Should I Get Laser Cataract Surgery? | Laser-Assisted Versus Manual (Traditional) Technique!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Manual/traditional or laser cataract surgery? 🤔 Thanks for watching, and let me know if you have any requests for video topics 🙏 See you next week!

[@clineezwood7942]

I did manual and see perfectly.

[@herschellgentry9896]

I do enjoy your videos. I think it's wise to learn as much as possible about any kind of surgery before having it done. I'm dealing with the need of cartaract surgery now. However when I was talking to the doctor he was very kind until I let him know I could not afford the lazer co-pay. He say "Fine, I'll do it by hand". Then he got up and left before we finished discussing my situation. I made an appointment with a different company. He was not interested in helping me. He was only interested in his bank account.

[@jqmachgunner2577]

That is so true of many of the "doctors" today who are only in practice to get rich. Beware of those who graduate in the bottom of their class as even those poor students now get to call themselves doctor. Keep searching for the doctors who care about their patients.

[@redlemonspayne8798]

I had cataract manual surgery 3 weeks ago and the other one will be done soon. I felt no pain during or after. I saved $3000. If laser is better for the patient and easier for the doctor, why not just do it and absorb the extra cost.

[@dontcare563]

I got laser surgery, and it was fine! So many different opinions on this on the internet even between surgeons it's hard to know what's best. I listened to my Doctor.

[@summersez1673]

I actually just had manual cataract surgery 2 weeks ago and will also have the 2nd eye done in 3 days. There was zero pain or discomfort during or after. Not even mild pain. I couldn't believe how fast it happened. I swear I wasn't in there more than 10 minutes. The first 9 hours after surgery was exactly like looking through a clear shower door but then I suddenly realized I could see my computer clearly and it was very crisp. I picked up my water bottle and could read the fine print. I was blown away. I went to two appointments at my eye doctor after surgery, one the day after surgery and the next a week later. He said I have minimal inflammation, the incision is healing perfectly, good eye pressure and best of all my vision is 20/20 in that eye. I had a reading lens put in that eye and the upcoming surgery will include a lens for distance (so monovision lenses). It may have been manual surgery but I couldn't be happier with it as this point.

[@lindamyers8475]

Love your report! My surgery is scheduled 6/28/23 and will be manual as it is under medicare, so no extras. I have already been using a contact lens in my left eye, which is having the surgery, for close vision and my right eye has perfect far vision! I don't know how things will look distance wise as I'm not sure how bad the cataract is in it. I'm not really too concerned about the surgery as I had LASIK done 20 years ago so I don't figure it will really be much different. Good luck with your second eye!

[@tripjet999]

All surgery is "manual." The robots haven't taken over, yet. LOL.

[@christineribone9351]

I'm thinking of getting monovision cataract surgery. How has your monovision turned out? I'm thinking there might be problems passing the visual test for a Drivers license. Vision would have to be 20/ 40. Would have to wear glasses to change near vision to farsight for driving. It seems redundant

[@lindamyers8475]

@@christineribone9351I'm not positive that I am not reading your question correctly. 1 question, are you doing mono-vision with contacts to try it out? Back ground: 23 years ago I had lasik mono-vision done after wearing mono-vision contacts for 6 months. In getting my drivers license I simply told them only 1 eye saw distance and that is the one they tested and had no problem passing. Current: I had my mono-vision cataract surgery 3 weeks ago (close eye) manually as that is what medicare will pay for. I am so totally happy with the results. I thought I wanted my other eye cataract done also, but I'm going to put if off until my eye no longer has the the excellent (distance) vision that it has now as I have no "dead" area between the end of my close vision and the beginning far vision. This had been a (bit) of an issue with both my contacts and lasik.

