Cataracts & Cataract Surgery | FAQ

Is cataract surgery performed with a laser?

There is a common misconception that cataract surgery is performed with a laser. This is not the case. Laser cataract removal has been investigated over the last decade, and it has mostly been abandoned due to poor results.

Instead of a laser, cataract surgery is performed using high-frequency ultrasound. A probe with an ultrasonic needle and vacuum pulverizes and removes the cloudy lens material through a small incision.

Will my vision be perfect after cataract surgery?

Modern cataract surgery has a success rate of better than 95%. All risks, however, cannot be totally eliminated. Fortunately, complications are rare and can be corrected in most instances. Glasses are sometimes required after surgery to achieve the best possible vision. Glasses are typically prescribed three to four weeks postoperatively. If both eyes are scheduled to have surgery within a few weeks of each other, glasses are usually prescribed following full recovery of the second eye.

How is no-stitch (modern) cataract surgery different than traditional cataract surgery?

Modern cataract surgery is efficient, painless, and does not usually require sutures. Its main advantage is the smaller incision through which the cataract is removed. This speeds up the recovery process and eliminates the nuisances of suture erosion and removal. Most cataract surgeries performed today do not require a suture.