Type of cataract surgery - I need to choose

[ValveJob]

I have progressive, degenerative myopia.  I just saw my RS after having had two A-scans within 5 months.  My axial length is very long, but luckily, from one A-scan to another during the 5 months, it did not change.  So, my ever-increasing myopia is due (at least recently) to the nuclear cataracts.

In any case, I am going to have cataract surgery, and my RS has written a brief letter about my situation that I will take along with me.  I have decided to go private.  There is one private clinic that does femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.  The other one does not, but it is much more convenient.  When I asked my RS about the femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, he basically said that it is the skill of the surgeon that counts in either way of doing cataract surgery.  He admitted that it probably is the wave of the future.  However, he said that while the particular clinic might have done hundreds of them, that thousands have been done the traditional way.  Basically, he left me in limbo.  I was hoping to hear that this new way of doing it would be a good thing for a person with retinal problems, but it does not seem to necessarily be so.

Would you please give me your opinion regarding the femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery as opposed to the more traditional way of doing it.

[JohnHaganMD]

Data is lacking for benefit at this timrp

[teller4]

Interesting discussions here about the femto, etc.
Does anyone have any more feedback about this now that it is 2016?
I went for a consultation but wasn't told that there was any extra cost for the laser assisted but that that was the way it was done at that center.I will ask about cost next time!   I don't know how soon I will have it done - might not be for a while yet - but I'm trying to learn more.  I have no clue as to what type of laser it is (brand name as they discuss in posts above).  
Any more current thoughts about laser vs non laser phaco?  etc.

[ValveJob]

At the Montreal Eye Institute (the only place in Montreal that does the femto assisted cataract surgery), they use the LenSX.  That being the case, for someone with retinal problems, do you prefer traditional cataract surgery or femto assisted with the LenSX?

I am sure I would have to pay extra for the femto, but if it offers even a little bit more safety, it is worth it for me.

Please give me your opinion about the above.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I prefer the femto assisted cataract surgery with the Catalys.  We have both the Lensx and Catalys at our center.

Dr. O.