Lens Polish

[kavico]

I had bilateral phaco surgery two and three weeks ago and my eyes are now doing great.  Opthamologist told me to return in five weeks and he will polish the lenses with a laser treatment.  Why is this necessary?  Does everyone have it done after cataract surgery?  Will I be able to see better than I do now?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

If you are doing great there is no need for laser/lasik surgery.  Perhaps you misunderstood and they are going to finish your final glasses prescription?   In anycase don't have further treatment unless you clearly understand what benefits you will accrue.

JCH III MD

[kavico]

He told me it is not surgery, but a machine that "polishes" the lenses from the outside.  Maybe he saw something I am not aware of, but I just thought it was part of the after-surgery finish up treatment that everybody has.  As you say, I will ask him more fully what it is all about.

Thanks.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

The only type of laser that is done commonly after phaco is yag laser capsulotomy and this is not common in the post operative period. It is done when the membrane that holds the implant in place is cloudy. Eventually about 25% of people need this treatment but treating in the first month or two is uncommon.

And laser IS surgery, make no mistake about it.

JCH III MD

[Fab5]

I am 3yrs post cataract surgery...Dr. says lens in cloudy and I need laser surgery...is this dangerous....how successful is this.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Dangerous NO  Involve some risks YES   Worthdoing yes if that is the cause of your blurred vision. Painless.

JCH II MD