There is a general misconception that primary cataract surgery is practiced using a laser. Well let’s set the record straight. Promoting fast recovery, the latest and most effective method used to perform cataract surgery uses an ultrasound and a topical anesthetic.
Lasers, however, are used in a portion of patients for corrective cataract surgery when a clouding, or secondary cataracts develops behind the implanted lens, several months or years after primary cataract surgery has been performed.
Cataract laser surgery is performed when posterior capsule opacification occurs, also known as secondary cataracts, which blurs or obstructs vision, much the same as the original cataracts did. Just over 30 percent of patients who receive cataract surgery develop this condition.In these circumstances, a YAG laser is used to render a small opening in the clouded capsule behind the implant lens which enables light to reach the retina with no obstruction resulting in clear sight. This is a minute outpatient procedure which takes a few minutes total, and is completed with no need of anesthesia.
Primary cataract surgery is when the eyes clouded lens is removed by a cataract surgeon and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, usually made of plastic or silicone. Lasting only 20 to 30 minutes long, the procedure is usually done on an out-patient basis.
Cataract surgery is not a LASIK procedure where a laser reshapes the cornea to correct eyesight.
During cataract surgery, the patient is usually sedated to reduce anxiety and an anesthetic is given to avoid discomfort or pain. The surgeon makes a small incision close to the cornea and injects a surgical instrument which breaks up and discards the clouded lens. The intraocular implant lens is then inserted through the same incision and set into place.
Cataract surgery is not only a safe and effective procedure to remove cataracts, but it is one of the most widely performed surgeries in the United States with more than 3 million procedures taking place every year.
Executing primary cataract surgery with a laser is not far off and will probably become popular in the near future. FDA clearance was granted for Femtosecond Laser Technology in late 2009 which includes making incisions in the eye with a laser that creates precisely targeted bursts of energy that will allow for easy access to the cloudy lens so that it can be removed and replaced with the implant.
Surgical Instrument Photo Slideshow
NEW 10in Straight SURGICAL FORCEPS HEMOSTAT INSTRUMENTS
