Cataract surgery by laser in Türkiye

Laser cataract (cataract) surgery is the most common surgery in the world with approximately 19 million procedures performed each year, and nearly 3 million procedures in the United States.

Two new studies suggest that laser therapy (cataract surgery with a laser) to “soften” the cataract process makes cataract surgery safer.

As a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology explains, “There certainly seems to be a real benefit from using lasers.” And he adds: “If you have a technique to relieve cataracts, it definitely leads to less damage to the eye.”

Conventional surgery vs. laser cataract surgery Femtosecond laser technology

Millions of laser cataract (cataract) surgeries are performed annually.

Surgery is performed to remove the natural lens of the eye after it becomes cloudy over time. A permanent artificial lens is then implanted to replace the natural lens and provide the appropriate vision correction for each patient.

This surgery is most commonly performed using a technique called “phacoemulsification.” Traditional surgery uses sound waves to break up a crystalline lens that has hardened over time into an cloudy lens.

Most aspects of cataract surgery are performed manually by the surgeon, including the initial incision and loosening and removal of the cloudy lens from the lens capsule. An ultrasound machine with a vibrating needle is used to break up the cloudy lens and pull it out. This technique is called phacoemulsification.

Most cataract surgeries require two initial incisions on both sides of the cornea. These slits are beveled so that they act like a door and become self-sealing from pressure in the eye. This is traditionally done using a surgical blade called a “keratome”.

Femtosecond laser technology

This technique is characterized by the possibility of making these incisions by “femto laser” as well. Micro incisions are necessary for self-sealing and to prevent infection.

The new studies looked at using a ” femtosecond laser ” to deliver near-infrared light to break up the cloudy lens into small fragments before removing it.

Cataract surgery with a femtosecond laser was approved by the US Federal Drug Administration in 2010.

 It has been used since 2001 in LASIK surgery to correct farsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The laser technology itself has been hailed as a potential method for providing more accurate and predictable results during cataract surgery.

“The idea is that all the surgeon has to do is remove the cut by pulling it out,” some researchers explain. “And there would be no need for ultrasound, or less ultrasound.”

This is important because ultrasound can cause collateral damage to the eye. It can hinder healing and cloud the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye.

Use less energy when treating with a laser

One new study included 29 patients who all underwent femtosecond laser surgery in one eye and standard manual cataract surgery in the other.

The procedure involves segmenting the lens and using a laser to make an incision, dividing the lens into sections and smoothing it out by drilling cross holes on its surface, before using ultrasound and removal.

Laser eye treatment requires 45% less energy than regular ultrasound to remove cataracts from a conventionally treated eye.

Also, surgeons made 45% fewer movements in the eyes that received initial laser treatment compared to standard manual surgery. The researchers say: “

Intuitively if we use less energy and less movements inside the eye, we will experience fewer complications, less inflammation and swelling of the eye, and faster recovery of vision.”

The laser treatment adds about another five to seven minutes to the usual 10 to 15-minute cataract surgery.

The study included the most common types of cataracts, which are classified as grade 1 to grade 4. The scientists point out that these results may not apply to more difficult cataracts.

Less damage to cells!

The researchers evaluated laser cataract surgery in terms of the loss of endothelial cells on the inner surface of the cornea after the procedure.

The researchers explain that “the endothelial cells are a measure of eye health.” They are the ones who maintain the clarity of the cornea, noting that these cells do not regenerate again.

The study showed that when the cloudy lens was fragmented with a laser in 225 eyes, there was no loss of endothelial cells. In contrast, there was a loss of 1% to 7% of cells in the 63 eyes that received conventional treatment.

Laser cataract surgery: other advantages

There are other studies that show other advantages of laser cataract surgery as well.

“There is precision in making incisions by laser, while it is difficult for us when we use our hands.”

The precision provided by the laser is very important when opening and removing part of the lens capsule to make room for the new lens. Which reduces the chance of lens displacement later.

How can I book for cataract surgery by laser in Türkiye?

• Free medical support on the phone: You will have a dedicated representative for your health condition who is always ready to answer your questions.
• Free consultation with a specialist doctor: Your medical representative will consult with a number of doctors and hospitals to find the best possible treatments.
• Free travel visa arrangement: We will contact the embassy in your country to assist you in obtaining a visa to visit Türkiye.
• Free itinerary planning: We will create a schedule for your medical trip to Türkiye.
• Free translation of documents and reports: We will translate medical documents and reports into Turkish on your behalf.
• Free support and monitoring: We will monitor the stages of treatment and be by your side every step of the way.
• Free instant translation: We will be with you during the treatment stages to provide translation between you and the medical team.
• Free accommodation and transportation coordination: We will book accommodation for you and your companions in Türkiye, along with transportation services.

Contact REHABTÜRK doctors for more information about the procedure and to evaluate your medical condition.

Request a Free Consultation.