Laser cataract surgery

Laser cataract surgery: a comprehensive review

What is laser cataract surgery?

Laser cataract surgery, also known as “laser phacoemulsification surgery” (LASEK), is an advanced technique for treating cataracts. Unlike traditional cataract surgery, where a large incision is made in the cornea and the cloudy lens is removed manually, laser cataract surgery is done using a laser and tiny instruments.

Advantages of laser cataract surgery:

A less invasive procedure: Laser cataract surgery causes less trauma to the eye than traditional cataract surgery.
Faster recovery: The recovery time after laser cataract surgery is shorter than after traditional cataract surgery.
Less pain: Most people experience less pain after laser cataract surgery than after traditional cataract surgery.
Improved vision: Laser cataract surgery can improve not only blurry vision caused by cataracts, but also correct other vision defects, such as reduced vision (myopia) or farsightedness (farsightedness).
Reduced risk of complications: The risk of complications after laser cataract surgery is lower than after traditional cataract surgery.

Who is a candidate for laser cataract surgery?

Not every person with cataracts is suitable for laser cataract surgery. An ophthalmologist will be able to determine whether this surgery is right for you based on several factors, including:

Cataract severity: laser cataract surgery is more suitable for people with mild or moderate cataracts.
General eye health: You must have good eye health in general, with no other eye diseases.
Age: Generally, laser cataract surgery is suitable for people over the age of 18.
Expectations: It is important to have a realistic expectation about the results of the surgery.

What is expected before, during and after laser cataract surgery?

Before surgery:

Your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive examination of your eyes and discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you.
Certain medications may need to be stopped before surgery.
You will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the operation.

During the surgery:

The operation is usually performed under local anesthesia, i.e. sub
A feeling of pressure in the eye may appear during the operation.
The surgery itself usually takes about 15-30 minutes.

After surgery:

You will be able to go home immediately after the operation.
It is important to use eye drops as directed by your eye doctor.
You will need to protect your eye from sunlight for several weeks after surgery.
Your eye doctor will monitor your progress and perform follow-up tests to make sure recovery is progressing properly.

Possible risks and complications of laser cataract surgery:

As with any medical procedure, laser cataract surgery also involves possible risks and complications, including:

Infection: Eye infection is a rare but serious risk.
Inflammation: Inflammation of the eye may occur after surgery.
Bleeding: Light bleeding in the eye may occur after surgery.
Glaucoma: An increase in intraocular pressure may occur after surgery.
Retinal separations: Retinal separations