Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is an advanced surgical procedure designed to assist in the removal of cataracts, a condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, affecting vision.
This procedure uses femtosecond laser technology to automate key steps in cataract surgery compared to traditional manual cataract surgery which relies on handheld instruments.
If you are experiencing vision impairment due to cataracts, contact Vision Clinic Sydney for more information on femtosecond laser cataract surgery in Sydney.
What is Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery?
Femtosecond laser cataract surgery, also known as laser-assisted cataract surgery or laser cataract removal, uses a femtosecond laser to perform several critical steps of the cataract surgery. This advanced laser procedure may allow for:
- Accurate capsulotomy (opening of the anterior capsule of the lens): The laser ensures a perfectly circular and centred capsulotomy, which can be crucial for the correct positioning of the intraocular lens (IOL) and may lead to optimal visual outcomes.
- Efficient fragmentation of the cataract: The laser breaks the cataract into smaller, more manageable pieces, making it potentially easier to remove and possibly reducing the amount of ultrasound energy needed, which may benefit the surrounding eye tissues.
Compared to traditional cataract surgery, which relies solely on handheld instruments, femtosecond laser cataract surgery may offer potential benefits in certain aspects:
- Precision: The laser’s ability to perform precise cuts and fragmentation may improve the accuracy of specific steps in the procedure. However, recent studies suggest these improvements may not necessarily translate into significantly better long-term visual outcomes compared to traditional techniques.
- Reduced risk of certain complications: By automating key steps, the laser may help reduce some manual errors. However, the overall risk of complications remains low with both laser-assisted and traditional methods and the advantages of the laser approach may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
- Potential for quicker recovery: While the laser’s precision may reduce trauma to the eye, leading to potentially faster recovery in some patients, the long-term visual results appear to be similar to those of traditional cataract surgery.
Conditions Treated By Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is primarily used to treat cataracts, a common eye condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to impaired vision.
This condition can develop due to ageing, trauma, or other medical conditions. Cataracts can cause symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around lights. If left untreated, cataracts can significantly impact the quality of life.
This laser-assisted surgery may potentially improve vision by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.
Risks of Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
While femtosecond laser cataract surgery is generally safe, it is essential to be aware of potential risks, which may include:
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Dislocation of the intraocular lens
- Posterior capsule opacification
These risks are relatively low, and the advanced technology used in this laser procedure helps minimise complications.
How Do I Know If This Procedure Is Right For Me?
Femtosecond laser cataract surgery may be suitable for you if:
- You have been diagnosed with cataracts that significantly impair your vision
- You prefer a laser-assisted approach over manual surgery
Consulting with an experienced ophthalmologist at Vision Clinic Sydney can help determine if this laser treatment is the best option for your cataract condition.
How Is Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery Performed?
Femtosecond laser cataract surgery, also known as femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery, typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation: Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the eye, ensuring patient comfort throughout the procedure.
- Capsulotomy: The laser makes an accurate opening in the anterior capsule of the lens. This step, known as femtosecond laser capsulotomy, is crucial for the accurate placement and stability of the intraocular lens (IOL).
- Lens Fragmentation: The femtosecond laser breaks up the cataract into smaller pieces, making it easier for surgical removal. This reduces the amount of ultrasound energy needed, which can protect the surrounding eye tissues.
- Cataract Removal: The fragmented cataract is gently suctioned out of the eye, clearing the path for the new lens.
- Lens Implantation: An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to replace the removed cataract. The precision of the femtosecond laser procedure aids in accurate intraocular lens power calculation.
Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery Cost
The cost of femtosecond laser cataract surgery can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and the type of intraocular lens selected. It is best to consult with Vision Clinic Sydney to obtain a personalised estimate based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Please note that costs may vary and a personalised consultation is necessary to determine the exact price for your specific case.
FAQs
Below you can find our most frequently asked questions:
What is the difference between femtosecond laser cataract surgery and manual cataract surgery?
Femtosecond laser cataract surgery, also known as femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery, uses femtosecond lasers to perform key steps of the procedure, such as femtosecond laser capsulotomy and clear corneal incisions. This technology utilises a precise laser beam to create a spiral laser pattern. Manual cataract surgery on the other hand, relies on handheld instruments. When it comes to long-term visual outcomes, studies have shown similar results with both methods.
Is femtosecond laser cataract surgery painful?
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring that patients may experience minimal discomfort. Some cataract patients may feel slight pressure during the intraocular femtosecond laser procedure, but significant pain is uncommon. The laser focus and precise nature of the surgery contribute to a more comfortable experience.
How long does the recovery take after femtosecond laser cataract surgery?
Recovery time varies, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few days. Vision may improve within the first week after the laser assisted cataract incisions, with full recovery taking a few weeks.
Are there any special preparations needed before undergoing femtosecond laser cataract surgery?
Your ophthalmologist will provide specific instructions during the initial clinical evaluation, which may include discontinuing certain medications and arranging for transportation, as you will not be able to drive immediately after the femtosecond laser surgery. Proper preparation ensures the best possible clinical outcomes.
Can both eyes be treated at the same time with femtosecond laser cataract surgery?
It is common practice to perform the femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery on one eye at a time to ensure optimal recovery and vision improvement. The second eye can typically be treated a few weeks later, allowing the first eye to heal and adjust to the new intraocular lens. This staged approach helps achieve the best possible results from the cataract procedure.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
