Around 100 million people suffer from cataracts and this number is projected to be doubled in the next 20 years. A cataract is a condition caused by the clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens and may cause distance vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. However, treatments, specifically, laser cataract surgery can save individuals from this vision impairment, if caught early.
In this context, we have curated a blog that will give a comprehensive idea of types of laser cataract surgery and assist you in choosing the right one.
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A] What Is Laser Cataract Surgery?
Laser cataract surgery is an advanced surgical procedure that removes the cloudy lens from the patient’s eye and implants an artificial IOL lens instead. In this highly accurate surgical procedure, laser energy is used to scramble cloudy cataracts into tiny pieces and remove them using ultrasound waves.
Traditional cataract surgery is a prominent option for removing cataracts from one’s eye using conventional medical instruments. In this process, a cataract surgeon makes a small incision to enter the eye’s capsule using a scalpel. Furthermore, a circular incision is made over the cloudy lens for scrambling and eliminating cataracts using ultrasound waves. An artificial IOL lens is implanted instead of a cloudy lens to offer a cataract-free vision to the patient. However, traditional cataract surgery requires an expert and highly experienced surgeon to perform this surgical procedure accurately.
B] Exploring The Different Types Of Laser Cataract Surgery
1. Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)
Femto laser cataract surgery is a highly precise and accurate cataract surgery type. It uses an advanced laser system to generate a high-repetition-rate and decreased energy pulses to scramble cataracts. The process eliminates the chances of destroying unintended tissues apart from the surgical area.
2. LenSx Laser System
It is one of the oldest and most commonly performed laser cataract-removal surgery, renowned for its high accuracy and precision. The painlessness and low incidence of error make laser-assisted cataract surgery a highly successful, widely chosen, and extremely safe option around the globe. It uses advanced technology such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to offer high-resolution images.
3. Catalys Precision Laser System
Catalys precision laser system is one of the most stable and convenient cataract laser surgery procedures. It is designed to deliver painless incisions and excellent fragmentation of cataracts, offering a precise and safe treatment option for cataract removal. Catalys precision laser system is equipped with high-resolution optical coherence tomography imaging and guidance technology that aids in obtaining accurate information about crystalline lenses to get exceptional outcomes.
4. LensAR Laser System
LensAR uses an advanced augmented reality imaging system to offer a crystal clear image of the lens anterior and aids in planning the tailored reconstructional plan that suits the patient. The AR system allows for obtaining every detail the surgeon needs to perform femtosecond laser cataract-removal surgery.
5. Victus Femtosecond Laser Platform
Victus Femtosecond Laser Platform aims to offer a leading solution for cataract and corneal transplant under a single platform. Due to its precisional capabilities and control, it facilitates a single window platform for performing capsulotomies, fragmentation and corneal incisions.
6. Laser-Assisted Corneal Relaxing Incisions (LRI)
Limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) is a partial thickness incision used to treat corneal astigmatism. The laser-assisted device is used to make a small and arch-shaped incision on the limbus to relax the corneal curvature.
7. ReLACS (Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery)
ReLACS is an OCT-guided and computer-controlled laser cataract surgery offering precise cuts that are hard to obtain manually. The refractive laser cataract eye surgery is designed to obtain exceptional visual outcomes without experiencing any pain.
C] Considerations for Choosing Laser Cataract Surgery
1. Patient Factors
The patient’s age and overall health should be a primary consideration when opting for laser treatment for cataracts. Aged patients may have some risks or benefits associated with laser surgery. Booking a consultation with an expert eye surgeon could be a better option to discuss the consequences related to age and health complexity. However, laser-based cataract surgery may play a prominent role in eliminating severe cataracts.
2. Surgeon Expertise
The expertise and experience of an eye surgeon must be one of the top considerations to obtain accurate and successful outcomes. Laser cataract surgery requires specialised training and skill. Experienced surgeons are equipped to handle complications and trained to achieve optimal outcomes. Patients should look for board-certified and award-winning ophthalmologists with a high track record of successful laser cataract surgeries.
3. Cost And Accessibility
Since laser-based cataract surgery is more expensive than traditional surgery, cost can be another prominent factor to consider. Additionally, the availability of laser cataract surgery can vary depending on the geographic location and the facility. Some regions or hospitals may have more advanced technology, while others may not.
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Conclusion
Since traditional cataract surgery lacks precision and optimal outcomes, laser cataract surgery offers painless and highly accurate surgery. The success rate of laser cataract surgery is 98-99% which is notably high. However, no matter which type of laser cataract surgery you choose, the role of an expert and experienced eye surgeon is highly crucial. Choose surgeons with a high success rate in laser cataract surgery and are renowned for delivering optimal outcomes.
Paragon Clinic is a renowned eye clinic in Shrewsbury, UK, that offers precise and successful cataract surgery with high expertise and experience. Contact us and book your free consultation today and gift yourself cataract-free vision!
FAQs
There are three major types of cataract surgery:
- Phacoemulsification
- Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS)
- Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE)
Cataract surgery is performed either using a traditional or laser method. Though the conventional method offers a cost-effective way of cataract removal, laser cataract surgery is the most accurate and highly successful method of cataract removal.
Whether you opt for a traditional or laser-based cataract surgery, both offer relatively immediate recovery. However, the recovery time varies depending on the person to person. For some patients, it takes 1 to 2 weeks to see clearly while full recovery may take up to 3 months.
Laser cataract has a notably high amount of success rate. It offers a 98 to 99% success rate due to its advanced technologies and high precision rate.
Traditional cataract surgery uses ultrasound to scrumble the cataracts while laser cataract surgery uses laser-based technologies to remove the cataracts from one’s eye.
Mr. Bal Manoj
With over 25+ years of experience in advancing eye care, Mr. Bal Manoj serves as director and co-founder of Paragon Clinic in Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, and Stafford. His expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma, and general ophthalmology, coupled with a track record of 10,000+ successful procedures, reflects his commitment to excellence. Connect with Mr. Bal Manoj today for expert eye care solutions.
About Mr. Bal Manoj
With over 25+ years of experience in advancing eye care, Mr. Bal Manoj serves as director and co-founder of Paragon Clinic in Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, and Stafford. His expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma, and general ophthalmology, coupled with a track record of 10,000+ successful procedures, reflects his commitment to excellence. Connect with Mr. Bal Manoj today for expert eye care solutions.