[@summersez1673]

@@christineribone9351 My monovision surgery has surprised me. After the 2nd eye, also painless, I followed up as well with my eye doctor to find out that I have better than perfect vision in my distance eye. I didn't even know there was such a thing. I do have to get glasses for NIGHT driving to change the near eye to far as that is the cause for glare while driving at night. You shouldn't have to wear them during the day if all turns out well. I drive daily and don't need them for during the day. I can see very very well both close up and far away. I feel blessed that it turned out so well.

[@bartbutkis]

Thanks Dr Lee, I'm having cataract surgery next month and I'm trying to find out all I can before hand. I appreciate your imput. 👍

[@bearyhot]

Your videos have been integral in my decision to have laser cataract surgery. I had my 1st surgery last Thursday and I'm doing VERY well. I highly recommend having laser cataract surgery and vision improvement. I now see 20/15 in my left eye! I'm SO happy with my decision and I thank you for videos like this, which helped me choose the right surgery for me 😊

[@jaym7479]

I had Femto laser assisted cataract surgery. I chose a Lentis Comfort EDOF IOL. The haptic on this lens is rectangular and almost clips the capsular bag rather than being put inside and having the arms expand to keep in place. I was told that in order for the lens to sit perfect for central vision focal, it had to be perfectly centred thus a laser cut could offer that. None the less I am happy with what I had done. Yes it was more expensive, but at the end of the day thats my vision and the money can easily be made back. No compromise for health.

[@Its_me--Boo_Radley]

From what I've read, studies show that people are just as happy with the outcomes after traditional cataract surgery as with laser surgery. Also the complication rate is the same, so unless my eyes have some condition that would require laser surgery, I'm probably going to choose traditional surgery.

[@jasonkok174]

I would opt for laser cataract surgery. It's many times, more precise than manual.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Appreciate your thoughts :)

[@chrisstepleton4761]

I just had the right eye done 1 week ago with Manuel sx. The left one will be done in one week. I chose this method because I can't afford the lazar. So far the right eye is excellent. I will probably have to have glasses for reading and possibly distance as I have astigmatism and I am not sure how bad it is. I had Lasik sx 24 years ago and did well. Now I am 73 and have to have cataracts removed. I am ok with glasses and have not worn them since I was 15. As long as I can wear aviator wire rims, I'm cool with that!

[@davidfwilliams1960]

Manual for me and I was never asked. I don't even know if my opthalmologist offers it. I have a premium toric lens (EDOF) as well. Excellent result.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nabarunguha]

Do you have any problems with glares and halos around lights at night with your edof toric iol?

[@cgreen6369]

My surgeon recommended laser cataract surgery for " Precise incisions, sharper quality of distance and near vision [like a computer screen]. Will still need reading glasses." Those benefits were not mentioned with the standard manual surgery. Truth or hype? FYI, he didn't tell me the brand name of the lens. It's not Panoptix or Vivity. I'm calling the office tomorrow to get the brand name.

[@rollingreene1220]

I want to thank you for a very well balanced piece concerning both options

[@pedinurse1]

i had laser assisted and I have no complaints whatsoever, my visions has never been this perfect

[@lauriealbanese2727]

did you have the monofocal or the multiple focal lens put in?

[@mohammadilyas6818]

Hi Dr Lee, Thank you for your videos about cataract surgery & lens implant choices. My question regarding Laser vs manual stab incision there is no advantage of Laser except few thousands of dollars out of pocket expense for laser. Why to throw away your money for the fancy name Laser!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

There are certain situations where laser is helpful - like centration for a specialty lens or to fix low levels of astigmatism. That being said, for other standard cases it may not be very helpful. Thanks for your comment!

[@mohammadilyas6818]

Thank you very much Dr Lee. Actually I am retired IR with lot of radiation exposure. My Ophthalmologist son says that I need both eyes cataract extraction. I have none of conditions you listed for Laser surgery. My son is out of town & not traveling due to Covid. Two local surgeons in Atlanta ares were recommended but both do Laser surgery on every pt. Your information is very helpful for public in general. Thanks again, appreciate much.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@mohammadilyas6818 Appreciate the feedback, and best of luck on your cataract surgeries!

