Hi Everyone,
Something I failed to mention in my previous threads on my situation is that my surgeon has recommended that he do my mono-focal lens implant without a laser. At the prices he charges, I was thinking maybe I'd be getting laser treatment. Again, it's a mono-focal lens so maybe the benefits of laser are not that great. He seemed to say that a laser would be put to use in breaking up the cataract in my eye, but I believe that's high frequency ultrasound (phaco-emulsification), right? In any case, when is it recommended that lasers are preferred over a manual procedure, and would there be any benefit in having the laser when it comes to a monofocal situation?
Regards,
G
I have had both eyes operated on over the past 18 months and use of a laser was never mentioned. You are correct that the existing lens is usually broken up using high frequency sound and the old bits washed out before the new lens is inserted. Pre-surgery, my surgeon did mention that he would be using patented Calladine forceps during the procedure - apparently, use of this instrument requires a smaller incision.
Post surgery, my surgeon did mention that it was possible that, in years to come, I might see (no pun intended) some lens cloudiness which could be addressed using a simple laser procedure.
Laser assisted cataract surgery is usually offered as a premium package along with premium lenses. One school of thought it that there is no distinct advantage of one method over the other. Another school of thought is that the laser softening the cataract and making the incision is a more gentler process.
Post surgery capsulotomy (YAG) is done by laser when the posterior capsule becomes cloudy and is required for about 40% of the patients.
My dr is a technology junkie and he doesn't use a laser for cataracts. He explained it to me in some detail but basically he said if your surgeon is good, you are better off without the laser. If your surgeon is not as good, then maybe the laser is better.
Yep picking the right experienced surgeon is more important that paying extra for femto-laser.