Nearly 4 million Americans undergo cataract surgery each year. The procedure, which removes the clouded natural lens of your eye and replaces it with an artificial one, is safe, effective, and can help improve your vision.
Traditional cataract surgery uses handheld tools to replace the eye’s lens, but femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) offers a more precise, technology-assisted alternative.
At Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma in Santa Ana, California, Dr. Anand Bhatt and our team specialize in FLACS. This article explains how FLACS differs from traditional cataract surgery, why those differences matter, and how to determine if you’re a candidate.
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that removes cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s natural lens caused by aging, an underlying medical condition, or medication.
Traditional cataract surgery involves making a small incision in your cornea (the clear surface of your eye) and then using handheld tools to remove the natural lens and replace it with an artificial one.
FLACS is different in that it uses a computer-guided laser to complete key steps of the same process. The laser increases precision, which may improve outcomes in certain cases. It also lowers the amount of ultrasonic energy needed to break up the natural lens, so many patients experience less swelling and pain after surgery.
FLACS typically takes 10-15 minutes per eye, but you’ll need to stay about two hours for presurgical prep and monitoring after.
Before surgery, we use optical coherence tomography (OCT), a special type of diagnostic imaging, to map the entire surface of one or both of your eyes. This information lets us determine the precise incision size and depth we need to make during surgery.
Once we have that information, we numb your eyes with special eye drops and use a computer-guided laser to make a small hole in the lens capsule of your eye, called a capsulotomy. The laser also softens your natural lens, making it easier to remove.
After softening your natural lens, we suction it out and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs can correct near vision, far vision, or both, so we tailor the lens to your vision needs. Once the lens is in position, we move you to a recovery room for observation.
FLACS incisions are so small that they close on their own. Because surgery can affect your vision for a few days, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
FLACS and traditional cataract surgery are both considered safe and effective. However, FLACS offers some distinct advantages. These include:
FLACS can also correct mild cases of astigmatism, so you may not have to wear glasses or contacts after.
If you have cataracts and are curious about whether you’re a candidate for FLACS, request an in-office evaluation. After reviewing your health history and completing a comprehensive eye exam, we can make personalized treatment recommendations.
If you have astigmatism, need cataract surgery anyway, and want a more precise approach, you may be a candidate. However, FLACS isn’t always covered by insurance, so it may end up costing more than traditional cataract surgery.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts and want to explore whether traditional surgery or FLACS is better for your situation, we can help you make that decision.
Schedule a consultation today by calling our office at 714-541-4185 or using the online booking feature.
