Q. What are the benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery versus non-Laser Cataract Surgery?
A. There are four distinct advantages of using the LenSx Laser for Cataract Surgery. The Laser can create precise incisions in the eye without using a blade or scalpel. It can make a perfectly round circular opening of any size needed into the lens capsule to allow access to the cataract. With manual surgery, the surgeon must create a circle by hand. The Laser softens and divides the lens for easier removal using less energy. Mild astigmatism can be corrected using accurate incisions to the exact length and depth needed for the desired correction.
Maria C. Scott, M.D., Chesapeake Eye Care & Laser Center
Q. If I have glaucoma, can Ibrget Cataract Surgery?
A. For patients with controlled glaucoma, using one or two glaucoma drops, cataract surgery can be performed. A patient may experience a transient rise in eye pressure after cataract surgery requiring additional medication; however, the majority of patients maintain stable eye pressure. For those with uncontrolled glaucoma or those using the maximum tolerated medical therapy, cataract surgery is often performed in conjunction with glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy or aqueous shunt procedure) to maintain lower eye pressure. Patients who had prior glaucoma surgery can undergo cataract surgery as needed in the future. Blurred vision due to progressive cataracts becomes clearer after cataract surgery.
Heather A. Nesti, MD, Chesapeake Eye Care & Laser Center
