Laser Cataract Surgery

[North of Mouse]

Has anyone had this done? It's $1,000 extra per eye, but supposed to be much safer than regular surgery. I'm scheduled each Thursday the next two weeks.

 

[antmaril]

I had it done last year. It was very successful and I can see without my glasses for the first time in decades. It was money WELL spent. I still wear glasses because I was used to wearing glasses (most of my life) and I found that reaching for readers all the time became annoying. So, I wear glasses, but I can see without out them. I just can’t read.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

A coworker of mine had it done, she had no problems or complaints. I think she missed like the day of the surgery + the next day for each eye. She wanted to come into work the next day but they told her to stay home.

 

[North of Mouse]

Thanks for replies! My surgeon said the recovery time/results are basically the same for laser or traditional (scalpel) surgery, but he prefers laser as it's much safer for the patient. Good enough for me! We only have two eyes, so I'm gladly paying the extra 1K for each eye.

I'm nervous, but know more than half the population has had/will need, cataract surgery by age 80. It has been done millions of times.

 

[ronandannette]

Thanks for replies! My surgeon said the recovery time/results are basically the same for laser or traditional (scalpel) surgery, but he prefers laser as it's much safer for the patient. Good enough for me! We only have two eyes, so I'm gladly paying the extra 1K for each eye.

I'm nervous, but know more than half the population has had/will need, cataract surgery by age 80. It has been done millions of times.

My surgeon basically said everyone will need it eventually, should they live long enough. UV exposure causes an opaqueness to the lens that’s impossible to prevent. I had mine done at an unusually young age (and could have had it done much sooner) because my cataracts were congenital and present from birth.

The one thing they didn’t tell me (or explain well enough for me to understand) is that the artificial lense implants would obliterate my near vision. “You will probably need reading glasses” doesn’t come close to telling the story. I went from being severely myopic to being unable to see anything but white fog at 12”. I’m in expensive progressive tri-focals with a separate pair to cope with computer work. It’s been life-altering and although necessary, I’m not sure I would have had the guts to go through it if I’d known what I was in for.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Is it actually called LASER cataract surgery.. Or is it technically not a laser?
Anyhow, my husband had his eyes done by a real cataract specialist. He swore there was no need for the extra cost, as he had it down so well that he could do almost as good, if not just as good. But, of course, that would depend on who is doing your procedure.

It might be a good decision to go with what your Dr. thinks has the better chance for the best outcome.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Yes... my husband had severe near-sightedness.
He did opt for the corrective cataract lense.
And, his Dr. is really good, and did inform him about this issue with near/reading vision.
He now carries a small really good pair of +3 reading glasses.

Perhaps the corrective lenses that your Dr. used were actually a little 'much' for your eyes and vision???? I am not thinking that these issues are as bad as what you are describing?
Hhhhmmmm????

 

[North of Mouse]

My surgeon basically said everyone will need it eventually, should they live long enough. UV exposure causes an opaqueness to the lens that’s impossible to prevent. I had mine done at an unusually young age (and could have had it done much sooner) because my cataracts were congenital and present from birth.

The one thing they didn’t tell me (or explain well enough for me to understand) is that the artificial lense implants would obliterate my near vision. “You will probably need reading glasses” doesn’t come close to telling the story. I went from being severely myopic to being unable to see anything but white fog at 12”. I’m in expensive progressive tri-focals with a separate pair to cope with computer work. It’s been life-altering and although necessary, I’m not sure I would have had the guts to go through it if I’d known what I was in for.

Wow, you sure had a very unusual experience, so sorry. And, yes, you had a 'very' exceptional experience as I've never heard of that before. I will probably need reading glasses (most do - there are 'other' implantable lens, but these are most recommended) but otherwise should be glasses free.

Is it actually called LASER cataract surgery.. Or is it technically not a laser?

Yes, actual laser, no scalpel involved. It's been around a little while, but is used a lot now. My surgeon (eye specialist) is at Duke Hospital and is very well known and has a waiting list. Have every confidence in his knowledge and abilities. My husband had one eye done by him a few years ago, will schedule the other one next month - this one with laser. Mine will be done this week and next - a week apart.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

My surgeon (who is co-owner of a facility that specializes in the laser option) said about the only difference is cost and the laser is more for "show" lol.
There is no difference in recovery etc.

