Laser cataract surgery
What is Laser cataract surgery
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), commonly referred to as laser cataract surgery, is a sophisticated surgical procedure used to remove cataracts from the eye. When the eye's natural lens becomes clouded, a cataract develops, causing blurry vision. During traditional cataract surgery, incisions are made and the clouded lens is broken up for removal using a manual or ultrasonic device.
The benefits Laser Cantaract surgery
Preoperative Imaging: Before the surgery, detailed measurements of the eye are taken using advanced imaging techniques. This information helps the surgeon plan and customize the procedure for each patient.
Laser Incisions: The femtosecond laser is used to create precise incisions in the cornea, allowing access to the cataract-affected lens. These incisions are more accurate and predictable than those made manually. Capsulotomy: The laser is used to create an opening in the lens capsule, which surrounds the natural lens. This step is called a capsulotomy and is essential for accessing and removing the cataract. Lens Fragmentation: The laser helps break up the cloudy lens into smaller, more manageable pieces. This fragmentation process makes it easier to remove the cataract and reduces the amount of ultrasound energy needed during surgery. Astigmatism Correction: In some cases, the laser can be used to correct astigmatism by making precise incisions in the cornea.LASIK Eye Surgery
What is LASIK eye surgery
LASIK surgery is the most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. The surgery takes approximately 15 minutes and is pain-free.
Local anaesthetic drops will numb your eye completely before the procedure. Your surgeon will then use two different types of laser. The first one is a femtosecond laser which creates a thin protective flap in the cornea. It does this by tracing a 3D pattern of small gas bubbles within the corneal tissue. During this part of the procedure, lasting less than minute, patients may experience pressure on their eye. The surgeon will then lift back this hinged layer and use an excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue to correct the focus of the eye. The hinged layer is then smoothed back without the need for stitches. The procedure is typically complete within 15 minutes for both eyes with little if any discomfort.LASEK eye surgery
What is LASEK eye surgery?
LASEK surgery is a surface laser treatment which is performed on the surface of the cornea. This makes it a more suitable option than LASIK for patients with thin corneas or certain medical conditions.
Eye-drop anaesthetic is administered to ensure the procedure is painless and dilute alcohol is applied to the eye to help loosen the top skin layer (epithelium) which is then brushed away by the surgeon. Unlike LASIK, only the excimer laser is used to reshape the corneal tissue. The whole process should take around 10 minutes for both eyes. Once the surgeon has completed the laser treatment, a special contact lens will be applied to help protect the eye and increase your comfort during the recovery process. This will be removed towards the end of the first week after surgery.