[@mikeske9777]

My doctor mentioned the laser surgery but as we progressed in the consultation he actually recommended that we just do the traditional surgery. When I questioned him further it was the fact that I was not a candidate for the premium lens anyway i agreed that for having the standard lens implant the laser was not needed. Since I do not mind wearing glasses I would have the same outcome it was the way we went. I have great eyesight now even with the traditional surgery.

[@SiggyMe]

I was told my astigmatism -.25 in both eyes is very low and if less than 1% usually doesn't need to be corrected. Is this correct information? Is this low enough if not true to be corrected by laser? Great information Thanks!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

It sounds like you would be OK without using femtosecond laser. I would defimitely recommend discussing your options with your eye surgeon!

[@jakec5618]

Interesting video. What do you think about healing of the cut (laser vs traditional)? Also, I think a video on patients who have had lasik (or other refractive eye surgeries) and develop cataracts would be helpful as well. Special patient population, I wonder what things have to be considered when doing cataract surgery in this group of patients.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for watching and for your question! Laser cuts versus manual cuts have the same healing time. I can definitely make a video on cataract surgery after LASIK!

[@jakec5618]

@@MicheleLeeMD Appreciate it.

[@jefsantamonica641]

@@MicheleLeeMD Definitely a video for people who have already had lasik surgery, like over 25 years ago would be great to have.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@jefsantamonica641 Yes I can definitely make that video!

[@jefsantamonica641]

@@MicheleLeeMD That would be so helpful!! I have one eye that does all the close up work and one eye that does all the distance - so I use regular glasses, mostly for close up work. Some Drs can't believe I don't have progressives, but I don't. Have no idea how this kind of Lasik would work with cataracts - I just have a tiny one developing.

[@douginorlando6260]

My eyesight is too important to me to skimp on 2nd best. Thanks for helping me understand the femtosecond laser benefits and when it matters.

[@drbassface]

Getting Laser Cataract Surgery next week. The low level astigmatism correction I believe will be done. The upcharge for laser (I’m on Trad Medicare) is $1,200.00 per eye. I bet it may be more expensive and other locations.

[@eugenesu635]

Very good info, thanks!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for watching!

[@bethkoch11]

When given the choice, I opted for the laser cataract surgery. I am retired, and not wealthy, but in my opinion, it was worth every penny. My surgery was 2 years ago, and I've not regretted the decision.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing your experience ❤️

[@jsmariani4180]

HOw do you prove a negative? It's very possible the standard surgery would have been fine.

[@bethkoch11]

@@jsmariani4180 I was given the choice of laser with no glasses, and standard with probably still needing glasses. I had worn glasses for over 60 years, and I most sincerely wanted to stop. To me it was worth it; maybe not to others, but I'm happy with the result.

[@ckp2ator389]

@@bethkoch11 Did you get a multifocal lens or toric lens? My vision has degraded due to cataracts, I've been severely nearsighted all my life and don't mind wearing glasses. It would be nice to have lighter weight weight glasses though, as well as clear vision.

[@bethkoch11]

@@ckp2ator389 I got toric lenses. I had significant astigmatism and wore glasses since I was 9 years old. I had the surgery when I was 71. It corrected the astigmatism, and I can see clearly. Every eye test since then has shown my vision to be 20/20. In fact, I've told many people that a few months after my surgery, I happened to look up at the full moon and I was astounded because I realized even with glasses in the past, I'd never seen it with such absolute clarity. I do use reading glasses at 175 power for reading and sewing, but they are inexpensive and I got them over the counter for about $10. I was told ahead of time that I would probably need them, so I expected it and it's no problem at all for me.

