As the first Michigan ophthalmology practice to use the LenSx® femtosecond laser, Specialty Eye Institute is the leading laser cataract surgery in areas like Ann Arbor, Toledo, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Adrian, and Lansing. If you want to learn more about how laser cataract surgery can benefit your vision, follow the link below.

Learn More About Cataract Surgery & Treatments

What Is Laser Cataract Surgery?

Laser cataract surgery is a common type of laser eye surgery. This outpatient surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is designed to correct refractive errors, including cataracts.

Cataracts—which are the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. and blindness worldwide—occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes clouded, blurring one’s vision. Cataract surgery replaces the clouded lens with an artificial one to restore clear vision.

The world-class surgeons at Specialty Eye Institute make a no-stitch incision during laser cataract surgery to prevent eye shape distortion and reduce the risk of post-surgery complications. If you suffer from blurry vision due to cataracts, laser cataract surgery is a safe, efficient, and lasting treatment option.

The Steps of Laser Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery consists of three simple steps outlined below:

Opening of the Lens Capsule (Capsulotomy): A femtosecond laser creates a small incision in the eye.
Cataract Disassembly (Phacoemulsification): The femtosecond laser breaks up the damaged lens, and the surgeon uses a surgical instrument to remove it.
Lens Replacement: The surgeon places a new, artificial lens in the affected eye.

Femtosecond Laser Surgery

If you’re over 50 years old, there's a real possibility that the earliest forms of cataracts are developing in your eyes now. As you age, the odds of developing cataracts continue to increase.

If you suffer from poor vision, cataract surgery can eliminate your need for glasses and contact lenses. Experience more freedom with cataract surgery. Using an advanced femtosecond laser, the expert eye surgeons at Specialty Eye Institute create precisely centered and shaped incisions for each patient. This new technology allows for greater accuracy and precision, enhanced mobility, and less tissue damage.

If you have questions about femtosecond laser surgery or want to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to our ophthalmology team. We look forward to hearing from you.

*Results may vary. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks.

Differences Between Traditional Cataract Surgery & Laser Cataract Surgery

When it comes to cataract surgery, you have two different types to choose from; traditional and laser. Both procedures have the same outcome but different methods of achieving it. Before deciding on one type over the other, consider the main pros and cons.

Traditional

Creates a small, no-stitch incision that self-heals
Uses manual instruments, like a blade and forceps
More affordable

Laser

Uses laser technology
No manual instruments required
A more advanced, more precise, and less invasive technique
More predictable outcomes
Poses fewer risks
More costly
Quicker recovery time

3 Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery

If both traditional and laser cataract surgery have the same outcome, why do more patients tend to choose the laser alternative? Consider these three benefits:

Precise Mapping: Laser cataract surgery is equipped with 3D mapping capabilities that provide a better view of the impacted area. This feature helps surgeons take a more personalized approach.
Laser Precision: Laser cataract surgery creates a circular incision that allows for the exact placement of the artificial lens.
Gentle Approach: The femtosecond laser breaks up the damaged lens before extracting it, resulting in a gentler removal process.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Surgery

Before Surgery

Dress in comfortable clothes, pull back your hair if it’s relatively long, and don’t wear any makeup. Be sure to carry your ID card, health insurance card, and a payment method to the surgical center. Upon your arrival, you will sign a consent form and have your vitals taken.

Keep in mind that your surgeon might ask you not to eat or drink on the day of surgery as well as stop taking certain medications starting a few days before surgery.

During Surgery

Wondering how long cataract surgery takes? The procedure lasts roughly 20 to 30 minutes. You will be put under local anesthesia, and the local anesthetic will also be inserted in your affected eye to numb any pain. Your surgeon will perform the procedure.

After Surgery

A staff member will transport you to a recovery area where you will be provided with any necessary pain medication. Once you’re feeling well enough to leave, the surgical center will discharge you. Recovery at the surgical center can last up to a few hours.

Average Cataract Surgery Recovery Time

Since cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, patients can go home on the same day of surgery. Most patients can resume normal activities after just one day of recovery. Full recovery may take up to three months.

You will need to wear protective eyewear until your eyes have healed fully. Attend follow-up appointments to ensure clear, healthy vision.

Customized Cataract Treatments

Our cutting-edge, bladeless laser refractive cataract surgery is less invasive, more precise, and safer than alternative surgical methods. It also boasts a quicker recovery time and produces more predictable results. If you want to restore clear vision, contact a board-certified ophthalmologist at Specialty Eye Institute.

Schedule A Laser Cataract Surgery Consultation