Laser Cataract Surgery

"Laser Cataract Surgery" has been reported in the news recently, and there are many questions people have about this procedure. I will do my best to answer as many as possible.

First of all, you must understand that "Laser Cataract Surgery" does not replace regular cataract surgery at all. Instead, some steps that have been done manually (with excellent, reproducible outcomes) can now be done with a laser. Specifically, I am aware of 3 steps of cataract surgery: corneal incisions, limbal relaxing incisions, and capsulorrhexis. The laser can also be used to "pre-treat" or soften the cataract before it is removed surgically.

In order to perform cataract surgery, we need access into the eye. Incisions are created, typically through the peripheral cornea, that the surgeon can use to insert the instruments necessary to remove the cataract. These incisions are made with single-use, disposable measured blades. In "Laser Cataract Surgery", laser energy is used to create a path for these incisions, and then a hand-held instrument is used to enter the eye.

Limbal relaxing incisions are a treatment for astigmatism that can help some people achieve more independence from glasses after surgery. Again, these incisions can be created with either a calibrated diamond knife or with a laser.

The capsulorrhexis is an opening in the membrane that encompasses the cataract. Typically, it is made with microscopic instruments manually. In "Laser Cataract Surgery", the laser is used in conjunction with hand-held instruments to create this opening.

All the remaining steps of cataract surgery, including breaking up and removing the cataract, cleaning up the capsular bag, and inserting a lens implant, are all done with hand-held instruments in cataract surgery and "Laser Cataract Surgery".

The laser used in "Laser Cataract Surgery" is not covered by insurance and will be an out-of-pocket expense. Typically expect to pay an extra $1,000 to $3,000 per eye if the laser is used. Also, because the laser adds extra steps, expect that cataract surgery will take significantly longer than the typical 8 to 15 minute procedure.

"Laser Cataract Surgery" has not been shown to provide any better vision outcomes than standard cataract surgery.

At Medical & Surgical Eye Specialists, we are committed to bring you, our patients,  the lastest advances in technology with proven safety records and established beneficial results.