Laser Cataract Surgery
Traditional cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries and also one of the most safe and effective, with predictable outcomes.
In traditional cataract surgery, your ECVA surgeon uses a hand-held metal or diamond blade to create an incision in the area where the sclera (the white of the eye) meets the cornea (clear area on top of the eye). Once opened, the surgeon uses special instruments to break up and then gently remove the cataract, which is located right behind the pupil. Next an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted and implanted, to replace the cloudy natural lens.
With the laser approach to cataract surgery, the surgeon creates a precise surgical plan with a sophisticated 3-D image of the eye called an OCT (optical coherence tomography). The goal is to create an incision with a specific location, depth and length in all planes, and with the OCT image and a femtosecond laser, it can be performed exactly without the variable of surgeon experience.
Optical Coherence Tomography
With optical coherence tomography, a special camera is used to photograph the retina. It measures the thickness of the retina and is very sensitive at detecting swelling and fluid. This information helps your doctor determine why your vision is blurred and whether treatment should be started. Learn more about cataract surgery from eyeSmart.
