Cataract Surgery

Traditional vs. Laser Cataract Surgery

With the introduction of the FDA-approved LenSx® femtosecond laser, our doctors now have the ability to use laser technology to perform many of the surgical steps that were traditionally performed by hand.

These precise, reproducible steps performed by the LenSx® laser mean better lens positioning, less trauma to the eye, and more predictable visual results. Femtosecond laser is the newest advance to improve upon the safety and efficacy of cataract surgery.

Manual cataract surgery requires the use of a special metal blade to make the main corneal incision. With LenSx®, this incision is created by the laser under ultrasound imaging of the cornea.

The capsulorhexis, one of the most critical steps of cataract surgery, involves creating an opening in the lens capsule. When created with femtosecond laser, the position, size, and shape are exact per the surgeon’s specifications. When performed manually, the surgeon will approximate this opening typically using a special forceps.

Finally, the femtosecond laser allows the solid lens to be divided into manageable pieces allowing for easier removal with less ultrasound energy. This is beneficial because it causes less inflammation which make the procedure less traumatic to the eye and the delicate tissue that holds the IOL in place.