Are cataracts removed by laser surgery?

If you’ve been told you have cataracts, you might be wondering what’s involved in removing them. Many people ask: Are cataracts removed by laser surgery?

The short answer is: yes. All cataract procedures involve ultra high frequency ultrasound energy, in addition femtolaser-assisted cataract surgery is available at Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic. Let’s break down what that means for you.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This happens naturally with age, but it can also be caused by certain medications, health conditions, or eye injuries.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Trouble seeing in low light
• Glare or halos around lights
• Colours looking faded
• Frequent changes in glasses prescription

The only way to treat cataracts is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial one called an intraocular lens implant. This is called cataract surgery.

What is standard cataract surgery in the UK?

Standard cataract surgery in the UK is one of the most common and successful operations. It involves:

1. Making a small incision by hand using a tiny blade. Sharmina Khan uses one of the smallest blades on the market 2.2mm
2. Opening the cataractous lens capsule to reach inside the cataract
3. Using ultra high frequencyultrasound energy to break up the cloudy cataractous lens into fragments (a process called phacoemulsification)
4. Removing the lens fragments
5. Inserting a new intraocular lens (IOL)

The whole procedure typically takes around 7-15 minutes. Most people recover quickly and see a big improvement in their vision the next day and the vision stabilises over the next few days.

So where does laser cataract surgery come in?

Laser cataract surgery uses a femtosecond laser—a high precision tool—to assist with the first steps of the procedure. The femtolaser is used to:

• Create the initial corneal incision
• Create a high precision circular open on the front surface of the cataractous lens capsule
• Fragment the cataract to make it easier and uses less time for your surgeon Miss Sharmina Khan to remove

The rest of the procedure—removing the fragmented cataract lens and inserting the new intraocular lens, is carried out by Miss Sharmina Khan using standard procedures.

Is femtolaser cataract surgery (FLACS) better than standard?

Femtolaser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is more precise and potentially improves predicted refractive outcomes. Because the laser can make surgical steps incredibly accurate it helps:

• Reduce surgical variability
• Significantly lower the energy needed to remove the cataract and the time your surgeon Miss Sharmina Khan spends inside the eye
• Improve intraocular lens positioning and centration which is an advantage when using premium intraocular lenses like EDOF and multifocal lenses.
• Optimise outcomes in patients with astigmatism by improving alignment.

Femtolaser cataract surgery (FLACS) is safe and effective.

Femtolaser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is especially helpful if:

• You have astigmatism that you want corrected
• You’ve chosen a premium lens (like a multifocal or toric lens)
• You have a high precision tool at your disposal

Is femtolaser cataract surgery (FLACS) intraocular surgery?

Yes. A femtolaser cataract surgery (FLACS) is considered an intraocular surgery. The laser is used for multiple steps in the first half of the procedure and your surgeon Miss Sharmina Khan employs these to reduce the risks involved in removing the cataract. It’s not like a laser used to correct shortsightedness in the high street called LASIK which is only on the surface of your eyes and not inside.

The post-operative care involves using eye drops for 4 weeks post-operatively and taking it easy for the first week.

Does the femtolaser make it safer?

Both traditional and femtolaser-assisted cataract surgeries are extremely safe when performed by an experienced consultant surgeon like Miss Sharmina Khan. The laser adds an extra level of precision, and reduces the intraoperative risk to both you and your surgeon. The only scenario Miss Sharmina Khan would not use a femtolaser is in the case of a white hypermature cataract. These cases are few and far between in the private sector as patients access healthcare early rather than wait until they can’t see at all.

What about the cost?

Femtolaser cataract surgery (FLACS) is not available on the NHS at Moorfields Eye Hospital and in most private sector settings.

Miss Sharmina Khan offers it as part of a private premium cataract service at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital, especially when paired with a premium intraocular lens for clients aiming for freedom from spectacles.

For many people, the added precision is worth the investment—especially if it helps reduce their dependence on glasses.

Final thoughts

So, can cataracts be removed by femtolaser surgery?

Yes indeed they can. Both a femtolaser and ultrahigh frequency ultrasound called phacoemulsification is used by Miss Sharmina Khan as the femtolaser-assisted technique improves precision handling during the surgery and this technology is additive in improving Sharmina Khan’s patients’ post-operative predictive refractive outcomes.

The most important thing is finding a solution that’s right for your eyes, your vision goals, and your lifestyle.

Start by taking our quick self-test to check your suitability for femtolaser cataract or lens replacement surgery.