This type of surgery targets the natural lens that lies behind the iris of the eye. Rather than cut or remove any tissue, it uses a laser to gradually reshape the lens. It is possible for a cataract patient with this type of surgery to regain their vision and have 20/20 vision again in most cases. The downside is that some patients experience glare sensitivity after undergoing this type of operation, and they may need to use glasses or contacts during their recovery period.
In order to perform this type of surgery by laser cataract surgery doctor, the patient has to be in good health and have no other medical problems. This includes not having any type of active infection or inflammation. Laser cataract surgery is usually performed on both eyes at the same time to reduce recovery time and side effects.
There is some debate among eye doctors as to who is ideal for laser cataract surgery. Some surgeons feel that anyone over the age of 60 should be a candidate. Others are more cautious, saying that older patients risk having more side effects from surgery. An individual’s overall health and eye conditions are considered before the procedure is approved by their doctor. With all the new technology today, laser cataract surgery can now be performed on people in their 40s and 50s with excellent results, but it does depend on the patient.
The most important thing to consider when choosing if you should have this type of operation is your lifestyle and how much vision you would like to have once your eyes have healed after surgery. Many patients do not enjoy looking at corrective glasses after having laser cataract surgery and opt for contact lenses instead.
Throughout the post-surgical recovery period, patients may end up with some inflammation and soreness in their eyes, especially if they were more severe cases of cataracts. It is best to stay away from any activities that will make the area worse. The most important issue is to avoid scaring the eye area with UV rays, such as strong sunlight or tanning beds.
There are a number of different types of lasers that eye doctors use when performing this kind of surgery to reshape a patient’s lens. They are able to carefully use it to penetrate the natural lens of the eye to reshape it. The newer lasers can even remove cataracts in patients suffering from extreme cases.
The surgery itself takes about 20 minutes per eye, and it is performed under local anesthetic. You will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure and will usually have some painkillers available for you in order to keep you comfortable at home during your recovery period.
Most patients experience full recovery within one week after the surgery, but eye doctors may recommend that you wait longer than that before proceeding with activities such as driving or sporting events where accidents may occur due to your eyesight being blurry from the procedure.
