be further from the truth. The latest and most successful procedure used to execute cataract surgery uses an ultrasound and a topical anesthetic, which promotes fast recovery.

Lasers, however, are used in a portion of patients for corrective cataract surgery when a clouding, or secondary cataracts develops behind the implanted lens, several months or years after primary cataract surgery has been performed.

Cataract laser surgery is performed when posterior capsule opacification occurs, also known as secondary cataracts, which blurs or obstructs vision, much the same as the original cataracts did. Just over 30 percent of patients who receive cataract surgery develop this condition.In these situations, a YAG laser is used to produce a smal lopening in the clouded capsule behind the implant lens which allows light to get to the retina with no interference resulting in clear eyesight. This is a small outpatient service which takes a few minutes total, and is accomplished with no need of anesthesia.

Primary cataract surgery is when the eye’s clouded lens is removed by a cataract surgeon and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, usually made of plastic or silicone. The surgery takes only 20 to 30 minutes and is done on an out-patient basis.

Cataract surgery is not a LASIK procedure where a laser reshapes the cornea to correct eyesight.

During cataract surgery, the patient is usually sedated to reduce anxiety and an anesthetic is given to avoid discomfort or pain. The surgeon makes a tiny incision proximal to the cornea and inserts a surgical instrument which breaks up and removes the clouded lens. The intraocular implant lens is then inserted through the same incision and set into place.

Cataract surgery is not only a safe and effective procedure to remove cataracts, but it is one of the most widely performed surgeries in the United States with more than 3 million procedures taking place every year.

Executing primary cataract surgery with a laser is not far off and will most likely become established in the near future.  FDA clearance was granted for Femtosecond Laser Technology in late 2009 which includes making incisions in the eye with a laser that creates precisely targeted bursts of energy that will allow for easy access to the cloudy lens so that it can be removed and replaced with the implant.