What You Need To Know About Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Many individuals suffer from cataracts at some point in their lives. Cataracts occur when the lenses inside of the eyes become cloudy; this cloudiness is not alleviated by the use of corrective eyeglasses, lenses, or surgical procedures. Overtime, this cloudiness can interfere with your vision. One of the most commonly prescribed treatments for cataracts is surgery.

During the surgical procedure, your doctor will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial replacement. Your doctor will break up the old lens using an ultrasound tool and remove the fragments using a suction tool.

Though cataract surgery was conventionally performed with hand-held surgical tools, recent advancements have allowed lasers to be used during the procedure. Keep reading to learn everything important information about laser-assisted cataract surgery so you can decide if its the best option for your needs.

Cataract Surgery Completed with Laser Assistance Isn't Necessarily Safer

Many patients automatically assume that laser-assisted cataract surgery is automatically safer than operations completed with handheld surgical tools or has an easier recovery period; however, this isn't always the case. Lasers aren't a substitute for a trained surgeon. To assure the maximum benefits from your surgery, it's advisable to utilize an experienced surgeon, regardless of whether they use lasers or handheld surgical tools. 

Using a laser during surgery can make it easier for your surgeon to be as precise as possible during your operation. Depending on your specific case, this additional accuracy may be beneficial to yield the best output from your procedure. For example, if you also suffer from astigmatism, this additional precision can help improve your overall vision.

Laser-Assisted Surgery May Increase the Cost of Your Procedure

If you compare prices across multiple surgeons, you'll likely find that laser-assisted cataract surgery is more expensive than conventional surgery. The reasoning behind the higher price tag is that surgeons who utilize lasers have additional expenses associated with purchasing and maintaining the laser equipment used for the procedure.

Many individuals who have cataract surgery have some type of insurance that will help defray the costs. You may find that your post-insurance cost for the laser-assisted operation is similar to the price of traditional cataract surgery after your insurance coverage kicks in. 

Your doctor can discuss the benefits of each type of cataract surgery so that you can make an informed decision about your eye care. Should laser-assisted surgery be a better fit for your eyes, the increased price is worth it to ensure your eyes are cataract free.