[@jamesjones8482]

Enjoy you videos, just subscribed. Had laser surgery, with LAL lens implant last week. Having other eye procedure this Thursday. Hopeful that second surgery goes well, and looking-forward to lens adjustments afterwards. ❤👩‍⚕

[@mr3klax]

I initially thought of having those LALs. But, later decided to just get the standard IOLs primarily due to its cost (ie, 5K vs 1.7K extra per eye). After having both of my eyes done just 16 and 2 days ago, respectively, I can understand now why some people might prefer those LALs. Because the difference before and after the surgery is absolutely stunning which might be overwhelming to some after having gotten used to the hazy and/or cloudy vision for years. Nowadays, I find myself over using the word ‘super’ as everything is super bright, super white, super clear etc. I think I like my super clear vision as it is right now. I will just make sure that I wear a pair of sunglasses whenever I stepped outside which by the way I had the pleasure of wearing a non-prescription Ray-Ban Aviator that my wife doesn’t use anymore. I have worn eyeglasses for 41 years. And since my vision is 20/20 now, the driving experience with out eyeglasses is amazing. I might have paid extra for the Femtosecond laser surgery, but the improvement in my quality of life is money well-spent. Please let us know how your LAL is working out for you. Best of luck!

[@jamesjones8482]

My laser surgeries were flawless, but I wish I had something like multifocal lenses implanted instead(one & done). I knew about the 2-3 adjustments, but didn't know of the extra 2 "locking-in" treatments required. All were spaced one week apart, with both eyes fully-dilated and anesthetic eye drops applied. My surgery was at the practice's outpatient surgery center, close to where I live. The practice's home clinic for adjustments is a number of miles away, requiring driving with dilated/numbed eyes, in big city heavy traffic going home. I'm a widower, and I didn't want to ask my sister to drive to my hometown(back & forth) for all of the adjustments(& lock-ins). It was my decision for the LALs and due to logistical problems, I regret it.

[@patrickostrom2762]

Modern medicine is complex and training for this procedure depths not 1,2,3 and not average can $afford! What's your Sight worth! Very informative, comprehensive and a service to General Public! Thank you for years of dedication, experience, research! I had friends that had cataract surgery and with negative results after 2x! So I'm doing my homework! A+ of your videos to reform complexity to general public viewings!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for your feedback! Best of luck when it comes time for your cataract surgery ♥

[@jnick5358]

Cornea specialists love their lasers. For low levels of astigmatism I operate on the steep axis and make a second incision with the keratome opposite the main incision. If they have more than 1.25D, I offer a toric. A laser capsulorhexis and pre-fragmentation would be nice for mature cataracts, but of course most patients with mature cataracts can't afford the upcharge. The one thing that the laser is really good for is improving ophthalmologist's retirement accounts.

[@no9254me]

When someone needs a toric is the laser better? I see everyone is citing researching indicating there is no advantage for the laser for normal cataracts but what about with high astigmatism does it make sense to do laser ?

[@jnick5358]

@@no9254me Laser is useful for mild astigmatism although there are other good options. With high astigmatism you should get a toric IOL. The laser is not helpful for toric IOL's if you have an experienced surgeon.

[@no9254me]

@@jnick5358 what about if you had previous cornea transplant? Does it make a difference than

[@jnick5358]

@@no9254me It depends on the type of corneal transplant (full-thickness vs endothelial keratoplasty) and how much astigmatism you have.

[@tmxv-bg8cz]

Excellent information to have. Thank you. I went in today for the measurements of my eyes. Because I have an astigmatism in both eyes, the surgeon recommended toric lenses with laser assist. The total was $10,450 with the laser assist, but if the laser were eliminated and the surgery done manually, $3,250 less or $7,200 total. I am going to opt to have it done manually and hope that he is having a good day after that first mug of morning coffee.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

‐ I think laser is mostly not necessary or better. I like the idea of standard procedure as it has proven safe and effective . 👍

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@itoldjaso]

Dr. Lee, if the patient were a relative of yours, which procedure would you recommend?

[@BillyBlaze7]

How do you handle a patient that has very bad nystagmus? I got my first pair of glasses the day I turned 10 months old, became an ABOC certified Optician as my career and learned the complete process from ordering, selling, management, framestyling and fitting, surface and finish lab work and optical lab QC etc etc There is nothing in this world I look more forward to than cataract surgery so I can for once in my life see like everyone else does. I have a host of eye diseases.

[@tonyfusilli7914]

Good morning Dr Lee This video raises a question that I hope you can provide additional insight to my specific situation. I am a candidate for cataract surgery and the option I've been given is mono vision lenses as I have had previous laser surgery. First surgery was a traditional laser procedure. Some years later a had a retouch where they performed monovision laser. My question is, should I use laser assisted cataract surgery vs. manual. It is my understanding that patients who have had prior eye procedures make it more difficult to obtain accurate calculations. Thank you in advance for your opinion. Tony Rochester NY

[@SeniorChief1991]

Had a vitrectomy in right eye and vision is not great. I’d gladly pay for laser if it results in better vision.

[@rasheedislam2147]

Manual it's cheap, safety, speed, real world outcome and accuracy...

[@popcornl8208]

Great insight. I appreciate this explanation

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dathyr1]

I am like other commenters below. It is Oct 2024, i am 75 years old, and will have Cataract surgery in Nov 2024. I elected to do the manual standard procedure and get Mono Focal lenses which my insurance covers. Any Premium lenses and laser procedures will be out of pocket costs and they are not cheap. I don't mind wearing glasses after my surgeries. I have worn glasses all my life. thanks for the video. take care.

[@Swenser]

One Dr. Told me about half the population can be expected to have astigmatism and that it adds extra cost to the procedure. My eyes were perfect vision before the cataracts formed and my parents who had surgery had no problems with astigmatism. So should I expect to be astigmatism free?

[@jasonkok174]

My cataract surgery is due, in a couple of months. Which would u recommend? Laser assisted, or manual? I am short sighted, and the power of my lens are above 1000.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Hi there, for most cases there is no outcome difference with laser vs manual. If you have astigmatism or are using a multilfocal or EDOF lens, there may be some benefit in centration. If you have a dense lens, laser may have additional benefit as well in softening your lens prior to removal. It would be best to speak to your surgeon about their recommendations for your specific case. Best of luck!

[@Pavlos.Pavlou]

I have already done Manual (Traditional) Technique cause of insurance cover.

[@hatmatrix4376]

How does a big nose affect laser surgery?

[@jqmachgunner2577]

I had binocular RK done in the 1980s. Does this complicate cataract surgery with the manual, Lasik, or PRK methods?

[@jimd7241]

Hello Hello How many Panoptix lens have you implanted? What percentage would you say are happy with it with the glare/halos? Thanks

[@ranjitdhiraj9974]

Thankyou 👍👍👍👍❤️

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

I'd pay the extra for laser assisted cataract surgery. I want my astigmatism corrected and prefer a more precise cut of a laser. By the way what causes the halos after surgery is it the lens or procedure and can the brain later compensate for the glare?

[@iiiitube]

Would you recommend Laser to someone with dense cataracts and pupils that do not dilate fully and why? Would opt for basic monofocal lens and not correct minor astigmatism.

[@Kenneth_James]

Could you explain why the introcular lenses are so expensive at my surgi al center. They said over $6000 for that part. It seems wrong

[@Jay84476]

i was just diagnosed with e arly onset cataracts like the early Early beginnings but my color vision is already impaired, i was told i am extremely color sensitive... i have been on corticosteroids my whole life and will be till i die, does that make cataract surgery not worth it?

[@virtuasurfer]

My astigmatism are 1.25 and 1.5. Should I use laser to correct them or use the Toric lens to correct them? Thanks.

[@fallenwout]

Eye surgeons in America are gangsters. Europe here: I just had a multi focal iol where astigmatism was laser corrected and lens was laser prepared for removal. That laser time took a total of 2 minutes and cost me 900€. The iol was partially covered by insurance with a total of 300€ out of pocket. Surgery itself was covered by insurance. Total cost of my multifocal iol: 1500€ (incl eye drops and 2 follow ups) Lens used: LENTIS Comfort LS-313 MF15 You know the cost of a femto laser is around 400k (I know becauseI asked). If your surgeon asks thousands to use it, do the math how many eyes he has to do before the laser is payed back. Return of investment in the laser is around 3 months... I don't know how you tolerate this kind of scams from your doctors.

[@reynorramos1994]

If I understand correctly doc, traditional cataract surgery cannot correct astigmatism? Unlike laser guided surgery?

[@summersez1673]

I had manual surgery and it corrected my astigmatism in the eye I've had surgery on, but mine was lenticular astigmatism, not corneal.

[@davevarga]

Thank you for posting this explanation, very helpful Dr!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

You're very welcome!

[@emmeison3028]

I’ve heard for people with connective tissue disorders like Ehlers Danlos, manual laser is more effective and reduces complications ?

[@MicheleLeeMD]

That is an excellent question. There may be an issue with the zonules, or the strings that hold the lens, and sometimes doing laser to help break up the lens may help lessen the chance of damage to the zonules.

[@ginaprice2370]

I just had caterac surgery. But due to the cost of Lazer surgery I had no choice but to choose the one insurance covers. Why does insurance not cover lazer surgery ❓

[@antonioalfaro5749]

Think about it, if you are the insurance company, your experts will tell you, if it is already expensive now without coverage, it will get even more expensive if we cover it. Asked those people with college loans how the schools raised their tuitions by leaps and bounds.

[@robertovelez3019]

Very good and informative video, short and to the point. There is quote in Spanish literature that basically says that "what's good, if brief, twice as good". In any case, after watching this I wonder what happens to a patient left with mild, about 1.00, astigmatism after manual cataract surgery with a non toxic lens. Is laser still useful after the original surgery is done and healed? That is my case with my right eye. And, by the way, still have not done my left eye as it has only a very mild cataract. I would need to drive about 100 miles to have access to Laser assisted cataract surgery on the left eye, which has mild astigmatism of about 1.25, and this video is making me lean towards making the drive.Thanks for the informative video.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thank you for your kind words and best of luck on your 2nd eye surgery :)

[@nabarunguha]

Do edof lenses with or without toric cause glare and halos around lights?

[@tlak]

Why do they charge extra to have laser surgery if that's the way eye surgery has progressed. One cateract surgeon told me they use a combination.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Unfortunately insurance does not pay for laser-assisted cataract surgery and the laser and cost of materials is substantial for your surgeon/surgery center. Hope that answers your question!

[@tlak]

@@MicheleLeeMD My comment was more to the overall situation of healthcare insurance. If you're fixing an eye to Medicare standards then all the materials are paid for one time so upgrading should be a minimal cost. I was told the insurances considered these upgrades cosmetic.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@tlak I see. We still have not gotten laser cataract surgery to a point where we have demonstrated superiority in all cases. My guess is that one day cataract surgery will be more and more automated to the point were it will be standard for most surgeries to be done by laser and machines.

[@shauns5680]

@@tlak because all the large clinical trials show laser assisted costs more and doesn’t improve visual results

[@tlak]

@@shauns5680 My point is if they're in there to fix your eyes then to fix to the best vision would be the goal. They mention laser to justify the extra $1500 per eye when they should already fix your eyes to the best vision with Medicare. To me it's like somebody getting heart surgery and them saying, it's just skips a beat every now and then but for this much we can fix it.

[@borisovodenko1180]

Thank you. It's refreshing to see a younger generation of my colleagues to cut through the hipe. I had been performing cataract surgery for seventeen years and do not like laser assisted cataract surgery because you end up with structurally compromised lens capsule during cataract removal. Some day, the laser will achieve a capsulotomy that is equal in strength to the manual one. Until then, I am not recommending laser for cataract cuts. In fact, I sent my father four weeks ago to a surgeon who does manual incisions and capsulotomy .

