Recent application of LASIK laser technology to cataract and lens based surgery has led to better, more consistent vision outcomes than ever before. This remarkable technology has helped make cataract surgery an even more life changing experience. Being able to remove a clouded lens and simultaneously correct a lifetime of vision problems has taken this surgery to another level.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. They typically affect 70% of patients by age 75 to the degree that cataract surgery is recommended. However patients even in their 50’s or 60’s can have visual effects from cataract.
Femtosecond laser technology which originally was developed to assist in LASIK has now come to the forefront of cataract and lens based surgery. This technology has been adapted to traditional cataract surgery by creating corneal incisions, improving on astigmatism reduction and fragmenting the cataract/lens. These steps are consistently and reliably performed by the laser.
This remarkable technology is not just limited to patients with advanced cataracts. For example, patients with very high degrees hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness) or those with corneal diseases who are not good candidates for LASIK may be candidates for this surgery. Typically candidates are in their late 40s or older who are already experiencing some degree of presbyopia (loss of near vision accommodation).
We use the Alcon LenSx femtosecond sytem in concert with the Verion preoperative planning device. The LenSx is state of the art in femtosecond technology and features a low pressure docking system for enhanced patient comfort during the procedure. It quickly performs the laser steps in under 1 minute in most patients.
Verion is measuring system that calculates corneal curvature and assists the surgeon in lens implant selection and astigmatism reduction. It is used first in the office prior to the planned surgical date. It is used as an adjunct to other technology to further refine outcomes. It also has an intraoperative device that helps to confirm precise alignment and positioning of the lens implant.
Numerous lens implant (IOL) options have been developed that can help reduce dependency upon glasses after cataract surgery. From bifocal and trifocal correction to monofocal lenses, there are many options available. Generally, these are tailored to the patient based on the overall health of the eyes, the underlying degrees of astigmatism and the goals of the patient.
Among the bifocal and new Panoptix trifocal we use include the Alcon acrysof multifocal IOL, the AMO Technis multifocal and the Bausch & Lomb Crystalens. For toric IOL’s we use the Alcon acrysof toric series. Monofocal IOLs have numerous options some of which control spherical aberration and are customized again on patient factors.
Monovision remains an effective alternative for many patients as well, using different IOL powers in each eye to allow one to see at distance and the other to see at intermediate or near depending upon patient preference. This blending of vision can be very effective for many patients.
