Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) vs Traditional Cataract Surgery
Which one is right for you?
Are you planning to have cataract surgery? If so, you may have two surgical options:
Traditional Cataract Surgery, and Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery.
Traditional cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the world. It is recognized as being safe and effective. Laser cataract surgery is not covered by most insurance plans. It costs more than traditional cataract surgery as well. In specific situations, it may provide some advantages. So how do you decide which type of cataract surgery to have?
Here are some things you should understand about both kinds of cataract surgery. Talk with your ophthalmologist about which is best for you. Feel free to get another eye surgeon’s opinion as well.
How is traditional cataract surgery done?
Phacoemulsification is the name for traditional cataract surgery. Your surgeon creates a small incision in your cornea by hand with a scalpel. They insert a small instrument through this opening. It goes behind your pupil where the eye’s lens sits in a capsule. Your surgeon creates a round opening in the capsule. Then your surgeon inserts a pen-shaped probe through that opening. The probe applies sound waves (ultrasound) to break up the cloudy lens. Then the surgeon suctions out the broken-up pieces. They replace your lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) The surgeon closes the incision with a special liquid and self-seal. Stitches are commonly not needed.
How is Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) done?
A camera/ultrasound device is placed over your eye to map its surface. It also gathers information about your lens. The device sends the results to a computer that programs the laser. This tells the laser the exact location, size, and depth for incisions. The surgeon uses the laser to make the corneal incision and the opening in the capsule. They may also use energy from the laser to soften the cataract. An ultrasound probe breaks the lens into pieces and suctions them out. The surgeon then puts the IOL in the eye. Again, the incision usually does not need stitches.
To whom can ophthalmologists offer Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)?
Our guidelines determine who can get this laser surgery. Only certain patients qualify for it.
Your surgeon can offer laser-assisted cataract surgery if:
they find astigmatism during your consultation, and you want it corrected during cataract surgery.
In this situation, the laser creates specific incisions in the cornea to reshape it. This corrects your astigmatism.
Your surgeon can also offer laser surgery if you choose a premium lens. For example, this may be a toric or multifocal IOL that corrects astigmatism. Laser cataract removal allows surgeons to see and map the lens capsule better. It also helps them to place the opening in the capsule more precisely. This allows for better centering of the IOL.
Can you have laser cataract surgery if you don’t meet the conditions?
If you don’t meet at least one condition, a surgeon cannot offer or charge for the laser cataract surgery.
Which type of cataract surgery has a shorter recovery time?
The recovery time for both types of surgery is the same. Some people can see clearly almost immediately. Others may find their vision clears within a week or two. It takes about 2 months to fully recover from cataract surgery.
What benefits does Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) offer?
Using a laser allows the surgeon to make precise incisions in less time. It can improve accuracy and consistency. In some cases, the laser can provide more correction than traditional surgery.
However, studies do not show that laser surgery results in fewer complications. Also, studies haven’t found that laser surgery provides better outcomes. Your outcome depends in large part on the skill and experience of your surgeon.
What do you want from cataract surgery?
Replacing a cloudy lens and wearing glasses for some things is perfect for many people. For others, getting the best possible vision without glasses is the goal. You and your surgeon can decide the best option for you based on your needs.
How much do cataract surgery cost in Pakistan?
The traditional cataract surgery cost may vary from 35000 to 75000. It depends on your lens, hospital and doctor’s selection. Some might like UK lenses, some American and some may like Italian etc.
What is the cost of Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)?
The cost of FLACS cataract surgery may vary from 115,000 to 135,000 PKR. It is usually depends on patient’s choice of lens selection and your doctor’s selection.
What is the cost of cataract surgery with Toric Lens in Pakistan?
The cost of cataract surgery with Toric Lens may vary depends on company. However the range could be around 100,000 to 165,000 PKR.
Who is the best eye surgeon to perform Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery in Pakistan?
Brig. (R). Prof. Dr. Muhammed Yaqub is the most experienced and best eye surgeon to perform Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) in Pakistan. He has performed thousands of surgeries in 32 years. He has a long list of satisfied patients in Pakistan and Internationally as well.