3 Unfounded Fears You Might Have About Cataract Laser Surgery

Cataracts can distort your vision and make your eyes more sensitive to light, which makes it difficult to read, drive, or watch television. Luckily, you can alleviate most -- or even all -- of your cataract symptoms with laser surgery. That option might not seem like a great idea, though, if the thought of having the surgery done terrifies you. Put your mind at ease by debunking the three myths about cataract laser surgery listed below.

It's Dangerous

You may already be well aware that risks accompany any surgery, but there is a very slim chance that something will go wrong during a laser procedure. In fact, experts report that laser surgery may even be safer than other methods of cataract treatment, such as ultrasound procedures. There are numerous factors that may contribute to a high level of laser surgery safety, including:

  • A laser ensures accuracy and delivers uniform incisions
  • Lasers soften cataracts, so they are easier to remove
  • Laser surgery minimizes the risk of endothelial cell depletion, so the cornea remains protected after the surgery

Following your doctor's pre-surgery instructions may help minimize the risk of complications. Do not eat directly before the surgery unless your eye doctor okays it, and ask your doctor whether it's safe to take supplements, vitamins, or prescription drugs on the day of your procedure. 

It's Extremely Painful

Surgical procedures are never fun, but cataract surgery isn't very painful. Surgeons generally use anesthesia during laser surgery unless you have allergies or health conditions that do not allow you to undergo anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the surgery. After surgery, you may feel a bit groggy from the anesthesia, so do not attempt to drive yourself home. 

You may feel minor discomfort for a few days after the procedure, and you may also experience itching, or a feeling of tightness or fullness, in your eye. These symptoms typically resolve quickly, but some mild symptoms may linger for a month or so. Your doctor will schedule multiple visits during this time frame to make sure that everything is healing properly. 

If you have a low tolerance for pain or find that your post-surgery symptoms are unbearable, do not hesitate to contact the specialist who scheduled your procedure. Your doctor can offer tips for home care, as well as call in prescriptions for pain-relieving medications. 

It's Not Effective

Nobody wants to shell out cash for an insurance deductible or request time off of work for a procedure that might not even work, but laser cataract removal is an effective option for nearly every individual affected by cataracts. If your doctor feels the surgery is too risky or thinks it will not help your eyes, then he will not schedule the procedure. You may have to tackle other health conditions prior to scheduling the surgery, such as uncontrolled hypertension, to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Laser surgery permanently removes cataracts. However, some patients develop posterior capsular opacification, a condition commonly referred to as secondary cataracts. This condition makes patients feel as if their cataracts have returned, although posterior capsular opacification does not result in cataracts. Your vision may become cloudy, and you may feel minor discomfort in your eyes. This condition can easily be treated by a laser capsulotomy, which is an outpatient surgery that typically takes less than 10 minutes to perform. 

Cataract laser surgery is a safe, effective procedure, especially when it is performed by a team of highly qualified eye doctors at sites like http://www.checdocs.org. Say farewell to your unpleasant cataract symptoms by scheduling a consultation to learn more about how laser surgery can improve your life.


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