Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

Sacramento Cataract Surgeons Offering the Latest Cataract Surgery Technology

Bladeless femtosecond laser cataract surgery is also called refractive cataract surgery.

The LenSx® laser approach – A New era in Refractive Cataract Surgery

Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts you know how difficult seeing can be. You may be struggling with night vision or you might not be able to tell the difference between pairs of socks. You may even have a sensitivity to sunlight. Fortunately, cataract surgery can help you to regain what you’ve lost, both in terms of your vision and your quality of life. Now, a technological breakthrough is available for use in cataract surgery. Sacramento Eye Consultants was among the first practices in the United States to have this breakthrough technology.

When you choose to have your surgery performed with this LenSx® laser, you will experience an innovative solution that allows for customization in cataract surgery. A bladeless, computer-controlled laser allows your cataract surgeon to plan and perform your surgery to exact individualized specifications, not attainable with past cataract surgery methods.

The Origins of Cataract Surgery

Traditional phacoemulsification cataract surgery

Traditional phacoemulsification cataract surgery has been around for many years and has been very effective for most people. The technique of Phacoemulsification cataract surgery was initially invented in 1967 by Charles Kelman, MD. This breakthrough literally paved the way for small incision micro cataract surgery. Although phacoemulsification is considered to be the current state of the art cataract removal technique, many steps in the cataract procedure are still performed manually with, either a surgical blade, a bent needle, or forceps. Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery using the LenSx Laser can now perform these steps adding a greater amount of precision and improved visual outcome to the entire cataract procedure.

Introducing LenSx® Laser Technology

Why would I want bladeless laser cataract surgery?

LenSx® laser offers you a precision-based solution for cataract surgery. A bladeless, computer-controlled laser surgery planned and performed to exact individualized specifications, not attainable with other surgical methods.
Why is this described as customized laser cataract surgery?

Your eyes can be compared to snowflakes! While all human eyes share the same basic anatomical structure, every eye is just a bit different in terms of size, depth, and curvature of the cornea and other key features. Which is why every eye must be carefully measured and mapped prior to cataract surgery.

While these measurements have been routinely performed prior to surgery, the LenSx® laser uses a range of highly-advanced technologies – including integrated optical coherence tomography (OCT) – to capture incredibly precise, high-resolution images of your eyes. These images – and the measurements and data they provide – are then used to plan and perform surgery to exacting specifications not attainable with traditional surgery.

Choosing Your Lens Implant

During both traditional cataract surgery and femtosecond bladeless cataract surgery, the cataract is removed and a new lens is required. You will need to understand your lens implant options. Fortunately, premium lens implant technology is now available to help you see without glasses at near, far and intermediate distances. Click here to learn more about your premium lens implant options at Sacramento Eye Consultants. You may also choose to consult one of our staff regarding premium lens implants options based on your unique visual requirements.

Cataract Surgery at Sacramento Eye Consultants

Bladeless Cataract Surgery does not take any longer than traditional cataract surgery. You will most likely be in surgery for 20-25 minutes. Like traditional cataract surgery, you should arrive about an hour prior to surgery.

The LenSx® laser provides patients with computer-controlled precision as it automates some of the most challenging steps of refractive cataract surgery. The laser replaces the traditional hand-held blade to optimize all incisions for enhanced, reproducible surgical performance. This breakthrough technology provides the surgeon with real-time three-dimensional visualization for true customization of your lens replacement procedure. In addition to using the femtosecond laser to do many of the surgical steps traditionally performed by hand, our doctors still use many of the best innovations in cataract surgery, such as drops, only anesthesia (no shots), sutureless incisions through the clear cornea and foldable intraocular lenses. These advances allow us to use the smallest possible incision, approximately 1/18th of an inch.

After Cataract Surgery

Most patients are concerned about the cataract surgery recovery process. The doctors at Sacramento Eye Consultants provide the best quality care and thoroughly explain what you can expect after cataract surgery. Recovery from cataract surgery is generally very quick. Most patients obtain better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment. After one or two days, any discomfort should disappear. Complete visual recovery varies from patient to patient but most patients return to their everyday activities within a day or two. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the second procedure will most likely be scheduled within a week or two. Your cataract surgeon will schedule exams to check on your progress. Each person heals differently so it is important to discuss the cataract surgery recovery with your eye doctor.

For a few days after surgery, your cataract surgeon may ask you to use eye drops to help to heal and decrease the risk of infection. Ask your eye doctor about how to use your eye drops, how often to use them, and what effects they can have. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.

Serious complications are extremely rare, but because it is a form of surgery, there are some potential risks involved. Our staff and cataract surgeons will provide you with additional information about the risks associated with cataract surgery and answer any of the questions you may have.