If you or someone you love suffers from cataracts, you’re probably wondering which surgery option is best, laser-assister cataract surgery or traditional. At Gainesville Eye Physicians, we offer patients both options. Here’s what you should know…

Procedure

With conventional (traditional) cataract surgery, the physician makes an incision by hand, relying on his experience, expertise and steady hand to cut a perfect slit in the cornea. He then inserts a small probe to break up the affected lens using ultrasonic energy. A second probe vacuums out the resulting pieces. An artificial intraocular lens is inserted through the incision and manually moved into position. Stitches are applied to close the incision. Weeks later, during a return visit, those stitches are removed.

With LenSx laser-assisted cataract surgery, micro-imaging cameras map the surface of the eye. The surgeon uses this data to pinpoint the best location for the corneal incision. A computer-guided laser makes a cut significantly more accurate than even the most sure-handed surgeon. LenSx then uses less than half as much ultrasonic energy to dissolve the lens. After the broken up pieces of lens are removed, the computer guides an injector through the original incision to precisely place the replacement lens. The incision is self-sealing, so no stitches are required.

Recovery

Traditional cataract surgery patients are generally released to go home within a few hours of the procedure. Side effect variety and severity vary depending on how well the surgery is performed and whether any complications develop during surgery. In most cases, patients experience some discomfort in and around the eye for a few days. During this time, patients may also notice blurred vision, a feeling of grittiness, mild headache and itchy or sticky eye.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery and recovery are pain-free. As mentioned prior, the LenSx system requires less ultrasonic energy to break up the affected lens. This results in less trauma to the eye and fewer trauma-related side effects. Patients often report improved vision before even leaving the recovery room.

Cost

Laser-assisted surgery generally costs patients a few hundred dollars more per eye than traditional cataract surgery. After all, the state-of-the-art hardware and software necessary to perform laser surgery cost eye care practices hundreds of thousands of dollars. While the additional cost of laser-assisted surgery is rarely covered by health insurance, most surgeons and patients agree it is well worth it for the benefits of reduced side effects and improved recovery time.

Schedule your consultation with Gainesville Eye Physicians today to discuss your cataract surgery needs and options. We will work with you to find the right treatment for your lifestyle and budget.