Laser Cataract Surgery

Cataracts occur when the lenses of the eyes become thickened and cloudy, usually with age. Nearly 22 million Americans older than 40 have cataracts; in fact, everyone will eventually get them as they age. Symptoms of cataracts include cloudy, blurred vision which reduces your ability to read in low light or drive at night.

Many people live for years with cataracts because they aren’t painful and don’t cause redness, discharge, or other physical symptoms that would typically lead someone to schedule an eye doctor appointment.

Advanced Laser Technology

Our eye surgeons perform cataract surgery using the FDA-approved LenSx laser system, an innovation based on the same femtosecond technology used during bladeless LASIK procedures. Instead of making incisions during cataract surgery using handheld blades, the surgeons use the computer-controlled laser, combined with 3D imaging, to create incisions with a precision that’s virtually unmatched.

The LenSx laser improves accuracy and shortens your healing time, as it softens and breaks up the cataracts and allows them to be removed more easily. After removing the cloudy lens fragments, your surgeon will insert a customized intraocular lens (IOL) that may reduce or eliminate the need for glasses. Additionally, expert eye surgeons can use the LenSx laser to correct astigmatism with increased accuracy, making the results even more predictable.

Cataract Surgery Options

Our surgeons customize cataract procedures because not all patients have the same goals or lead similar lifestyles. That’s why your surgeon takes the time to really learn about your hobbies and what kind of activities you enjoy. Do you spend much of your free time playing sports, or do you prefer curling up with a book? The nature of your job, including whether you spend most of the day at a computer and how much night driving you do, are also factors the surgeon considers when creating a detailed surgical plan.

The choices involved in cataract surgery include the type of intraocular lens that’s used to replace the lens removed during the procedure. Different types of lenses are better-suited in certain cases, and your surgeon will explain your options in detail.

Light Adjustable Lens™

As the exclusive provider of the Light Adjustable Lens™ in the Kentuckiana area, we are excited to be able to offer our patients the option to “Test Drive Your Vision” prior to finalizing your results so that you can See Life Clearly after your cataract surgery. 

With the Light Adjustable Lens, you can now customize your vision after your cataract surgery. You will have the unique ability to adjust and preview your vision based on your personal desires and lifestyle requirements. This optimization is done by your eye doctor after lens implantation through a series of office-based light treatment procedures that take only a few minutes each.

Ask your surgeon today to see if the Light Adjustable Lens™ is right for you.

Lifestyle Lens

Many patients now opt for premium IOLs, often called a “lifestyle” replacement lens implant, that can greatly reduce — and, in some cases, even eliminate — the need for eyeglasses.

The lifestyle lens options include:

Toric IOLs: These lenses can correct astigmatism, in addition to nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Extended Depth-of-Focus IOLs: We offer the Tecnis Symfony® IOL, the first lens approved by the FDA that improves vision at all distances. It treats both cataracts and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) and minimizes the effects of halos and glare around lights.

Multifocal IOLs: A multifocal replacement lens is best suited for patients who place a high value on being free of computer or reading glasses, even if it means slightly reduced distance vision.

How Much Does Laser Cataract Surgery Cost?

The cost of laser cataract surgery depends on several factors, including the type of replacement lens you choose. We’ll provide you with a personalized estimate after your consultation, but you can see general pricing on our Estimated Procedure Costs page.

Posterior Capsulotomy

In some cases, patients may experience cloudy vision after cataract surgery. That primarily occurs when the back portion of the capsule that encased the cataract becomes cloudy. The front portion of the capsule, along with the cataract, is removed during surgery. But the posterior (back) portion is left in place.

Our surgeons use a laser to improve the vision of these patients through a safe and relatively simple procedure called a capsulotomy. Your surgeon numbs the eye with anesthetic drops and then uses a Nd:YAG laser to create an opening in the clouded back membrane. Light can pass through the membrane and improve your vision.

Recovery

Recovery following cataract surgery is typically well-tolerated by our patients. Some people begin to see clearly almost immediately, but your vision may initially seem a bit blurry or cloudy after removing the eye shield. That cloudiness is normal, and it may take some time for your vision to adjust to the replacement lens. Even so, vision usually begins to clear up within a few days, and you’ll begin to notice that everything looks much brighter. Your eye will recover fully in about three months.

There are some precautions to take during the first few days after the surgery, and we’ll provide detailed instructions that you should follow during this time to reduce any risk of complications.

Will I Still Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

Traditionally, the most common IOL is a monofocal lens with a uniform spherical optical design. This can correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, but you will still likely need reading glasses after cataract surgery. The lifestyle lens can also reduce the need for eyeglasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is laser cataract surgery better than traditional cataract surgery?

Laser cataract surgery offers several benefits over traditional surgery. Its computer-controlled laser and 3D imaging allow our surgeons to make more accurate and precise incisions. Laser cataract surgery also requires less energy to soften the lens for removal, which may reduce swelling.

Can you drive after laser cataract surgery?

You will not be able to drive yourself home from the surgery, so be sure to have someone with you to handle your transportation. However, you may be able to drive as soon as 24 hours after your surgery if you feel comfortable with your vision and your doctor has cleared you for driving.

Can your eyes get worse after cataract surgery?

Eyesight doesn’t usually worsen after cataract surgery unless you develop a complication or another eye condition such as glaucoma. Occasionally, the remaining back portion of your capsule becomes cloudy and affects your vision. Your doctor can easily address this issue with a very quick laser procedure (see our information about posterior capsulotomy above).

Does laser cataract surgery hurt?

Most people don’t experience pain during or after laser cataract surgery. Numbing drops are placed in your eye before the procedure to keep you comfortable, and you may feel some pressure as the surgery takes place. After surgery, you may experience a burning or scratchy sensation in your eye or some slight discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually resolve any discomfort.

Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?

When cataracts significantly impair vision, insurance usually covers most of the cost of cataract surgery. However, insurance won’t likely cover premium lenses, laser-assisted techniques, or other extra expenses.

To find out more about a cataract surgery customized to your needs, request a consultation with an eye surgeon at Dr. Black’s Eye Associates. Or call us at (812) 284-0660 to have a friendly member of our staff schedule an appointment.

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