Laser Phaco, often referred to as "laser cataract surgery," is a modern technique for cataract removal where phacoemulsification, the most prevalent cataract surgery method, may be assisted by a femtosecond laser. While frequently called "laser cataract surgery," the phacoemulsification part of the procedure still uses ultrasound energy to break up the cataract; the laser assists in certain steps to potentially increase precision.
Here’s a breakdown:
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Cataracts Explained: A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens inside your eye, leading to blurry vision.
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Phacoemulsification (Phaco): The standard cataract surgery involves making a small incision in the eye, using ultrasound energy to break up (emulsify) the clouded lens, and then removing the fragments. An artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) is then implanted.
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Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): In Laser Phaco, a femtosecond laser can be used to perform several key steps previously done manually:
- Corneal Incisions: The laser creates precise incisions in the cornea, the clear front part of the eye.
- Capsulotomy: The laser creates a precise, circular opening in the capsule (the membrane that holds the lens).
- Lens Fragmentation: The laser softens or fragments the cataract, potentially reducing the amount of ultrasound energy needed during phacoemulsification.
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Key Advantages of Laser Assistance (potential):
- Increased Precision: Potentially more accurate and consistent incisions and capsulotomies.
- Reduced Ultrasound Energy: Less ultrasound energy may be needed, possibly leading to faster healing.
- Improved Astigmatism Correction: The laser can create corneal incisions to help correct astigmatism (a refractive error).
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Important Note on Terminology: It's crucial to understand that while it is referred to as laser phaco, the ultrasound energy is still utilized in the fragmentation and removal of the emulsified lens. The laser just assists certain parts of the procedure.
In summary, laser phaco or femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery uses a laser to aid in several steps of traditional phacoemulsification cataract surgery, potentially offering increased precision and other benefits, but phacoemulsification is still the primary procedure utilized.
