Aqualase Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the process of removing the damaged natural lens of the eye and replacing
the lens with an intraocular lens or IOL implant. The IOL mimics the functions of the natural
lens of the eye. In traditional cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed through an
incision that is created on the surface of the eye.
In case of the traditional techniques, the larger the incision for the surgery, the higher is the
risk for infection and longer is the recovery time. For years, surgeons have been trying to
develop technologies that can reduce recovery time and the size of the incision created during
cataract surgery.
Over the years, there have been several breakthroughs in the field of cataract surgery and the
latest one is called the Aqualase technology.
What is Aqualase technology?
As the name suggests, Aqualase technology is a process of cataract removal that uses a fluid
medium to remove cataract.
How does Aqualase work?
The Aqualase technology makes use of a balanced solution to remove the damaged lens by
“washing it away”. Essentially, the system delivers the solution in short pulses into the eye
and towards the affected lens.
The pulses of the balanced fluid solution will gradually disintegrate the lens into several
small fragments and the lens is gradually removed or washed out from the eye one layer at a
time. This technology reduces the chances of surgical complications post-surgery.
Not only is this method much safer than traditional cataract removal surgery, it also offers a
great deal of advantage to surgeons because it allows them to exercise greater control over
the surgical field which in turn minimizes surgical risks and reduces the recovery time. In
addition, the flexibility provided by the technology allows even less experienced surgeons to
handle the cataract surgery with precision.
Patients who underwent the Aqualase cataract removal experienced 100 percent visual acuity
with minimal post –surgery complications.
Although Aqualase technology is a cutting edge breakthrough in the field of cataract surgery,
it can only remove cataracts that are either soft or medium in density. Heavy density cataract
cannot be treated with the help of Aqualase technology.
In addition to this, another advantage of Aqualase technology is that it prevents the rupture of
the lens membrane. This is crucial as an undamaged lens capsule or lens membrane is
required for holding the IOL in place.
