Difference between Traditional vs. Laser Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is the most common eye treatment in the world over. Since cataract is one of the many diseases that appear with aging. With the increasing age, the lens of the eyes wears off resulting in blurred vision. The treatment of cataract involves lens replacement surgery, which is performed either by traditional method or by the use of lasers. 

It is important to understand both the methods of cataract surgery to know the difference between them. Process -
 

Traditional Cataract Surgery 

Also referred to as phacoemulsification, under this process, the impaired natural lens or cataract is broken by the use of a vibrating needle. Eye surgeon makes an incision in the cornea by his hands to remove the broken pieces of cataract and replace the artificial lens.
 

Laser Cataract Surgery 

This cataract surgery method uses lasers to break the lenses instead of a needle or blade, removing them with a circular opening, and replacing the new one. 

Use of Resources: Time & Energy

Judging by the procedures of both the traditional and laser cataract surgery, the later one takes less time and energy during the surgery. This is because there is no use of blades for the incision in laser cataract surgery.
However, both the surgeries are generally painless procedures. 

Results

The aim of successful cataract surgery is to make the most precise circular incisions at the accurate location in the eyes. 

Studies about these treatments have proved that the openings in the cornea made by the laser are 10 times more precise than made by the manual method. This helps in faster recovery of vision in case of laser surgery.

Also, with a laser cataract surgery, eyes also get treated from astigmatism, a misshapen cornea, which allows a better vision as compared to traditional cataract surgery.

Cost

Laser cataract surgery, as advanced and beneficial it is, costs more than traditional cataract surgery. It is also not covered by most of the medical insurance plans. You may find a traditional cataract surgery more effective in terms of the price.

Being aware of both the treatment methods of cataract is one good thing. However, only an expert cataract surgeon can recommend whether a laser cataract surgery is suitable for your eyes are not. Since everyone is not the right candidate for the said method. Consult your eye doctor to get treated with your cataract, precisely. 

Read more about - Advancements in Cataract Treatment