Cataract Surgery: Clear Vision with Modern Microphaco and Femtosecond Laser Technology By Dr. Sharad Lakhotia

Cataract Surgery: 

Clear Vision with Modern Microphaco and Femtosecond Laser Technology

By Dr. Sharad Lakhotia

Senior Eye Surgeon

Lakhotia Eye Centre & Laser Institute, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi

What Is Cataract?

Cataract is one of the most common causes of blurred vision, particularly after the age of 50. It occurs when the natural, transparent lens of the eye gradually becomes cloudy, making everyday activities such as reading, driving, watching television, and recognising faces difficult.

Patients may experience blurred vision, glare from headlights, difficulty seeing at night, faded colours, or frequent changes in spectacle power.

Fortunately, modern cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that can restore clear vision and improve quality of life.

Microphaco Cataract Surgery: Small Incision, Faster Recovery

Microphacoemulsification, commonly called Microphaco, is an advanced technique of cataract surgery performed through a very small incision, usually around 2–2.2 mm.

During surgery, a tiny ultrasound probe breaks the cloudy natural lens into small fragments, which are gently removed through suction. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is then implanted to restore vision.

Advantages of Microphaco Surgery:

Very small, usually stitchless incision

Minimal surgical trauma

Rapid visual recovery

Reduced postoperative discomfort

Usually performed under topical anaesthesia using eye drops

Patients generally return home the same day

Most patients notice improvement in vision within a few days, although complete healing takes longer.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery represents another technological advancement in cataract treatment.

In this technique, a highly precise, computer-guided femtosecond laser performs selected important steps of cataract surgery.

The laser can create corneal incisions, make a circular opening in the lens capsule (capsulotomy), and divide the cataract into smaller pieces before removal.

The remaining lens material is then removed using phacoemulsification, and an artificial intraocular lens is implanted.

Potential Advantages of Femtosecond Laser Surgery:

Highly precise and reproducible capsulotomy

Accurate laser-assisted lens fragmentation

Reduced ultrasound energy in selected cases

Computer-guided planning of surgical steps

Potentially useful in selected complex cases

However, femtosecond laser surgery is not necessarily superior to conventional Microphaco for every patient. Both techniques generally provide excellent visual outcomes when appropriately performed.

Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens

Modern cataract surgery also offers several advanced IOL options:

Monofocal IOL: Provides clear vision at a selected distance, usually far, with spectacles often needed for reading.

Toric IOL: Corrects pre-existing corneal astigmatism.

Multifocal or Trifocal IOL: Can reduce dependence on spectacles for distance, intermediate, and near vision in suitable patients.

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL: Provides an extended range of vision, particularly for distance and intermediate activities.

The ideal lens depends on the patient's eye condition, lifestyle, visual expectations, and budget.

Is Cataract Surgery Safe?

Modern cataract surgery is generally safe and highly effective. Most procedures take approximately 10–20 minutes, although the duration varies.

As with any operation, complications such as infection, inflammation, retinal problems, or persistent blurred vision can occasionally occur.

A detailed preoperative eye examination is essential to determine the safest technique and most suitable lens.

A Message from Dr. Sharad Lakhotia

"Cataract surgery today is not merely about removing a cloudy lens; it is about restoring clear, comfortable, and functional vision. With modern Microphaco, femtosecond laser technology, and advanced intraocular lenses, treatment can be personalised according to each patient's visual needs."

Dr. Sharad Lakhotia

Lakhotia Eye Centre & Laser Institute

E-342, Ground Floor, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi – 110048

Appointments: 9312255311 / 9810236265

Website: www.drsharadlakhotia.com