Basic vs. Laser Cataract Procedures

At Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center in Arizona, your surgeon may recommend basic cataract surgery or an advanced laser-assisted technology.

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Basic Cataract Surgery

Basic cataract surgery is a manual microsurgical procedure that has been performed successfully for decades and has not changed fundamentally to this day.

During basic cataract surgery, your surgeon creates a small incision in the eye using specialized surgical instruments. An opening is then created in the thin capsule that surrounds the natural lens. The cataract is typically broken into small pieces using ultrasound energy in a process known as phacoemulsification.  Those pieces are gently removed, and the cloudy natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens implant.

Basic cataract surgery includes a “one-size-fits-all” lens that is not designed to eliminate your need for glasses, so you will likely need trifocals or progressive glasses at all times.

Outdoor café scene representing vision after basic monofocal cataract surgery, with the distant street, trees, and mountains in sharp focus while the nearby coffee cup and open book remain blurred.

What Is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?

Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses advanced imaging and laser technology to add precision and accuracy to selected steps of the procedure.

Depending on the technology used, advanced imaging can help your surgeon plan portions of the procedure around the individual anatomy of your eye. The laser then assists with precise openings and helps soften and divide the cataract before it is removed.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist. The laser does not perform the entire surgery nor replace your surgeon. Your surgeon plans the procedure, performs the laser treatment, removes the cataract, implants the new lens, and remains responsible for your care.

Technology used at Barnet Dulaney Perkins: Lensar Laser System and Ally Platform

Benefits of Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Laser-assisted cataract surgery can offer additional precision and customization during certain parts of the procedure. Depending on your eyes and treatment plan, potential benefits may include:

1

Greater precision and consistency during key surgical steps

Laser technology can create highly controlled openings in the lens capsule based on detailed measurements of your eye to support accurate lens replacement.

2

Reduced ultrasound energy

By softening or dividing the cataract before removal, the laser may reduce the amount of ultrasound energy needed during surgery.

3

Additional options for astigmatism management

In selected patients, laser-created corneal incisions can reshape the cornea and help reduce certain amounts of astigmatism.

4

Customized surgical planning

Advanced 3D mapping of the eye can help your surgeon tailor specific steps of the procedure to the anatomy of your eye.

5

Added precision for certain advanced lens plans

For patients choosing advanced technology lens replacement, laser assistance may give the surgeon another level of control when planning and performing the procedure.

What Does the Laser Do During Cataract Surgery?

Depending on your treatment plan and eye anatomy, femtosecond laser technology may assist with several steps.

Illustration of laser-assisted cataract surgery creating a precise circular opening in the lens capsule.

1. Creating the Capsulotomy

The natural lens sits inside a thin, transparent capsule. To reach the cataract, the surgeon creates a circular opening in the front of that capsule.
In basic surgery, this opening is created manually using microsurgical instruments. With laser assistance, the femtosecond laser can create a highly circular, consistently sized opening.

Illustration of a laser breaking the cataract into smaller sections before removal during cataract surgery.

2. Softening and Fragmenting the Cataract

Basic cataract surgery uses ultrasound energy to break apart the cloudy lens. With laser assistance, the femtosecond laser can first divide or soften the cataract into smaller sections. The surgeon still removes the lens material, but pre-fragmenting the cataract may reduce the amount of ultrasound energy needed in some eyes.

Video: Basic vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

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Compare Cataract Surgery Options

 

Feature / Benefit Basic Cataract Surgery Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Removes the cataract and replaces it with a new artificial lens ✓ ✓
Uses advanced 3D imaging to help guide selected treatment steps ✓
Uses a laser to create certain corneal incisions ✓
Uses a laser to create the opening in the lens capsule ✓
Uses a laser to soften and fragment the cataract before removal ✓
May reduce the amount of ultrasound energy needed in most eyes ✓
Offers laser-assisted precision for certain astigmatism treatments ✓
Includes a needle-free laser portion of the procedure ✓

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If cataracts are making it harder to drive, read, work, or enjoy the activities that matter to you, schedule a cataract evaluation with Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center in Arizona. We will help you understand your procedure options, compare available replacement lens options, and build a cataract surgery plan tailored to your eyes and vision goals.

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FAQ: Types of Cataract Surgery – Laser vs Basic

Basic and laser-assisted procedures remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with a new artificial lens. With basic cataract surgery, the surgeon uses microsurgical instruments and ultrasound technology to remove the cataract. Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses advanced imaging and laser technology to improve accuracy and assist with certain steps, such as creating precise openings, softening the cataract, or making selected corneal incisions.

Not necessarily. Both basic and laser-assisted cataract surgery can be effective options. Laser-assisted surgery provides additional precision and customization during certain parts of the procedure, but the best approach depends on your eye health, cataract, astigmatism, lens choice, and overall surgical plan.

Basic cataract surgery typically includes a monofocal lens. A monofocal lens provides one primary focal point, most commonly for distance vision. This lens is not
designed to eliminate your need for glasses, so you will likely need trifocals or progressive glasses at all times.

No. Laser technology will assist your ophthalmologist with selected portions of the procedure. Your surgeon still plans the surgery, removes the cataract, places the replacement lens, and remains responsible for your care throughout the procedure.

Potential benefits include greater precision during certain surgical steps, a consistently sized capsulotomy, reduced ultrasound energy in some cases, additional options for managing astigmatism, and surgical planning tailored to your eye’s anatomy.

In some patients, yes. Laser technology can create precisely positioned corneal incisions that may help reduce certain amounts of astigmatism. Astigmatism can also be treated with a toric IOL, depending on your measurements and vision goals.

No, your artificial lens choice determines how your eye focuses after the cataract has been removed. With a lens such as the Light Adjustable Lens, you can reduce your dependence on glasses.

Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center is a one-stop eye care center with experienced cataract surgeons, advanced technology, and personalized lens options to help patients choose the care that fits their vision and lifestyle. Our Eye Centers provide coordinated support from your cataract evaluation through surgery and recovery.

Yes, you can discuss your preference at your consultation. Your surgeon will first determine which options are appropriate for your eyes.

A comprehensive cataract evaluation is the best way to determine your options. Your surgeon will evaluate your cataract, cornea, astigmatism, overall eye health, previous eye procedures, and vision goals before recommending a personalized surgical plan.

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 Cover of Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center’s “A Complete Guide to Cataract Treatment & Surgery,” featuring a smiling older couple outdoors.

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