Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery
What is Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery?
Our doctors offer bladeless advanced laser cataract surgery here in Wilmington. Sharing the same technology used in bladeless LASIK procedures, the femtosecond laser is a cool (non-thermal) laser which can create incisions of excellent precision and predictability.
The Laser Cataract Surgery Procedure
At Cape Fear Cataract & Cornea, our doctors use minimally invasive, small-incision, no-stitch cataract surgery, known as phacoemulsification (phaco) surgery. We utilize the Catalys® femtosecond laser for greater precision and accuracy. Here’s how it is done.
The laser system first creates a 3D image of your eye for guidance. This provides the doctor with incredible accuracy when mapping the incision location. Next, the femtosecond laser creates corneal incisions designed to reduce subtle astigmatism in the cornea. Then it forms a carefully positioned and highly accurate opening in the anterior capsule of the lens. This allows access to the cataract and ensures good positioning of the intraocular lens at the end of the case. The laser also makes a series of cuts in the cataract. This softens the lens for easier removal.
Then the cataract surgery proceeds as usual. A device is then inserted and delivers ultrasound energy that breaks up the cloudy lens. The earlier scoring of the lens reduces the amount of ultrasound energy needed to break up the cataract lens. The cataract is then emulsified and gently removed with the suction of the ultrasound device.
The final step of the surgery is to insert the artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Today’s advanced IOLs are foldable and are inserted through the same small incisions through which the original lens was removed. You can read about your options for IOLs at Cape Feat Cataract & Cornea by clicking here. The small incision size typically doesn’t require any sutures; it will heal on its own.
Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery
At Cape Fear Cataract & Cornea, we believe in staying at the forefront of eye surgery technology and the femtosecond laser is a jump forward. Here are some advantages and benefits for our patients in using the Femtosecond laser for cataract surgery:
- The computer guidance provides greater surgical precision.
- All incisions can be made with the laser; these can be oriented to reduce astigmatism after cataract surgery.
- Laser scoring of the clouded lens before removal reduces the amount of ultrasound energy needed to break up the lens.
- When opening the capsule, the laser creates a very precise and reliable opening to facilitate the surgery and allow more predictable positioning of the intraocular lens after it is placed in the eye.
Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery FAQs
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Brian Groat or Dr. Justin Needham
Contact Cape Fear Cataract & Cornea, P.A. at 910-769-4590 to or click the button below to schedule your consultation and see if laser-assisted cataract surgery is right for you. Our practice serves Wilmington, NC and the surrounding areas.
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“Excellent physician! I feel very comfortable with him taking care of my eyes. He is a honest physician. Staff and office is wonderful! I would highly recommend him for all your eye needs!”
“I moved to Wilmington 4 years ago and found Dr. Groat when I had an eye emergency. His precision and efficiency is undeniable. He has an existentive medical background that made me feel comfortable + his team is so sweet, they really made my experience bearable. I’ve been going back every year for eye exams!”
