Cataract surgery: When is the laser method a good idea?

Date Updated: 02/25/2020

Answer Section

Your doctor may suggest removing your cataract using a laser-assisted approach in certain situations. The laser may be useful when correcting for astigmatism, aligning an astigmatism-correcting intraocular lens, or softening a dense cataract.

During laser-assisted cataract surgery, your doctor typically uses the laser to make all incisions and to soften the cataract for removal by ultrasound (phacoemulsification).

Traditionally, phacoemulsification breaks up and removes the cloudy lens. In certain situations, either traditional or laser-assisted surgery may be the preferred option. The jury is still out on the benefits of laser-assisted cataract surgery. Talk with your surgeon about the best approach for you.