Laser Cataract Surgery Essential Information

By David Collins


Cataract is the condition that the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy after developing slowly due to aging. The vision has the tendency to look fuzzy with colors being muted and halos and glare may be noticed when driving. Having surgery is advised only when this problem is interfering with your daily activities.

Traditionally, the surgery is done by making an incision in the cornea so the cataract can be accessed using a handheld diamond blade that is only used once. Then the surgeon will break it into fragments using ultrasound waves so it could be suctioned easily. When using a laser cataract surgery in Brooklyn, the incision and breaking steps are replaced with this.

A circular opening holding a cataract is also traditionally made manually but it could be done with accurately with laser. This would help in making it more circular and at the right location with better precision so it has the same size as the replacement lens. The fragments would still be suctioned the same way as the traditional one.

3D imaging is also used before the treatment to scan your eyes so an accurate 3D map would be made of its relevant structures. This helps the laser to focus where the incisions are intended and the surgeon would have great detail of your eye. It also helps in creating a replacement lens as accurately as possible.

The ultrasound waves used in breaking down cataracts to fragment may be harmful for the eyes of patients. When using laser, the ultrasound energy used is lessened which means the eye receives less harm or none at all. With this method, there are more options in correcting astigmatism available which can be taken advantage.

Having this surgery would give you a few choices in replacement lens like monovision and multifocal intraocular ones. This will help to reduce or lessen your need of spectacles for performing your daily routine. Your surgeon will discuss these options during eye examination to you so it would be possible for you to choose what you like in advance.

The procedure will last only for fifteen to twenty minutes and you are awake while it is being done but a medicine is given to numb your eyes. Patients usually describe a kaleidoscope of lights is seen while laser is being used and feeling only a slight pressure. After the procedure is done, the eye would have a protective shield placed over it.

Your vital signs will be checked by a nurse while in the recovery room and you can go home after thirty minutes. The whole process only last for two to three hours which includes the preparation before the surgery such as the 3D imaging and dilating your eye. Having blurred vision for two days at most is normal though some have their visions immediately improved.

Not too many restrictions are given to patients during recovery but lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercise for a week must be avoided. You may visit several practitioners of this method in Brooklyn NY ask them more questions. This would be your way of finding out how much does it cost and choosing one you are most comfortable with.




About the Author:



No comments: