Cataract Surgery: Traditional vs Advanced Techniques
Once a cataract diagnosis has been rendered, patients know that surgery will loom somewhere on the horizon. When a cataract forms, clouding the natural lens of the eye, stages of development gradually progress from mild blurred vision to a fully opaque or white colored cataract blocking light from entering the eye causing loss of vision. Cataract surgery has improved over centuries to the pillar of modern medicine as one of the most performed, successful surgeries worldwide.
Surgical techniques and technological advancements have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. Pros and cons of cataract surgery, traditional versus advanced techniques, offers patients a wide range of options for their unique vision needs. The evolution of cataract surgery has ushered in a new wave of innovation as well as fully customizable intraocular lenses that not only bring clarity to vision but will correct refractive errors.
Traditional cataract surgery has been the gold standard for decades. Utilizing a process called phacoemulsification, the process involves creating a small incision in the eye where a tiny probe is inserted to break up the cataract via ultrasound technology. The broken pieces of the lens are suctioned out and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). Pros of traditional cataract surgery are proven track record of success regarding both safety and efficacy, minimal disruption including minimal discomfort & trauma to the eye and it is cost effective making it an affordable option for a broader range of patient care. Cons of traditional cataract surgery include lengthy visual recovery time lasting weeks-which can lead to months of necessary healing if both eyes are affected by cataracts as only one eye can receive treatment at a time, not all refractive errors can be fixed, notably astigmatism that may require a secondary procedure and, by comparison to advanced techniques, limited precision particularly for complex cases.
Patients may be quick to conclude that advanced techniques are automatically the better solution but there are debatable reasons to consider newer procedures. Pros of advanced techniques include enhanced precision, customization and availability-not all patients have access to these advanced techniques based on location or financial ability. Breakthrough technology uses the femtosecond laser that not only helps to remove the cataract and implanting of IOLs but reduces risk and delivers improved visual outcomes. Instead of sound waves, laser technology breaks up the lens. Refractive errors such as astigmatism and presbyopia are not often cured during traditional surgery; however, laser guided customization can treat high order aberrations.
In either case, cataract surgery follows the same sequence to remove and replace cataracts-incision (whether by scalpel in the hands of a surgeon or laser-assisted by equipment), removal of the cataract, replaced of the cataract with an intraocular lens implant, protection of the eye for healing and recovery. With a trusted board-certified surgeon, you can have peace of mind that traditional cataract surgery will be successful. If your vision requires advanced treatment because of advanced issues such as refractive errors, laser cataract surgery would likely be a better fit for you. Rely on the expertise of your surgical team to conclude your best course of action by scheduling your appointment with Pennachio Eye at 325-227-1999 or WEBSITE.