What is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is a proven and state-of-the-art laser technology treatment for cataract removal that specifically creates an efficient surgical plan and delivers a unique procedure suited for every patient ensuring a highly accurate data and effective results.
With one highly-reliable system, that combines several innovations in refractive technology, patients are guaranteed to undergo a safe, bladeless and painless procedure.
The customizable settings of the machine provides the ophthalmologist the best treatment plan for the patient which can be modified, as needed.
What FLACS can correct
- Nearsightedness
- Farsigedness
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia (Reading)
- Cataract
Unlike the conventional cataract surgery, the femtosecond laser pulses creates the incisions and breaks down the cataract to smaller and softer pieces allowing for a gentler suctioning of the cataract. The deteriorated lens is then removed and a clear Intraocular Lens (IOL) is implanted, resulting to a clearer vision with a rapid visual recovery.
Before and After Cataract Surgery: What to Expect
Before laser-assisted cataract surgery, patients often experience blurry vision and difficulty with daily activities. The procedure uses a laser to precisely remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). After surgery, vision typically improves significantly, with quicker recovery and reduced dependence on corrective lenses.
Why modern-day Cataract Surgery?
To assure our patients of the safest and most advanced procedure, Shinagawa performs laser-assisted cataract surgery to have the best possible practices and results.
Compared to the traditional surgery where blade is manually used by the doctor, our advanced cataract surgery is bladeless and more calculated as it is laser-assisted.
Shinagawa’s uses a procedure called phacoemulsification wherein a probe is used for breaking up the cataract and removing its pieces through aspiration. No sutures are needed in this procedure.
How is the Cataract Laser Surgery done?
Traditional Procedure of the Surgery
- Surgery is done one eye at a time and takes about 20 to 30 minutes per eye
Laser Procedure of the Surgery
- Surgery is strictly done one eye at a time and takes about 20 to 30 minutes per eye.
- A world-renowned expert in terms of providing visual and eye services, Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics Philippines offers premium and advanced services and procedures that treats cataract, which is the leading cause of blindness among people in the older age group.
- Using the most advanced laser cataract machine, Shinagawa offers a painless, bladeless and precise laser-assisted cataract eye surgery that is a significant upgrade from the conventional method of surgery.
- With the expertise and experience of the its optical medical team, who are tried and tested in performing cataract procedures, together with the most advanced technologies for cataract surgery, Shinagawa provides top-notch services that takes care of cataract, accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about Laser-assisted Cataract Eye Surgery? We’ve got answers!
Our FAQ section to learn about eligibility, procedure details, recovery time, and costs. Discover how Laser-assisted Cataract Eye Surgery can improve your vision and what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. For any additional queries, feel free to contact our team.
Most people start to have cataract upon reaching around 60 years old and above as it is normally age-related. However, that’s not the only case. One doesn’t have to be senior citizen to have cataract. Younger people can also have cataract however, those cases are small and doesn’t affect vision that much. It is after the age of 60 where cataract becomes problematic for a one’s vision.
Not all cataract patients can undergo the laser-assisted surgery. It is better to consult with the ophthalmologist to know whether the method suited for the patient is the traditional treatment or the laser-assisted surgery.
Generally, the surgery is performed on one eye first and after a few weeks of recovery, the surgeon will proceed on operating the second eye.
Just like any other surgery, this operation also requires well-detailed planning. The ophthalmologist will assess the anterior and posterior parts of the eye. Doctors may advise patients to temporarily discontinue medication intake as some drugs may interfere with the operation. Other instructions must be followed to ensure the best surgical outcome.
Some patients have fear that cataract might recur in the future despite the surgery. In most cases, cataracts don’t normally recur after surgery. The good thing about artificial lenses is that they don’t normally form cataracts, limiting the chance of having another cataract at a very minimal percentage.
However, there are still some cases wherein small percentage of patients who had cataract surgery experienced blurry vision once more as the posterior lens capsule becomes cloudy months or years after the procedure. This is called the posterior capsular opacification (PCO).
Still, vision lost from this can instantly be treated and restored through another procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. This procedure uses a specialized laser to create a clear path in the posterior lens capsule. This quickly restores visual acuity and it only takes a few minutes for this to be done and at the same time, it typically never needs any repetition.
It actually doesn’t need to. The earlier, the better. Even if it is still in its earliest stage and form, once the cataract is evident and significant enough to interfere in one’s everyday activities, it can already be removed and cataract surgery is already advisable.
As proven in most cases, if left untreated, cataracts are bound to worsen over time, causing gradual deterioration of vision. Many of which become blind from unattended and untreated cataracts. The same can be said if cataract is left untreated for a long period that’s why it’s advisable to address it the soonest to avoid such instances.
Using the most up-to-date technology available, patients can expect an accurate, bladeless and painless procedure. Expert Ophthalmologist will perform the surgery using the data gathered during the eye imaging step. Uncomplicated cataract surgeries take around 20-30 minutes (per eye) and patients may feel slight pressure during the whole process.
Recovery time is fast and there is no need for the patient to stay at the clinic. Generally, they are advised to go home 30 minutes after the operation, given that they are assisted by their companion.
Clearer vision can be noticed within 24 hours although the patient may still feel mild discomfort and sensitivity to light. Patient may also notice eye redness during the healing process but it will dissipate quickly after several days.
Few hours after the surgery, patient should be able to do simple tasks:
Light TV Watching
Using of gadgets such as computer and mobile phones for a limited time
Showering; although patient must, be wary of the products/chemicals that may get in the eye
To speed -up the recovery process, the patient should:
Administer the prescribed medications to prevent infections -Avoid doing waters sports or swimming during the first month
Always wear your protective glasses to avoid exposing your eyes to irritants such as dust
Avoid doing strenuous activities or sports for several weeks
Women should avoid putting cosmetics (especially eye products such as eyeshadows, eyeliners and mascara) during the first week