Laser Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are an extremely common condition that affect around 60% of people over 60. The development of cataracts is typically related to age and is progressive. This means that cataracts get worse over time. In the early stages, many cataract patients find that they can remedy their symptoms with glasses. But patients with more advanced cataracts may wish to correct their vision with surgery. At Aiello Eye Institute, laser cataract surgery is a great option to help Arizona men and women reclaim their eyesight and participate in their favorite activities again.
Cataract surgery has a very high success rate. However, a cataract diagnosis does not automatically mean you need surgical intervention. To find out if you are a good candidate for surgery, request an appointment or call (928) 782-1980 to speak with one of our eye care professionals.
Meet Dr. Aiello
Dr. Aiello's unique combination of compassion and qualifications sets him apart as one of the leading ophthalmologists in the field.
What can laser cataract surgery do for me?
Like traditional cataract surgery, laser cataract surgery replaces the clouded natural lens with a synthetic intraocular lens. The difference is in the incision. Rather than manually using a blade, Dr. Aiello guides a powerful laser to make extremely small, precise incisions.
For people with advanced cataracts, this relatively brief outpatient procedure can restore clear, unclouded vision. At Aiello Eye Institute, we offer the following lens options to laser cataract surgery patients:
- Wavefront optimized lens implants: The Acrysof IQ implant is an advanced technology lens designed with wavefront technology to give the sharpest image possible.
- Astigmatic correcting implants: For most patients, astigmatism can be effectively treated with the Alcon AcrySof® IQ Toric lens. This lens can reduce distortion associated with astigmatism, giving more than 90% of patients uncorrected vision of 20/40 or better.
- AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL: Restore your full range of vision with this lens, which can fully replace bifocal glasses for many patients. Every 4 out of 5 patients who receive the AcrySof IQ ReSTOR intraocular lens in both eyes say they no longer need glasses for any activities.
- TECNIS® Multifocal lenses: These versatile lenses can improve your short- and long-distance vision, regardless of lighting conditions. Confidently navigate the highway at night or enjoy a book on a sunny day with TECNIS lenses, which are especially appropriate for people with active lifestyles.
After laser cataract surgery, many patients can safely and comfortably go glasses-free. Of course, you don't need to choose your lens now. During your examination and preoperative appointments with Dr. Aiello, you'll learn more about your options. Dr. Aiello helps you choose the best one based on your specific condition.
What is the difference between laser cataract surgery and conventional cataract surgery?
Laser cataract surgery offers cataract patients an additional option for treating cataracts that's unparalleled in its precision and safety. Laser cataract surgery works in a similar way to traditional cataract surgery in that Dr. Aiello removes the clouded lens through a very small incision on the lens capsule. However, rather than requiring him to manually make these incisions with a blade, laser cataract surgery makes them automatically with a powerful femtosecond laser. Dr. Aiello guides the laser for incredible precision, and each procedure is completely customized to the patient's needs.
What happens during laser cataract surgery?
During laser cataract surgery, your eye is gently kept stable and open with an attachment on the laser device. Dr. Aiello guides the laser to make very precise incisions on the surface of your eye.
Once he has made the incisions, Dr. Aiello uses ultrasound energy to dismantle the cataract-affected lens and remove it. He then carefully places your selected lens implant. Although the procedure is quite intricate, today's techniques make it extraordinarily safe, precise, and reliable. Keep in mind that you will be comfortably sedated throughout your surgery. You can expect the procedure to last about 15 minutes per eye. Thanks to the unique anatomy of the eye, the incisions made during surgery generally seal themselves without the need for sutures.
Is it painful?
No. Because you are sedated, you'll be quite relaxed throughout your procedure. Your eyes are also anesthetized with special drops. Some patients report a scratchy sensation during or after surgery but seldom feel any significant discomfort.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients can get back to their usual activities about 24 hours after surgery. In some cases, you may need to wear a bandage or patch over your eyes for a short period after surgery. You may experience some lingering blurriness, halos, or glare as your eyes adjust, but these effects are temporary. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision only 24 hours after surgery, with continued improvement over the next several weeks.
Intraocular lenses are highly durable and very rarely need to be replaced. To learn more about recuperation and other elements of cataract surgery, visit our frequently asked questions page.
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