LASER Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery-General Info

When a patient develops significant cataracts, surgery is the solution to the problem. LASER cataract surgery considerably improves the chances of a successful procedure and reduces overall downtime afterward.

In general, patients do not require surgery until their vision interferes with their normal daily activities. For instance, if a patient has glare that is making it difficult to drive in sunlight or at night (due to headlights), surgery may allow them the freedom to drive safely. Anytime that cataracts stop patients from enjoying their activities of daily living (ADL’s), surgery may be considered as a solution to the problem.

Cataract surgery is simply lens replacement surgery. The cloudy natural lens of the eye is removed, and replaced with a clear artificial lens implant. There are many options for lens implants, and more information is available on the lens implant page. Many patients will choose advanced technology implants such as the Crystalens® implant to decrease their need for reading glasses. Dr. Goldstein will provide complete information regarding lens implant options to his patients when they have their pre-op discussion with him.

LASER Cataract Surgery

The newest technology for cataract surgery uses LASER light to perform several steps of the surgery. The incision can be performed with the femtosecond laser so that a scalpel may not be needed. Astigmatism can be corrected with the laser, and the cataract may be softened using laser as well. An additional step, the capsulorhexis, may also be performed with the laser, allowing a more precise opening in the capsule that surrounds the cataract.

The femtosecond laser, when used for cataract surgery, allows a more precise surgical technique. By decreasing the ‘manual’ or ‘done-by-hand’ steps in this surgery, the results may be improved. This will probably be most important in correcting astigmatism, and also in allowing the best placement of lens implants. In patients who select the Crystalens®, Trulign Toric, PanOptix Multifocal, or the Tecnis lens implants, the accuracy may be better. This will allow the best chance of reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery.