What You Should Know About Laser Cataract Surgery

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If you have started experiencing loss of vision, it might be due to cataracts. Cataracts cause a clouding of your eye's lens, which can cause things to be foggy or frosty. It is a condition that causes gradual vision loss, eventually affecting driving a car, seeing details in people's faces, and reading small print. Fortunately, cataract surgery has proven to be very successful. Technology has advanced, paving the way toward laser cataract surgery. This prevents the use of traditional cutting techniques, offering a faster procedure and easier recovery time. Here are some things to know about laser cataract surgery.

There is a Higher Level of Success with Lasers

Many people consider the benefits of using lasers for a faster recovery time and no cutting into their eye lens, but also think about how much more successful the procedure can be with lasers. Lasers are more precise, and therefore can create a better bladeless incision around the cataract. The laser is also more effective when you need to get an intraocular lens implant, which is needed for some patients that have large or severe cataracts in their eyes. Targeting the cataract is a more simplified process when using a laser since there is a computerized imaging system that lets the doctor find the exact location in order to remove it more successfully.

A Low Amount of Ultrasound Energy is Used

A common concern in regards to laser treatment is the fact that ultrasound energy is used. However, the laser used with cataract surgery actually helps to soften the cataract before removing it. This softening helps to reduce how much energy is used overall in removing the cataract from the lens. This helps to reduce recovery time and can also prevent thermal injury to the eye's sensitive tissues.

Lasers Help to Correct Astigmatism

If you are going in for cataract surgery and you also want your astigmatism corrected, these can be done during the same procedure if your doctor is using a laser. With traditional cataract surgery, the eye goes through too much with incision to perform both procedures at one time. However, with laser cataract surgery, the doctor can actually remove you astigmatism at the same time. It helps you correct both vision problems at the same time and keeps you from needing multiple procedures.

There is a Simpler Recovery Process

After your laser cataract procedure, recovery should go smoothly. It tends to be an easier recovery time with less discomfort when you opt for the laser-guided procedure. However, there are still some precautions to take, regardless of the type of cataract surgery you get. This includes:

  • Not driving on the first day after surgery
  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Taking the prescribed antibiotics and eye drops
  • Avoiding a hot tub or swimming pool shortly after surgery
  • Wearing sunglasses any time you go outdoors to reduce dust or sun exposure

As long as you get rest and protect your eyes, you will recover very nicely from the laser cataract procedure.

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1 April 2015

Learning About Eye Exams

Hi there, I am Sophie Moye. I would like to help you learn what to expect during your yearly eye exam. Whether you have perfect vision or need corrective lenses, you must have an eye exam performed on a regular basis. The eye exam also identifies health problems that show symptoms through your eye condition. Furthermore, your eye doctor can create a vision baseline that can be used to gauge loss or improvement in the future. I hope to discuss the tools and techniques used to complete the eye exam. I will also discuss symptoms that eye doctors look for during the exams. My site will cover all of the health conditions that can be diagnosed using an eye exam. Thank you for your time.