Which Cataract Surgery is Better: Traditional or Laser?

Cataracts are a common eye condition that can cause vision loss and blurriness. Fortunately, both traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery are safe and effective treatments for this condition. But which one is better?On average, evidence suggests that patients who undergo laser-assisted

cataract surgery

tend to see as well as those who undergo traditional cataract surgery. Laser surgery is also the best option for people with eye conditions such as astigmatism.

This is because the laser automates the key steps of the cataract surgery procedure, creating a personalized digital plan for cataract surgery using 3D images of the patient's eye. However, traditional cataract surgery is still widely performed and tends to be less expensive than the laser-assisted approach. The Cochrane review found that the evidence from 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) could not determine the equivalence or superiority of laser-assisted cataract surgery compared to standard manual phacoemulsification for the chosen outcomes. The effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) was significantly lower in laser cataract surgery in eight of the eight studies analyzed. Additionally, laser-assisted surgery allows the surgeon to develop a thorough understanding of the eyes and cataracts before making the first incision.

It's important to note that not all insurance plans cover cataract surgery performed with a laser. Furthermore, there are several contraindications and some patients may benefit better from manual cataract surgery. In conclusion, both traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery are safe and effective treatments for this condition. However, laser-assisted cataract surgery offers a higher level of precision and is considered slightly safer than traditional surgery. It is also the best option for people with eye conditions such as astigmatism.