[@Jen-ur4ut]

My mom is being told that her cataract is so bad that laser is the only way to go. I know you would need to see her yourself, but in general, is that bs? The doctor is one of the most arrogant jerks I’ve ever encountered & he says he wouldn’t touch her particular case the traditional way. “Too risky” Conveniently, (for him) he happens to own the laser surgery center & it’s not covered by insurance. Who do we believe?

[@charlesmcdonald8654]

What is the extra cost for laser surgery?

[@tmxv-bg8cz]

The quote I got for laser assist this week was an extra $1,625 per eye. So $3,250 for both eyes.

[@vinlu2909]

thank you

[@95KIPPIE]

The only difference is with laser it’s faster, and that is all!

[@jeffjr100]

Thank You!!

[@joannwessels980]

Why is it not covered by insurance. Is it because insurance won't pay the doctor enough? Even if it is a medical genetic syndrome and Medicare Disability says they will cover it! Nothing like compassion for the low income in dire need? Just please help me make sense why the rich just want the money and not the best care fore their patients? Oh I had the cataract surgery where the old lens is broke into pieces and the surgeon did put a toric lens, though my astigmatism was bad at all, in my eye. Yes had to pay $4400 out of pocket that was almost 9 months ago and my vision is rapidly getting worse. You probably won't see this but I see my Surgeon next week to hash this out. I did not ask for this type of surgery by the way.

[@TheOwlGuy777]

But it adds $2500+ PER EYE! However, having the surgeon does it manually costs nothing extra.

[@mr3klax]

I am 62 and I had Femtosecond Laser-assisted cataract surgeries on both of my eyes with standard IOL lenses. I decided in favor of the laser because of its ultra precision and from the testimony of my close friend and his wife. Cost was not a problem for me, as I have accumulated funds on my HSA over the years. I paid US$1700 extra on each eye. But, the overall experience is worth every penny. To see the world through a pair of brand-new lenses is truly remarkable. No regrets. Just very thankful that this technology is available to us.

[@sandyrothman2430]

Can moderate astigmatism be corrected with the manual approach?

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Short answer is yes - moderate amounts of astigmatism can be corrected using a toric lens which can offset some of the astigmatism from your cornea. You don't need a laser for that. Where laser comes in handy is for low levels of astigmatism where you don't have enough astigmatism for a toric lens. The laser can correct low levels of astigmatism on the cornea. Hope that answers your question!

[@sandyrothman2430]

Thanks.

[@sandyrothman2430]

That makes me wonder, though: Can low levels be corrected with the manual method, or is laser required? To avoid the high expense of laser, presumably the astigmatism can still be corrected by the usual corrective lenses, right? Thanks for your time and expertise.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@sandyrothman2430 For lower levels of astigmatism, you may not need any extra correction. For visually significant astigmatism that still does not qualify for a toric lens, some surgeons will still make manual cuts on the eye to offset astigmatism (manual LRI), but it is usually a "premium" option. Some surgeons (like myself) prefer the accuracy of the machine.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@sandyrothman2430 Thanks for watching!!!

[@steelwhisper9019]

My husband is getting cataract surgery on his other eye soon and Dr suggested a bifocal lens. (If we can afford it that lens, may do standard) But if he wanted a bifocal lens do they still charge for the laser part in addition to the cost of the bifocal lens? Is it necessary to have laser to put in a toric or bifocal lens? Thank you. I appreciate your vids as they're so helpful and informative.

