Benefits of Femto-Second Laser Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery technique has changed after two years of conventional phaco-emulsification technique . With the help of the Lens Femtosecond Laser and live OCT-guided imaging, an Ophthalmologist in Westchester may do the hardest steps of cataract operation with ease and precision. The laser so provides patients with a blade-free, exceptionally secure and a much better alternative.

Benefits of Femto-Second (Bladeless) Laser Surgery  vs Traditional (Blade) Surgery

High Definition Unmatched by Human Hands:

The laser ushers in a new age of automation, improving the skills of the surgeon, which makes the most troublesome steps of Phaco surgery easy and 100% true, thereby enhancing the safety and visual results of cataract surgery. Imagine drawing a circle ( on of the modtbimporyant steps of cataract surgery is to cut a precise  circular opening in the lens)  using a computer-guided printer, compared to a human hand, and you can understand the difference.

It is Bladeless Surgery

 Since the laser is the cutting tool during the whole surgery, no knives or blades are used during the process, also making it the nomenclature of bladeless cataract operation. A computer-controlled laser is a more exact and a precise cutting instrument than hand-held  blades, working on such a delicate eye tissue.

Enhances Vision -Astigmatism  Traditional Phaco-emulsification  only addresses the issue of cataract, with no effect on preexisting astigmatism (cylindrical power) because of abnormal corneal curvature. Femto-Second laser also corrects the preexisting cylinder in a patient’s eye, with its astigmatic correction module (LRI) thereby leading to a better visusl results  when compared with conventional cataract surgery. Best Eye Doctor in Westchester. Henceforth, cataract surgery isn’t only a process of visual rehabilitation, but an experience of this improved outcome.

Safety

Phaco-emulsification ( Traditional Blade Catatact Surgery) is regarded as a reasonably secure surgery. However,  the Femto-Second laser system further enhances the security by enhancing the performance of the  surgeon and lessening the odds of human error. The computer-controlled incisions created by the laser are more accurate and precise than manual incisions, regarding architecture and depth. For this reason, wounds seal better and there are fewer odds of leaks and infection.

A fundamental Platform for Advanced Technology (AT) IOLs:

Premium Intra-ocular lenses (IOLs) requires a totally centered, round and fixed sized capsular opening for best centering of the lens inside the eye. This is easily accomplished by Femto Second Laser Cataract Surgery

Safer Surgery in Complicated Eyes

There are patients that have anatomic issues or problems with their eyes that make their surgery particularly challenging. This can occur in many instances: uveitis,  iritis, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, previous eye trauma, history of prostate or bladder medication usuage, advanced diabetes, advanced glaucoma and very short eyes, … to name a few . In eyes that are more challenging the Femto Second Laser is an extremely beneficial tool to facilitate the surgery. This issue to the fact that the laser techniques allows surgeons to bypass some of the most delicate steps of the surgery and minimize time spent in the eye and manipulating tissue.

How the  Laser is  performed

The Femtosecond laser is docked on the eye by means of a decorative Interface (PI) and a gentle specially designed contact lens. This platform is the same used for LASIK Corrective vision surgery.

 The surgeon inputs the patient’s eye measurements and calculations into the laser. Then live-time  3-D ultrasound OCT images of the patients eye are streamed on to the monitor screen. The Laser calculates precise positioning of all incisions  to be made . Main incision, side port incision, and Capsular opening are indicated on the monitor. Incisions to correct Astigmatism are calculated too. Once surgeon and laser  calculations are  complete, the laser comes in contact with the eye. Once the eye is stabilized in position incisions are then  constructed with the laser.  The laser not only makes the incisions but also divides the lens with precise cuts (The traditional phaco cataract surgery requires sound energy to shatter the lens and the lens pieces are manually broken apart with a digging or a chopping technique. )

After incisions are produced the laser then cuts the lens into precise pieces. The laser completes all these steps  in microseconds (Femto-Seconds). Once completed, the patient is bought into the operating room . The laser wounds are then  opened  by the surgeon to remove the pre-cut cataract lens particules and for placement of the artificial lens implant.

Please note that despite the benefits the Femto- Laser Cataract surgery, it is considered  as enhanced surgery . Being that the surgery can be stilll completed with scalpels snd blades it is more cost -effective for insurance plans and Medicare  to cover its cost for everyone. Insurance plans do not cover the cost of the laser surgery. The cost of the  laser usuage is covered by the patient . The cost typically ranges from $1200-2500 ( prices may vary) pending on geographic  location , surgeon upfront cost and surgeon educational training . Despite the cost more increasing number of patients are selecting Laser Cataract Surgery as the anticipation for this modern technology had  been in the works for decades and patients have always desired a less invasive bladeless alternatives.

It is important to note that at present the immediate results and healing is more rapid with the laser technique( due to minimal steps performed and minimal extraneous handling of tissue ) however long term visual results 6mos / 1 year out is the same.

Ask your Surgeon about your cataract surgery options and what is the best technique for both surgeon and yourself.