FDA-approved in 2010, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery has changed the lives of millions of Americans. At Wichita Vision Institute, we believe in transparency. That’s why we’re talking about if LenSx laser cataract surgery procedure is worth the cost.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a phenomenon that typically occurs in older individuals. Your eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. This impairs your vision and can’t be corrected with contact lenses, eyeglasses or reading glasses. When your vision becomes so bad it affects your life, you need cataract surgery. The question is, should you spend the extra money on laser cataract surgery?
What Is Laser Cataract Surgery?
Laser cataract surgery is a procedure that uses a highly accurate laser to make incisions and open the lens. Even if an eye surgeon performed manual cataract surgery 100 times, the results will never be as repeatable as you can get with a laser. The best surgeons in the country can’t cut a perfect circle every single time.
In some cases, there’s a question as to whether laser cataract surgery procedure is worth the extra cost. However, if you need a certain type of implant, like one which corrects both near-sighted and far-sighted vision, laser cataract surgery may be your only option.
Benefits of LenSx Laser Cataract Surgery
Better Outcomes
With the LenSx laser, the predictability of ELP, or effective lens position, during capsulotomy creation is enhanced. This improves refractive accuracy and reliably delivers better visual outcomes. Accuracy during lens fragmentation is also improved.
Safer Procedure
In part due to the improved accuracy, LenSx laser cataract surgery is far safer than manual incision. Femtosecond incisions are reliably made without damaging the surrounding tissues.
Less Eye Stress
When used with phacoemulsification, laser phacofragmentation reduces phaco power and time. In other words, the laser produces less energy and is gentle on your eye.
With manual cataract surgery, a tiny blade is used to enter the front of the eye. Then, a circular incision is made on the capsule of the lens to reach the cataract. The cataract is broken into miniscule pieces with ultrasound waves and removed. Whether you opt for manual cataract surgery or laser cataract surgery, the cataract needs to be removed before the new lens is implanted. Laser cataract surgery has the benefit of requiring far less energy to remove the cataract completely..
Correct Astigmatism
If you suffered from astigmatism before you developed cataracts, LenSx laser cataract surgery may be right for you. Due to the accuracy of this procedure, astigmatisms can be corrected during your cataract procedure. Incisions can be made around the outer edges of the meridian that is more curved.
With a little time, the meridian will flatten, rounding the cornea and giving it a more symmetrical shape. This means that you won’t need eyeglasses or reading glasses after your procedure.
Ocular Implants
Sometimes, laser cataract surgery is your only option. Certain types of cataract lenses require lasers for implantation. The level of precision required to properly place the lenses are impossible to achieve without laser guidance.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
To learn more about treatment options for your cataracts, contact the friendly professionals at Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, KS today to schedule your initial consultation.
