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Cataract Surgery Explained

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LASIK Eye Surgery Information

Cataract Surgery

The reason for cataract surgery is that the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy and hazy from the cataract formation. Cataracts are typically an age-related medical condition that are a progression of the hardening and increasing rigidity of the lens due to aging. Cataract surgery removes the hardened lens and replaces it with a new lens called an (intraocular lens IOL) to restore clear and normal vision. The surgery is mostly performed on an outpatient basis and typically does not require an overnight hospital visit.

Most cataract procedures involve using an ultrasound probe that breaks up the clouded, hazy lens into small pieces. These very small pieces are then carefully removed from the eye with a suction device. After the cataract has been removed from your eye, the surgeon replaces the old lens with a clear intraocular lens implant in the exact same location where your natural lens use to be. The surgeon then completes the surgery by closing the incision in your eye and in some instances, stitches may be needed. A protective cover is placed over the eye to protect the eye during recovery.

Cataract Surgery Technology Improvements

One advancement in cataract surgery is called Phaco Cataracts surgery and it is performed using smaller surgical incisions than previous techniques for the removal of the cataract. Phaco Cataract surgery is safe, and this surgical method typically promotes a quicker healing process and reduces the risk of surgery complications. 

The most recent technological advancement in cataract surgery is the recent FDA approved Femtosecond lasers which makes surgery even more accurate and predictable. The femtosecond lasers have increased in popularity since they are state-of-the-art technology and reduce the need for surgical blades and other hand-held tools.  

Laser cataract surgery is considered the newest technology and it does increase the out-of-pocket cost since the advanced laser technology costs several hundred thousand dollars. Many studies have shown femtosecond lasers can improve accuracy during the procedure.