The Corneal Incision | Laser Cataract Surgery

Article Image Corneal Incision Laser Cataract

The corneal incision created by the laser heals faster and more predictably. This leads to a safer recovery and faster return of vision.

This article on laser cataract surgery focuses on the first step of cataract surgery. This is part of a series of articles we are publishing to inform and educate our patients about the advantages of laser cataract surgery.

There several stages of cataract surgery. This article reviews the first steps.

  • Corneal Incision
  • Capsulorhexis
  • Removal of the Cataract
  • Implantation of the Intraocular Lens
  • Treat Astigmatism

The Corneal Incision

The corneal incision is surgically created cut or wound created through the cornea to allow the cataract surgeon to have easy access to the inside of the eye and remove the cataract. Properly created corneal incisions lead to less infection, faster healing and better visual acuity due to less astigmatism formation.

The incision must be large enough to allow the surgical instruments to enter the eye and also must be large enough to allow insertion of the intraocular lens.

Corneal incisions also should be uniform, straight and evenly created to allow faster healing and quicker visual recovery due to minimal or no astigmatism.

Laser Improves Corneal Incision

Before the techniques of phacoemulsification were perfected, the lens was not liquefied prior to removal. Instead a large corneal incision had to be created so the cataract could be expelled from the eye in one piece. These larger corneal incision were so long that sutures were needed to close the longer wounds. Extra care was needed to avoid pressure on the eye as the wounds were very weak. Longer healing times were also routine, thus, longer periods were required for the vision to return or improve.

Longer wounds also created post-operative astigmatism. The degree of astigmatism could only be “ball-parked.” With the advent of phacoemulsification and the development of smaller/foldable intraocular lenses, smaller wounds are created.

Laser controlled corneal incisions are state of the art. The accuracy and precision of the laser allows a perfect incision surgery after surgery which is precisely measured and heals quicker with minimal chance of astigmatism developing after the cataract surgery.


Gregory Scimeca, M.D.
Ophthalmologist and Medical Director
The Eye Professionals

Our Locations