Traditional Cataract Surgery vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery falls under two categories—traditional and laser-assisted. Both are safe, proven methods, with millions of procedures carried out each year.  

So, what’s the difference between them? Is one better than the other and why would your eye doctor recommend one over the other?

The Differences Between Traditional Cataract Surgery & Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

• What is traditional cataract surgery?
• What is laser-assisted cataract surgery?
• The key takeaways

What is traditional cataract surgery?

Traditional cataract surgery differs from its laser cousin in that it’s wholly carried out by hand. After providing the appropriate numbing of the area and sedation, the surgeon uses a scalpel to make a tiny incision in the cornea.

This opening is used to insert an instrument into the lens capsule. This allows a probe to be placed, through which ultrasound waves are passed to break down the diseased lens. This process is called phacoemulsification.

The tiny pieces of the broken-down lens are suctioned out and the new intraocular lens (IOL) is sited in its place. Because the incision is so small, it self-heals—no stitches are required.

Traditional cataract surgery allows for the fitting of a monofocal IOL, which means that it provides focused vision at either near or far distance. Most people opt for far distance clarity and have eyeglasses for close-up activities.

Most insurance policies and Medicare cover the cost of traditional cataract surgery, a monofocal IOL, and one pair of eyeglasses.

What is laser-assisted cataract surgery?

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is a process that uses a computer to guide the incision and placement of the IOL. A device is placed over the eye that maps out the exact internal structure. This information programs the laser, which is used to make the incision in both the cornea and the lens capsule. It can also be used to soften the lens. 

Once again, ultrasound is used to break down the lens and the pieces suctioned out. The laser can also be used to carry out astigmatism treatment at the same time.

The new IOL is sited and, again, no stitches are needed.

If you opt for a premium IOL and/or want concurrent astigmatism treatment, then this must be done with a laser-assisted procedure. Some premium IOLs allow for focused vision at different distances, meaning you may not need eyeglasses.

While most insurance and Medicare policies don’t cover the cost of laser-assisted cataract surgery, they will still pay out the cost of a traditional procedure. You can then choose to pay the difference.

The key takeaways

The main differences between the two procedures are:

• Both processes are proven and safe, with millions of successful surgeries carried out each year.
• Traditional surgery is carried out by hand—laser-assisted cataract surgery uses a computer program to determine the location, size, and depth of the incisions.
• In traditional surgery, the surgeon uses a scalpel to make the initial incision—with laser-assisted this is done with a laser.
• Neither process usually requires stitches.
• A monofocal IOL is sited during traditional cataract surgery.
• Laser assisted cataract surgery must be done if you choose a premium IOL.
• Astigmatism correction can also be carried out during a laser assisted procedure.
• Insurance and Medicare usually only cover the cost of a traditional cataract operation.
• The recovery time for both procedures is the same.

Get Traditional or Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery at the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic

Whichever procedure is best for your situation, you want to be sure that you’re in great hands.

From traditional cataract surgery with a monofocal lens to the latest, cutting-edge premium lenses fitted during a laser procedure, rest assured that this is one of the most advanced, academic-grade, eye hospitals in the country.

Discover more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com