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Traditional vs. laser-assisted surgery

When it comes to removing cataracts, your doctor will discuss two surgical cataract treatment options: traditional cataract surgery or laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Traditional Cataract Surgery

Traditional cataract surgery is very common, so try not to worry. Your eye surgeon will create a small incision in the side of your cornea. Then he or she will insert an instrument to break up the lens. The cataract pieces are then removed from your eye so your surgeon can insert an intraocular lens (IOL).

Laser Cataract Surgery

You and your doctor may decide laser surgery is your best treatment option, considering the specific condition of your cataracts. With laser-assisted cataract surgery, your surgeon uses the laser to create a tiny incision in your eye to soften and break up the cataract. Next, your surgeon will suction out the cataract pieces and insert your new IOL.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY

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Visual of the eye showing how an intraocular lens (IOL) replaces the natural lens during cataract surgery
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Choosing the lens for your lifestyle

There are a variety of eye lenses designed for different conditions and lifestyles, and each is built to help keep your vision clear and sharp over time. 

Learn More

1 Cataract. University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. REF2014MLT0034.