Laser surgery now an option for cataracts

Researchers estimate that by 2020, more than 30 million Americans will be affected by cataracts. Left untreated, cataracts can cause a person to lose all vision. The current standard of treatment involves cutting into the eye with a blade and removing the affected lens with an ultrasound device. However, patients will now have laser surgery as an option. The technique utilizes a special device called a femtosecond laser that makes an incision into the eye, opens up the lens and then divides the lens into small quadrants. The technique allows for more precision than the traditional method. While cataract surgery is still considered to be one of the safest medical procedures, the precision of femtosecond laser cataract surgery might deliver even better results and be an even safer option for patients.