Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

Apr 28, 2021

Dr. Gary Fishman and Dr. Simon Wu at Vision Center of New York perform bladeless advanced cataract surgery. They use LenSx technology, similar to the bladeless LASIK procedures. It is considered the best cataract treatment. The femtosecond laser is a nonthermal laser. Laser-Assisted Cataract surgery can make incisions of precision. It cannot be achieved with the traditional option.

Who Can Consider Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?

Dr. Fishman or Dr. Wu will evaluate your eye condition and specific needs to know if you are the right choice for laser-assisted cataract surgery or not. They might suggest traditional cataract surgery when the laser is not suitable depending on your eye condition.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Option? 

Dr. Fishman and Dr. Wu focus on the femtosecond laser and the advanced technology to create the best possible solution for patients. Here are some benefits of the LenSx laser:

  • Better surgical precision with the help of computers. 
  • No use of surgical blades as laser technology will do the incisions. 
  • The use of less ultrasound energy. 
  • Less possibility of tearing while opening the capsule. 
  • Less risk of impacting the incision due to the presence of less heat during the process.

Why Should One Use LenSx Laser?

LenSx can ensure automated precision with computer-controlled software. The best part is that it will treat astigmatism during the surgery. When combined with an advanced technology Intraocular Lens, it can be the best cure for cataracts. It will minimize the need for contact lenses and glasses after cataract surgery.

Traditional Cataract Surgery vs Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Dr. Fishman and Dr. Wu follow three steps for cataract surgery when it comes to the LenSX laser. First, the laser software will create a 3D image of the eye of patients. During the process, it will point to the incision location. After this, a femtosecond laser will be used to create an incision in your cornea. It will remove the lens anterior capsule as well. By doing so, the surgeons can access your cataract clouded lens. He will use the laser in the cataract-clouded lens to create many cuts, and then he will suction it out. It will minimize the use of ultrasound energy. 

The third step is related to astigmatism. If the patient is suffering from astigmatism, the laser can minimize it by creating peripheral corneal incisions. Dr. Fishman and Dr. Wu never consider surgical blades while using a laser for scoring the cataract, entry precision, and peripheral incisions.

Is LenSx and Laser Cataract Combination Safe?

Yes, if you believe the early results, it shows that LenSx and laser cataract is the best cataract surgery lens replacement. It offers better results than traditional cataract surgery.

What Is the Procedure?

Dr. Fishman and Dr. Wu focus on a small incision, minimally invasive, and no-stitch surgery. The procedure is called phacoemulsification surgery. They also use the Femtosecond laser to get better accuracy as well as great precision. Also, it will not require a surgical blade for the surgery. Therefore, patients can expect a fast process that might take up to ten minutes only. 

As mentioned above, the LenSx technology will first create a 3D image of the eye of patients to decide the further steps. The 3D image will help Dr. Fishman with better accuracy to map the incision location. 

After this step, the femtosecond laser will remove your lens’s anterior capsule while creating the corneal incision. It will enable the surgeon to check the cataract-clouded lens. Now the laser will create small cuts in your cataract-clouded lens. During this time, the probe will use suction to remove the small pieces of the lens gently. The earlier scoring will need less ultrasound energy to break up your cataract lens. 

Dr. Fishman and Dr. Wu have a solution for astigmatism. He will use the laser to make peripheral corneal incisions. It will improve the condition. In the final step, the surgeon will insert the IOL or the artificial intraocular lens. Advanced IOLs can be folded. They can be inserted using the same small incisions that were used to remove the original lens. Also, the small incision will not need sutures. The healing will be natural and fast.

How Long Will The Procedure Take?

You might be thinking that the process will take longer. The time will include the sedation and placing eye drops. When it comes to the surgery only, it will not take more than ten to fifteen minutes.

Is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Painful?

Many fear the laser procedure since they believe that it will be a bit painful. However, it is completely painless. You will not even feel that you have done cataract surgery. Once you arrive at the Bronx office, you will be offered a mild sedative. Once the sedative starts to show its effect, our staff will place anesthetic eye drops. Both sedative and eye drops will protect your eyes from feeling. You will not feel anything during the surgery even if you will be awake. But we make it possible. You will not experience any pain or discomfort.

How Long Will It Take to Heal?

Once the surgery is done, an eye patch will be placed on your eye. Also, you will get a protective shield that you can use for many days while sleeping. You might feel that your vision is a bit blurry initially. However, the condition will start to improve in a day or two. Even if you feel itching, you should not touch the treated eye. 

Avoid bending over, heavy lifting, and any other thing that can cause increased blood pressure on your face. We will give you eye drops to minimize inflammation and speed up the healing. Healing might take two months. However, you will be able to do most of your normal activities within a few days. In some conditions, you might require a lens or glasses after the surgery. When both of your eyes are affected, we will do the second surgery after a month or two.

Can One Expect a Permanent Solution?

Yes, the artificial lens will offer clear vision. But it will not develop a cataract again.

Can Untreated Cataracts Cause Further Deterioration? 

Yes, if you leave your cataract untreated, it will continue to worsen, and ultimately, it might result in blindness. Therefore, you should not ignore a cataract. As soon as you notice the condition, you should go with an effective and safest treatment. The success rate is more than ninety-eight percent. 

Book an Appointment Now 

Dr. Wu and Dr. Fishman with Vision Center of New York are world-class cataract specialists, having attended the top schools and receiving the top training in the U.S. Restore your vision and quality of life now by scheduling an appointment today.