Is Laser Cataract Surgery Right for You? 5 Things to Know

Are streetlights surrounded by halos, or do road signs seem blurrier than they used to? Do you need brighter light just to read a menu?

These are common signs of cataracts, but thankfully, surgery can address them. Doctors perform over 3.8 million cataract surgeries in the United States each year, and Europe accounts for an additional 4.3 million surgeries.

Cataract surgery is more advanced than ever, and many people with cataracts may be candidates for laser-assisted cataract surgery. Here, our experts at Maryland Eye Care Center in Hyattsville and Silver Spring, Maryland, share what you need to know about this procedure.

1. Laser cataract surgery is still cataract surgery

Just because laser surgery uses advanced lasers, it’s still surgery. You must account for some downtime regardless of the type of cataract surgery you have.

Laser cataract surgery has the same purpose as traditional cataract surgery: to remove your clouded natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens, or intraocular lens (IOL).

The difference is that we perform certain steps of the procedure with advanced laser technology rather than manual surgical instruments.

2. The laser can improve precision

Before surgery begins, our team uses advanced imaging to map the unique structures of your eye. The laser can then create highly precise incisions and soften the cataract, which may reduce the amount of ultrasound energy needed during the procedure.

3. It may help correct astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common eye condition in which the front of the eye isn’t perfectly round. This refractive error causes light to focus unevenly, making vision look blurry or slightly distorted at any distance. Astigmatism can contribute to trips and falls.

If you have cataracts and astigmatism, laser cataract surgery potentially can address both during your procedure. The laser can create precise corneal incisions that reduce certain types of astigmatism. That may decrease your dependence on glasses after surgery.

Your Maryland Eye Care Center provider can determine whether you're a candidate based on the amount and type of astigmatism you have.

4. Not everyone is an ideal candidate

Laser cataract surgery can be an excellent option, but it isn't the best choice for everyone. Factors that may influence your recommendation include:

The severity of your cataracts
Your eye health
The presence of other eye conditions
Your lifestyle and vision goals

During your comprehensive eye examination at Maryland Eye Care Center, our team can determine the most appropriate approach for your situation.

5. Your lens choice may be just as important as the surgery itself

Many people focus on the surgical technique, but the intraocular lens you choose can have a major impact on your vision after surgery. Depending on your needs, options may include:

Monofocal lenses
Toric lenses for astigmatism
Multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lenses

Choosing the right lens is one of the most important parts of the cataract surgery planning process. For example, a multifocal IOL can treat your cataract and presbyopia at the same time. Multifocal IOLs can help improve your near, intermediate, and far vision.

Is it time for laser-assisted cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is usually recommended when and if your cataracts interfere with your daily life. Consider laser-assisted cataract surgery if:

Night driving has become difficult
Reading requires brighter light
Colors appear faded
Glare and halos become bothersome
Your vision affects work or hobbies

You don’t have to make this decision alone. Our team can help you weigh the pros and cons of surgery and help you forge a path forward. Schedule a cataract consultation with Maryland Eye Care Center by phone or online today.