Eye Conditions & Treatment Laser Cataract Surgery
Traditional vs. Laser Cataract Surgery
With the introduction of the first FDA approved Custom Cataract laser, the LenSx® femtosecond cataract laser, surgeons at Cincinnati Eye Institute now have the ability to create incisions and reduce astigmatism without the use of blades. These laser-made incisions are more accurate and precise, thus eliminating some of the variables that have complicated cataract surgery results in the past. Recent results show that the laser is up to ten times more precise than manual techniques for portions of the cataract surgical procedure. The accuracy and precision of the femtosecond laser assists with the predictability of the visual outcome.
To begin, a stair-step incision is created on the edge of the cornea with the laser instead of with a blade. The incision is selfsealing and rarely needs suturing.
 The laser then creates an opening, “capsulorhexis”, in the thin capsular membrane that surrounds the natural lens to provide an opening to remove the cataract. Studies have shown that less than 10% of manual capsulorhexi, which are made with a bent or shaped needle, have been able to achieve the same accuracy that is produced with laser cataract surgery.
In order to remove the cataract, the lens must be divided into manageable sections. This critical step is also performed by the laser, which causes less stress to the delicate fibers surrounding the capsular membrane that hold the lens in place.
Correcting Astigmatism with Laser Cataract Surgery
The Custom Laser Cataract Surgery procedure gives your surgeon the ability to reduce
astigmatism without the use of a blade and with the accuracy and precision of a laser.
Microscopic corneal incisions are made using the laser to reduce mild astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. This procedure allows light passing through the cornea to focus onto one point instead of several, thereby reducing or eliminating the distortions caused by astigmatism and thereby decreasing dependence on glasses following cataract surgery.
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