Cataracts cause clouding in your eyes, and this leads to blurred or double vision. This is a common condition, especially with those that are aging- typically from the mid-sixties. They may not go away and therefore need correction through surgery.
There are two main options to consider; the traditional and laser-assisted surgery. The conventional procedure uses a manual device to remove the cataract, while in laser assisted surgery, a highly sophisticated and precise laser is used to perform the same procedure.
In terms of shape, laser-assisted procedure is a perfect round edge, but the traditional procedure can lead to crooked or irregular edges.
Through the traditional method, the lens segments are removed in sections, and the size of the cataract plays a role. Laser-assisted cataract procedures allow for pre-segmentation of the cataract by the laser, and the removal here is more comfortable than the manual.
Choosing the laser assisted surgery allows for a more accurate procedure as opposed to the manual one.
When choosing the cataract procedure
Before you choose the preferred cataract procedure, you need to get guidance from your doctor. That will ensure that as you make the best lifestyle, financial and medical decisions.
Ask the doctor any questions that you need clarification on. Do not take the procedure blindly. The cataract surgery is done on an eye at a time- you will experience an improvement in your vision within one to two days. The vision improves in the next couple of weeks.
Surgical incision
During a cataract surgery, the aim is to remove the eye’s clouded lens and replace it with an IOL- artificial intraocular lens. With the traditional method, the surgeon uses a vibrating needle and some small blade to break the cataract, make an incision around the cornea while replacing the lens. The laser from Sentient Lasers replaces the use of complicated surgical instrumentations with ultrasound. Here, you’ve an advanced augmented reality imaging system providing the medical specialist with a clear 3-D view of the eye.
Vision correction
Cataract surgery procedure includes correctly sizing and replacing the lens through making an incision around the cornea. On the other hand, the laser creates a precise opening in the cornea, which is approximately ten times more accurate than the manual one. Laser surgery also treats astigmatism, an irregular-shaped cornea, and improves their vision, which is hard to achieve through the traditional method.
Recovery duration
In both the traditional and laser surgeries, the patient takes almost the same time to recover. For the first day after the procedure, the patient’s eye is very sensitive. That’s why you should avoid activities that require attention, like driving in poor visibility or focusing on precise tasks.
Generally, both procedures will take more or less the same time, like twenty minutes, and your eye is free from cataracts.
When deciding on which procedure to choose, all you need to think of is your expected results. For some, the simple replacement of cataract that allows them to wear glasses is enough. But others can pay more for the best possible vision so that you don’t have to wear glasses. Before you decide which procedure to undertake, consult your doctor and understand the effects of both procedures.
