Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery vs Traditional

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is an effective way to remove cataracts and restore the clarity of vision. An ophthalmologist performs such surgery. The procedure includes removing the hardened lens and replacing it with a clear, synthetic lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

The IOL is very similar to the natural lens, is safe and adapts to the human eye. Cataract surgery can also correct some refractive errors, reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses, depending on the type of IOL used.

Cataract surgery has two types: traditional and laser-assisted.

Traditional Cataract Surgery

The traditional and reliable form of cataract surgery is called phacoemulsification. The surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea with a scalpel. A small instrument is inserted through this incision. This instrument reaches the pupil where the lens is situated. A capsule protects the eye’s lens. The surgeon creates a round opening in this capsule.

A pen-shaped probe is inserted through the round opening. The probe sends ultrasound waves that break up the cloudy lens. The broken pieces of the lens are removed, and an intraocular lens is inserted in its place. In most cases, the incision heals on its own without stitches.

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

In the debate between laser-assisted cataract surgery vs traditional, laser-assisted surgery involves the use of a computer and laser to create incisions instead of a scalpel. A camera or ultrasound device is placed over the eye to map the eye’s surface and lens. The device communicates with a computer that programs the laser to get the accurate position, size, and depth for incisions. The surgeon uses the laser to make the incisions in the cornea and the lens capsule and soften the cataract. An ultrasound probe disintegrates the cloudy lens and suctions them out. The artificial lens is implanted in the eye. These incisions are self-healing.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery can help correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea, but it is not primarily used for myopia or hypermetropia correction. After the corrective procedure, vision may be blurry as the cornea adjusts to its new shape.

Most patients recover functional vision within a few days to weeks, but full visual stabilisation may take four to six weeks.

Sr. No	Traditional Cataract Surgery	Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
1	In traditional surgery, the surgeon uses a scalpel to make incisions and ultrasound to fragment the lens.	The surgeon uses a camera for mapping, a laser for incisions and ultrasound to break up the lens in laser-assisted surgery.
2	Traditional surgery needs the surgeon to be highly skilled to achieve precision.	Laser therapy is highly precise, as a laser is used to make the incision.
3	Recovery time is slightly longer in traditional surgery	Recovery is quicker in laser surgery
4	Traditional surgery is relatively less expensive and usually covered by insurance	Laser surgery may not be covered by insurance and incur additional expenses

Sr. No

Traditional Cataract Surgery

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

In traditional surgery, the surgeon uses a scalpel to make incisions and ultrasound to fragment the lens.

The surgeon uses a camera for mapping, a laser for incisions and ultrasound to break up the lens in laser-assisted surgery.

Traditional surgery needs the surgeon to be highly skilled to achieve precision.

Laser therapy is highly precise, as a laser is used to make the incision.

Recovery time is slightly longer in traditional surgery

Recovery is quicker in laser surgery

Traditional surgery is relatively less expensive and usually covered by insurance

Laser surgery may not be covered by insurance and incur additional expenses

Procedure of Traditional and Laser Cataract Surgery

The procedures followed in traditional and laser cataract surgery are almost the same.

A thorough eye examination is done before the surgery, along with understanding the patient’s medical history. The surgeon will map the eye for the new lens. Eye drops will help prevent infection through surgery.

The patient will be restricted from eating any solid food for at least 6 hours before the surgery. Eye drops are administered to relax and numb the eye.

In laser surgery, the surgeon may use a camera to map the area to make the incision. The surgeon may use a scalpel or a laser to make an incision on the cornea. They then reach the lens capsule and make an incision to access the clouded lens. An ultrasound probe breaks up the lens with the cataract and sucks out the fragments. The surgeon inserts the new IOL into place.

The incisions are self-sealing and will heal on their own over time. A protective shield or glasses may be used to protect the operated eye. The patient is allowed to rest for 15 to 30 minutes. Eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection and assist healing.

After the surgery, the patient is advised to wear glasses that protect the eye from dust. The patient is restricted from exposing the operated eye to water, heat, soap, intense light, and strenuous physical activities and is advised to keep the area clean.

Most patients recover within a few weeks, but complete visual stabilisation may take up to six weeks.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Laser and Traditional Cataract Surgery

Both cataract surgery laser vs traditional are effective depending on the patient’s needs, preferences, and financial capacity.

Some factors that may be considered to choose the type of surgery are:

Eye health: The ophthalmologist or the surgeon will consider other factors that affect the eye, like the severity of cataracts and the health of the macula, tissues, and ligaments.

Underlying medical conditions: Chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, etc., can have a significant impact on the surgery. These factors are monitored and moderated before surgery.

Age: This is a factor that affects the overall health of the patient, as well as their immunity and recovery time.

Desired outcomes: If the patient desires correction of astigmatism or other vision corrections or a high level of precision, they can choose the type of surgery accordingly.

Difference Between Traditional and Laser Cataract Surgery

Share :

What is Cataract Surgery?

Traditional Cataract Surgery