Living with cataracts can be extremely frustrating, as if everything you see is through a sheet of frosted glass. The only way to clear the fog is through surgery. Cataract surgery has come a long way over the years, including new LenSx^® laser technology. But what makes laser-assisted cataract surgery a better option?

THE INCISION

Traditional Cataract Surgery: The surgeon manually cuts a small incision in the cornea – the transparent layer that forms the front of the eye. Making the incision requires extreme concentration and an exceptionally steady hand. In some instances, it’s necessary to cut a larger incision which requires stitches to close. Those stitches are removed weeks later.

LenSx^® Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: The LenSx^® system carefully maps the eye using micro-imaging cameras to feed data into the computer. The surgeon then identifies the ideal location for the incision and programs the laser to make the perfect cut. LenSx is significantly more accurate than manual cataract surgery.

REMOVING THE BAD LENS

Traditional Cataract Surgery: A small probe is inserted through the incision. The probe emits ultrasonic waves that break up the lens. Substantial ultrasonic energy is applied to essentially liquefy the majority of lens which is then vacuumed out by the probe. A second probe is then inserted to remove the remaining pieces.

LenSx Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: The LenSx^® system requires half the ultrasonic energy to break up and soften the affected lens compared to traditional methods. This means less trauma to the eye and less inflammation. That translates to pain-free surgery for the patient.

REPLACING THE LENS

Traditional Cataract Surgery: A new artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), is inserted in place of the removed lens. The IOL is usually curled up in an injector that again passes through the incision. The IOL is deposited, uncurls and settles into position.

LenSx Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: The sequence of steps is identical to traditional cataract surgery at this stage, but computer mapping ensures the IOL injector makes it smoothly through the incision and deposits the IOL in the precise position for optimal vision.

RECOVERY

Traditional Cataract Surgery: Recovery time and side effects depend largely on how well the surgery was performed, but most patients return home with a few hours of surgery. It's common to experience discomfort in and around the eye for up to a few days. Other side effects may include an itchy or sticky eye, blurred vision, a feeling of grittiness and mild headache.

LenSx Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: The surgery and recovery are pain free. In most cases, the patient’s vision improves almost immediately after the procedure. Reduced ultrasonic energy used during a LenSx^® cataract surgery reduces trauma-related side effects.

Gainesville Eye Physicians is the only practice in the greater Gainesville area to offer the LenSx^® laser-assisted surgical system. Contact our offices today to discuss your cataract treatment options.