[@randybird9979]

I had manual catera k

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@randybird9979]

@@MicheleLeeMD it got sent before I was thru, I meant to say I had manual cataract surgery, WOW! could I see so good, 2 months later my one good eye bleed and blocked 2/3 of my vision, few days later it began to get thinner, well that was 3 years ago, now its like looking thru a pair of glasses smeared with grease but if I sit still and don't move my eyes the clot will move and I can see hole thru the clot, and its just as clear as it can be, but I move my eye and there it goes again, and my eye doctor said, there is nothing can be done, well I know people that have had floaters removed, but he tells me it can't be done, but, if the blood clot was out of my eye I could see good, but the way it is, I wish I had never had cataract surgery, at least with glasses I could see how to paint, this way no kind of glasses can see thru this leftover blood clot, so what do you recommenced I do

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@randybird9979 Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about your issues with floaters. There are things that you could potentially do with floaters, like surgery, but the surgery is really risky. This is usually done by a retina surgeon and involves taking the fluid behind the eye. You can talk to your doctor about your options, and consider what you'd like to do about our floaters. Best of luck ♥

[@sandyalbanese8393]

Laser-assist for me. If I can afford.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@fatemehm2949]

Hi Dr. I had one eye laser cataract surgery and now for my other eye after 10 years of delay ( my cataract is very cloudy and thick that doctors cannot see inside the eye) I am very hesitant what to do I go for manual or laser? I am afraid it gives my brain radiation. I have no blood pressure, diabetes, and take no medication I am 68 year old. What do you suggest?

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thank you for sharing your concerns. There are usually no radiation exposure concerns with laser-assisted cataracts. Hope that helps!

[@fatemehm2949]

@@MicheleLeeMD Thank you. I have developed a small benign meningioma after a few years so I am worry. I had cataract surgery 2009 and In 2021 was diagnosed with meningioma.

[@joy6097]

Very good and informative video Doctor gave me choice between Tecnis 1, or Tecnis Eyhance, acrysof single piece or multiple piece or Bosh Lomb monofocal lens. Please let me know are all lens have bluish tint after surgery or any one give normal white tint? Which lens give less bluish tint between above? Why blue tint after catract operation? Any monofocal lens have normal white tint ? Please answer. I have emergency surgery.

[@joy6097]

Please guide me on above Do all white/color catract lens have bluish tint?

[@iconoclast6994]

I don’t think you offered a compelling information for either choice. Are there similar outcomes, or not?

[@AgusSutisna-g2h]

Please help me eye problem, no money 🙏😭 profesi q driver i am indonesia

[@teeduck]

Lol @ not suitable if you have a big nose. Maybe you need to define “ big nose”. As in mm from face.

[@shauns5680]

Outcomes of both techniques are the same. One costs thousands more and takes longer. No proof “better centration” leads to better visual outcomes for the patient. Which should you choose? 😂 (unless you want to help pay off their million dollar equipment)

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thank you for your comment and sharing your thoughts. I agree that laser-assisted cataract surgery is not necessary for most. The time where I find a benefit is when we want to correct astigmatism and we are looking for a near "perfect" refractive outcome by doing so. Hopefully our technology improves over time, and one day the incorporating laser may be the gold-standard.

[@nneely613]

Wjy does every single video start with a definition of cataracts, if people didn't know what cataracts were already then they wouldn't be watching this video.

[@baltukur3368]

the laser is quicker and cost effective

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

IF I HAD THE CHOICE I WOULD GET NEITHER ! 😂 🤣 😂

[@sharonbowen4327]

Why is the whites of the eye so bloodshot?

[@christineribone9351]

"Dirty lenses" "peanut M&M" How NOT to impress patients. You're insulting our intelligence

[@domesticcat5069]

🗨️👁️

[@terencegalland]

either way seems a scary procedure Michele

[@steveelkins52]

Probably laser assisted, but in Mexico

[@MatoNupai]

Get the manual and stay far away from laser assist. Laser cauterizes the outer layer of the eye and it doesn’t heal properly. Look at horrible problems with RK LASER eye surgery 40+ years ago

[@saturn674001]

Great informative vid. Thank you.