Imagine being able to restore clear vision without the need for a long and uncomfortable recovery period. That is the promise of minimally invasive cataract surgery. Unlike traditional cataract surgery, which requires a large incision and stitches, minimally invasive cataract surgery involves using only a few millimeters wide micro-incisions.

It is a cutting-edge technique that has revolutionized how we approach cataract surgery Jacksonville. It has also provided new hope to millions worldwide suffering from this common eye condition. Here are five common minimally invasive cataract surgery techniques your doctor may recommend.

Microincision Cataract Surgery (MICS)

Microincision Cataract Surgery (MICS) is a minimally invasive technique that has revolutionized the field of cataract surgery. This technique uses a small incision of less than 2mm, significantly smaller than that used in traditional cataract surgery. 

Your surgeon uses specialized instruments to break the cataract into smaller pieces, which they remove through the tiny incision. MICS is associated with faster healing and less astigmatism than traditional cataract surgery. The smaller incision used in MICS results in less trauma to the eye and reduced risk of complications such as infection and inflammation.

Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification is a modern and minimally invasive technique used for removing cataracts. This technique involves using a small ultrasound probe to break the cataract into tiny pieces. Your doctor then suctions out these fragments through a small incision in your eye.

After the cataract has been removed, an intraocular lens implant is typically inserted to replace the eye’s natural lens. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) is a relatively new and advanced technique for removing cataracts. This technique uses a femtosecond laser to create a precise incision in your cornea, which is then used to soften and break up the cataract for easy removal. 

The laser is also used to create precise incisions in the cornea to reduce astigmatism, which can improve visual outcomes. The laser’s precise nature helps reduce the amount of trauma to your eye during the procedure. 

Intracameral Injections

Intracameral injections are a minimally invasive cataract surgery technique that involves injecting a solution into the eye to dissolve the cataract. This procedure makes the cataract easier to remove. 

The solution typically combines a proteolytic enzyme and a viscoelastic agent. These reagents work together to break down the cataract and protect the delicate structures of the eye during the procedure. Depending on your specific needs, this technique can be used with phacoemulsification or as a standalone procedure.

Bimanual Microincision Cataract Surgery (B-MICS)

Bimanual microincision cataract surgery (B-MICS) is a technique that has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential to reduce trauma to the eye during cataract surgery. B-MICS involves using two separate instruments to remove the cataract through two tiny incisions, each measuring around 1 mm in width.

The advantage of B-MICS is that it can provide greater control and precision during cataract surgery, as the surgeon can use both hands independently. It also can reduce surgical complications, such as corneal edema and inflammation, due to the smaller incisions.

Indeed, minimally invasive cataract surgery techniques have revolutionized how cataracts are treated. As a result, there has been an increase in safety, effectiveness, and faster recovery times.

With the advent of these innovative techniques, cataract surgery has become a routine outpatient procedure for most people with vision problems. Talk to your ophthalmologist about the minimally invasive options if you are experiencing vision problems due to cataracts. They will help you find the technique that is right for you.