Is laser cataract surgery worth the extra money?
Asked by: Caroline Lueilwitz | Last update: December 31, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (74 votes)
Which cataract surgery is better, laser or regular?
Using a laser allows the surgeon to make precise incisions in less time. It can improve accuracy and consistency. In some cases, the laser can provide more correction than traditional surgery. The laser can reduce the amount of ultrasound energy needed to soften the lens prior to removal.
Who is not a good candidate for laser cataract surgery?
- Not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. ...
- Those who are younger than 18 years old. ...
- Those who are pregnant or nursing. ...
- Those who are taking certain prescription drugs. ...
- Those whose vision is not stable. ...
- Those who are not in good general health.
What is the success rate of laser cataract surgery?
With millions of procedures completed and a success rate of 98%, both traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery are safe. A cataract is a common eye disease that's characterized by cloudy lens -- the natural lens is normally clear.
What are the cons of laser cataract surgery?
There are very few disadvantages to laser assisted cataract surgery. But any procedure in life has some disadvantages. The largest disadvantage is the cost of the procedure. The lasers we use are highly sophisticated advanced computing machines with complex imaging systems along with complex laser energy delivery.
CATARACT SURGERY COST $$$
Why is laser eye surgery not recommended?
Patients with autoimmune diseases are not good candidates for laser eye surgery. Many autoimmune conditions cause dry eye syndrome. A dry eye may not heal well and has a higher risk of post-surgery infection. Other conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma or cataracts often affect results.
What is the most preferred cataract surgery?
In the EU and US, phacoemulsification is the most common procedure. How about vision after surgery? After a successful procedure, you'll be able to see things in better focus within 24-48 hours and be able to look at bright lights without seeing as much glare.
Why is laser cataract surgery not covered by insurance?
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is not covered because insurance companies will not pay the additional expense of having surgery by laser. In addition, surgeons are not lawfully allowed to bill patients an upcharge for a laser cataract procedure, since insurance companies cover non-laser cataract surgery.
How painful is laser cataract surgery?
Most people feel little or no pain during or after cataract surgery. You'll receive a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb your eye during the surgery. Shortly after surgery, your eye may feel gritty or slightly tender, but over-the-counter pain medicine should improve this.
Who is a candidate for laser cataract surgery?
If your vision has become cloudy due to cataracts and you are experiencing other symptoms that adversely affect your life, such as blurry vision or the need for brighter light to read, you are likely a candidate for laser cataract surgery.
What disqualifies you from cataract surgery?
Are in poor health or have a serious medical condition. Have advanced macular degeneration. Have a detached retina. Have a medical condition of the eyes, such as an infection.
What age should you not get laser eye surgery?
Most eye specialists consider 60 to be the general cut-off age for LASIK. This is when many people begin to develop cataracts. Getting LASIK at this point may mean you might not enjoy improved vision for very long.
What percentage of people need laser surgery after cataract surgery?
This vision impairment is more common than you may think, and it's in no way a sign of an unsuccessful cataract surgery. In fact, almost 20% of cataract surgery patients require a YAG capsulotomy, typically several months after the initial surgery.
Who is not suitable for laser cataract surgery?
The surgery may not be ideal if you have an autoimmune disease that causes dry eye. Other conditions that can disqualify a patient are diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, and glaucoma. To be a good candidate for laser vision correction, you must be an adult over 18 years old.
Why is laser cataract surgery so expensive?
Ophthalmologists say many of the improvements in cataract surgery are the result of new, high-tech equipment, such as femtosecond lasers and optical biometry machines, which are expensive and require frequent updating and training.
Will Medicare pay for laser cataract surgery?
Although Original Medicare doesn't cover routine vision care, it does help pay for cataract surgery if it's done using traditional surgical techniques or lasers. This is through Medicare Part B , the medical insurance portion of Original Medicare.
What is the new cataract treatment for 2024?
Light-Adjustable Lenses (LAL)
Light-adjustable lenses (LALs) are a newer type of monofocal lens that allows patients to customize and refine their vision outcomes after their cataract surgery. LALs are made from a unique photosensitive material containing molecules called macromers.
Do you have 20/20 vision after cataract surgery?
Surgery for my cataract: is 20/20 vision possible afterward? In a word, yes— it is possible (and common) to achieve 20/20 vision after cataract surgery. However, exactly how good your eyesight is at all distances (near, mid, and far) will depend on many factors.
Are you put to sleep for laser cataract surgery?
Yes, patients are usually awake during cataract surgery as this removes the risks associated with general anesthesia. General anesthesia involves putting the patient to sleep. When a patient is kept awake, it allows the cataract surgeon to communicate with the patient throughout the entire procedure.
Why am I not a candidate for laser cataract surgery?
Those with glaucoma, corneal diseases, macular degeneration, or other ailments that cause damage to the retina (such as diabetes) may not be candidates for laser cataract surgery.
What is the recovery time for laser cataract surgery?
However, don't be alarmed if you experience blurry vision after your procedure. This is a normal result of post-surgery swelling and typically dissipates within 5 – 7 days. The full recovery process may require 4 – 6 weeks as the tissues of the eye adjust and stabilize.
How many days rest is needed after cataract surgery?
Plan on taking one to three days off of work to be sure you have enough time to rest, but it is normal to resume most normal activities within a couple of days. Simple diversions like reading, watching TV, writing, and walking are okay to resume as soon as you feel up for it after your eye surgery.
What is the newest method of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery has come a long way in recent years, thanks to advances in technology. Some of the latest advances in cataract surgery include: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: This technology uses a laser to make precise incisions in the eye. This allows for a more accurate and predictable procedure.
What is the biggest complaint after cataract surgery?
1. Mild discomfort and itching after cataract surgery. Mild discomfort and itching are among the most common and immediately noticeable problems after cataract surgery, because it is natural for the eye to feel slightly irritated while it heals.