An Introduction to Laser Cataract Surgery
- Laser cataract surgery is an enhanced version of traditional cataract surgery regarded as a significant advancement by the ophthalmic community due to its blade-free technology.
- Clearview Institute is at the forefront of vision care in Canada and, as such, is one of the first clinics in Canada to offer our patients laser cataract surgery.
What Is Laser Cataract Surgery?
Traditional cataract surgery is performed with hand-held blades and other manual instruments. The laser cataract approach, however, utilizes a bladeless laser to automate and/or assist most of the critical parts of the operation. This leads to enhanced precision, accuracy and a more gentle approach.
Why Choose Laser Cataract Surgery?
As you can see above, people choose laser cataract surgery primarily because it is the most advanced version of cataract surgery, delivering improved and safer results, as well as better visual recovery.
Advantages of Laser Cataract Surgery
There are three advantages of laser cataract surgery over traditional cataract surgery:
- Laser cataract surgery delivers precise and therefore highly safe results at all points of the procedure.
- Laser cataract surgery also provides patients with improved visual results due to its precision.
- Laser cataract surgery increases the likelihood that the incision will be self-sealing at the end of the procedure, which reduces the risk of infection.
At Clearview Vision Institute, we aim to treat cataracts — one of the most pervasive vision problems that impact well-being, mobility, and quality of life, particularly in older populations. Our patients trust us to improve their vision and alleviate the impact of cataracts on their eyesight through cutting-edge laser cataract surgery.
Unlike traditional cataract removal, laser cataract surgery offers increased precision, resulting in significantly reduced refractive errors. Laser technology allows us to deliver these life-changing benefits, starting with a gentler and easier cataract removal process.
With laser cataract surgery, our eye surgeons can significantly reduce trauma to the eye. There is noticeably lesser postoperative inflammation, allowing for a smooth and rapid recovery. Our cataract laser surgery patients can resume their normal routines much sooner. And when they do, they are happy to report that they are a lot less dependent — or even completely independent — of their standard vision correction prescriptions, like eyeglasses.
Risks and Complications of Cataract Surgery
The technology for laser cataract surgery has improved over earlier techniques. Today, laser treatment leads the charge for cataract removal. Our eye surgeons at Clearview have seen to its success that begins with safety. By following safety guidelines while performing cataract laser surgery, we have helped countless patients increase their potential of regaining their full range of vision — including reading — and remain glasses-free.
Still, like any laser treatment, cataract surgery has risks. Commonly, patients may experience these symptoms:
- Increased dry eyes
- Post-op pain or discomfort
- Increase in floaters
- Corneal swelling.
However, most patients who undergo laser cataract removal do not experience complications. At Clearview, we attribute this to careful and advanced patient screening to ensure that each cataract patient is a good candidate for multifocal IOL.
If they are not, we offer effective alternatives, such as monofocal IOLs, aspheric IOLs, and toric IOLs. Overall, they gain a better prognosis, such as improved vision in dim light, as well as astigmatism correction to reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses when viewing objects at a distance. Our commitment to every cataract patient’s safety ensures successful treatment that provides life-changing benefits.
FAQs
What steps can I take to prepare for Laser Cataract Surgery?
To prepare for Laser Cataract Surgery, attend pre-operative consultations, provide a detailed medical history, and follow any instructions from the eye care professional regarding medications or fasting. Wear comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure and avoid makeup or jewelry around the eyes. Staying informed about the procedure and having open communication with our eye care professionals will contribute to a well-prepared and successful experience.
Is Laser Cataract Surgery a one-time procedure, or might additional surgery be needed in the future?
Laser Cataract Surgery is typically a one-time procedure for each eye. Once the cataract is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens, it usually does not require further surgery. However, it's important to note that additional treatments might be considered in the future for reissues unrelated to cataracts, such as the development of presbyopia or astigmatism. Regular follow-up appointments with our eye care professionals are crucial to monitor the stability of the results and discuss any potential future treatments based on individual circumstances.
How soon can I expect to see improvements in my vision after Laser Cataract Surgery?
The timeline for improvements in vision after Laser Cataract Surgery can vary among individuals. While some patients may notice immediate changes, others may experience gradual improvements over several days to weeks. Full stabilization of vision typically takes some time, and patients may continue to experience enhanced clarity as the eyes continue to heal. It's essential to follow post-operative care instructions provided by our eye care professional and attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns during the recovery period.
Can Laser Cataract Surgery improve night vision and reduce glare or halos?
Laser Cataract Surgery, especially when combined with premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), may contribute to improvements in night vision and reduction of glare or halos. The precise nature of laser technology allows for enhanced customization in addressing astigmatism and optimizing the overall visual outcome. While individual results can vary, many patients experience reduced dependency on glasses for night vision activities and report a decrease in glare or halos after Laser Cataract Surgery. Consulting with an eye care professional can provide realistic expectations based on the patient's specific circumstances and visual goals.
How does the laser assist in cataract removal, and what benefits does it offer?
In Laser Cataract Surgery, the laser assists by making precise incisions, performing a capsulotomy to access the cataract, and fragmenting the cataract for easier removal. These steps enhance overall precision, potentially reduce the required energy, and allow for customization, particularly in addressing astigmatism. The benefits include increased surgical accuracy, potentially quicker visual recovery, and the ability to tailor the procedure to individual needs, contributing to an advanced and personalized cataract removal experience compared to traditional methods.
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
People can have different rates of healing. A majority of people see an improvement to their vision within the first week. It can take 6-8 weeks for the eye to fully heal.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery is thought to be painless for most patients. Anesthetic and sedation are given for patient comfort
How long do I need to wear protective glasses for after cataract surgery?
For the first 24 hours you will wear a clear shield over the operated eye, then you will only need to wear the shield at night when sleeping for the first week. It is recommended to wear sunglasses when outdoors during the day to protect from UV damage in general
What should I avoid after cataract surgery?
We ask our patients not to go swimming and avoid splashing water into the eyes for one week after surgery. Your doctor will discuss details further with you if there are other activities to avoid.
Is cataract surgery covered by OHIP?
Yes. There are other options that are available that may not be covered through OHIP
Dear Dr. Kranemann, Many thanks in the nice, smooth and trouble free cataract surgery you carried out on both my eyes at Clearview Institute. I would like also to extend my thanks to all the staff of clearview. They are efficient, kind hearted and very helpful. J.T.
Dr. Kranemann is exceptionally intelligent and experienced. He is passionate about achieving perfect results for his patients, and proved it by correcting my father’s vision perfectly. We are very happy and grateful and highly recommend Dr. Kranemann. B.A.
Had the new vision correction procedure SMILE. WOW is all I can say. Life without glasses is amazing. Great surgeon and medical staff. Will refer his expertise on to family and friends. D.C.
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