Laser Cataract Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA

At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, we provide advanced diagnostics and treatments for cataracts, including laser cataract surgery. Classified as a clouding of the eye's natural lens, cataracts usually develop with old age. Since cataracts are foggy areas within the lens itself, the lens needs to be removed and substituted with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to control the disease. Laser cataract surgery employs cutting-edge technology that can map the surface of the eye and make a more meticulous, blade-free incision, significantly lessening the chances for infection. For patients with refractive errors, like myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia, personalized IOLs are available that can act as corrective lenses. These specialty intraocular lenses not only remove cataracts but decrease the dependency on eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. To learn more about laser cataract surgery, contact our office in Baton Rouge, LA today.

There are many reasons to choose laser cataract surgery over traditional cataract procedures. The most significant advantage is that our laser technology is more precise and offers better outcomes than conventional techniques. Laser technology also allows us to make smaller incisions, meaning faster healing time and less discomfort during recovery. Since laser cataract surgery is so accurate, there is a reduced risk of unwanted complications. Our team at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians is highly experienced in laser cataract surgery and strives to provide excellent results.

In general, anyone who has significant cataracts could be a candidate, assuming they are otherwise in overall good physical health. Nevertheless, though laser cataract surgery is extremely effective, the treatment does have a few restrictions. For example, candidates with some types of astigmatism may not be ideal candidates, or they could be required to get corneal surgery to correct the astigmatism prior to or at the same time as any type of cataract surgery. In addition, men and women who have had LASIK aren’t generally candidates due to the fact that the cataract laser technology might possibly damage the corneal flap made in the LASIK surgery. As part of a comprehensive exam at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, one of our highly trained ophthalmologists will be able to explain any prospective concerns, as well as each patient’s most practical treatment possibilities.

Laser cataract surgery has the same goal as traditional cataract surgery except we employ advanced laser technology to determine the exact incision site, create the incision, and break up the cataract. This remarkable technology charts an incredibly complex map of the eye; therefore, the laser can find the precise location of the cataract. After the cataract is disintegrated and removed, we will insert the selected IOL (intraocular lens). Thanks to its unique accuracy, laser cataract surgery technology offers impressive outcomes with an easier recovery process than traditional surgery. Laser cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that only takes about 10 – 20 minutes to complete. Most patients will experience significant improvement immediately after surgery but may have blurry vision for 5 – 7 days due to post-surgical swelling. The full recovery period usually takes about 4 – 8 weeks.

What is the difference between laser cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery?

The first and most obvious difference between these two surgeries is that laser cataract surgery uses a laser rather than a blade in order to perform the procedure. This also allows the surgeon to be more accurate throughout the procedure and can significantly decrease the amount of recovery time required in comparison to traditional cataract surgery.

How long does it take to recover from laser cataract surgery?

Results of laser cataract surgery can vary from one patient to another. However, we typically notice that most patients have fully recovered from the procedure within 4 – 6 weeks of the procedure.

Will I still need to wear glasses after laser cataract surgery?

Typically, patients will not need their old eyeglasses after laser cataract surgery. This is due to the advanced IOLs that are implanted into the eyes during the procedure, which allow light to travel through the eyes as naturally as possible.

If left untreated, cataracts can drastically hinder your daily life and eventually lead to total blindness. However, through laser cataract surgery at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, you could gain clearer vision in just a matter of minutes. Our team urges patients whose lives are impacted by cataracts to reach out to our Baton Rouge, LA office as soon as possible for a consultation. We can review your unique condition and discuss all the benefits of laser cataract surgery.