 

[North of Mouse]

My surgeon (who is co-owner of a facility that specializes in the laser option) said about the only difference is cost and the laser is more for "show" lol.
There is no difference in recovery etc.

I definitely don't agree it's for show only, and after researching a lot about it would steer clear of a surgeon that said that - but it's to each their own - no laughing matter with my eyes!

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I definitely don't agree it's for show only, and after researching a lot about it would steer clear of a surgeon that said that - but it's to each their own - no laughing matter with my eyes!

Just so you know my surgeon works at one of the top eye hospitals in the United States. But to each their own. You are the one that asked if it's worth the cost. I was just giving my personal experience reply.
If you have already done the research and feel it's better then there was no need to even come on here.
If you have done the research then you know the only difference is the surgeon uses a laser to make the incision vs a traditional tool and that is about it.

 

[North of Mouse]

Just so you know my surgeon works at one of the top eye hospitals in the United States. But to each their own. You are the one that asked if it's worth the cost. I was just giving my personal experience reply.
If you have already done the research and feel it's better then there was no need to even come on here.
If you have done the research then you know the only difference is the surgeon uses a laser to make the incision vs a traditional tool and that is about it.

FYI, I 'never' asked if it was worth it!! I've already paid for it. I also did not ask for advice! I merely asked if anyone else had used laser for their cataract surgery, period - evidently you haven't. You read something in my post that wasn't even there - and that I cannot help.

 

[Wishing on a star]

North of the Mouse, you very definitely did mention the costs.
And, if you have done your research, and have made your decision, then I am not sure why you would bring this up, ONLY mentioning the extra cost, and not asking any more specific question.
You came, you asked, you got input......

As I had said before, if there is any real and for-sure benefit to this, I would say, again, what I said in my first post...
That would most definitely depend on the skills of the particular surgeon.
I would not make any 100% judgement that this is just SO much better, and worth the additional costs.

The other thing that comes to mind when I read the OP's post, is that both eyes are scheduled in a weeks time.... The rest of my comments might show one reason why.

Ronandannett, I am so sorry that you seemed to have issues with the corecction, or overcorrection, and the issues with near vision.
From what we understand, this is not an exact science, how the eye will heal and react.
On my husband's first eye, his specialist got pretty darned close...
Knew just how to approach the second eye, and got that one 20/20, with just the expected effects on near vision, and the use of some reading glasses.
Of course, I am in no position to say, but I do kind of wonder if a second opinion and/or any other options might be something to think about.

I believe that this is one of the big reasons that the specialist that did my DH would not plan to do a second eye just 7 days after the first. Even if I were not getting any correction at all with my cataract replacements, I don't know if one week might not be pushing it.

 

[North of Mouse]

Wow, just wow, @Wishing on a star, I absolutely mentioned what laser cost, but I never 'asked' if it was worth it, or would anyone else do it. Can't you guys go back and read? It was a 'statement' not a question!! Wonder why some people bother to post on a thread when you have all the answers to questions that aren't even asked in the first place! Would love you to show me where I 'asked' for opinion, or if laser was worth it???
Thanks to the posters that responded to the only question I asked - 'have you ever had laser cataract surgery'?!

 

[antmaril]

I posted above that I had the procedure done last year with a great result. I just want to add that my ophthalmologist told me that if I couldn’t afford the laser cataract surgery, that it would still be just fine. He has done almost 20,000 cataract surgeries (with and without the laser). But, he added that if I had the money and wanted the best possible result, he recommended the laser. The total cost to me for both eyes was approximately $4,000. Like I said, money well spent.

Good luck!

 

[goofy4tink]

Had both my eyes done in my late 50's/early 60's. I can't tell you if it was laser or not, probably wasn't. The only extra cost I had was to use special lenses that correct my astigmatism. That was an addlt $1000 per eye!!! Vision is now just about perfect. I do have to wear readers though...not an issue since I've worn glasses since 6th grade!!

 

[longboard55]

I consider my cataract guy extremely honest and he did not suggest laser, I got the impression it was an unecessary cost

 

[North of Mouse]

@longboard55, really can't say what other areas/surgeons are recommending. I can only comment on what is being recommended here by our surgeon, and what I have researched online.

 

[antmaril]

@longboard55, really can't say what other areas/surgeons are recommending. I can only comment on what is being recommended here by our surgeon, and what I have researched online.

I agree. My surgeon said that I would get the best possible result if I opted for the laser cataract surgery. I trusted him.