Cataract Laser Surgery

A cataract laser surgery might be necessary when the condition has progressed too much. A cataract is a disease where the eye lenses start to cloud. Normally these lenses are able to focus the light that enters the eyes into the retina which results in a clear image.

The lenses are mostly composed of proteins and water. As the body starts aging these lenses also age causing the proteins to clump together. As time passes the area covered by these proteins grows bigger and the vision decreases until the point where the sight is completely lost.

The causes for this disease are not completely understood. However, there are certain factors that can increase the chance of suffering from it. Exposition to ultraviolet light for a long time as well radiation can definitely cause damage to the eye lenses which can result in cataracts. Areas where the ozone layer is known to be thinner will have more ultraviolet rays which can lead to more people with the condition. Diseases like diabetes and hypertension can also accelerate the damage to the lenses which can result in suffering cataracts. This illness typically does not present any symptoms until the damage to your vision is too great.


Surgery is often recommended to treat the problem

The first surgery involves extracting the cataract. This is done by making a small cut into the cornea. Then the central portion of the capsule is removed by using sound waves. This procedure is normally enough to solve the condition but there are times when the problem might come back then a second surgery is needed.

One of the most effective treatments for the disorder is the cataract laser surgery. This type of surgery is frequently used to treat a second cataract that has formed after a first surgery has been done. Only around 30% of the people that has cataract surgery need a second one.

This type of laser surgical procedure uses a laser to create a small aperture in the capsule where the cataract can be found. The aperture is enough to allow the light to pass through resulting in a clear vision. The laser is focused only at one point and the surrounding tissue is not affected. Complications after the procedure are still possible. One of them is the temporary increase in the internal pressure of the eye which can harm the intraocular lens. In some rare cases the anterior vitreal face can rupture leading to cystoid macular edema.

Another type of laser surgery that can help consists in making a small cut in the upper layer of the cornea then reshaping the layer underneath. This improves the vision and prevents complications. The cataract laser surgery is normally used when all other alternatives have been used.

Consult with your doctor if the surgical procedure is right for you.




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