Laser Cataract Surgery - San Antonio Eye & Face Institute

What is Laser Cataract Surgery?

To fully understand what a cataract is you should first read our page about cataracts and standard cataract surgery. After reading this page, continue reading about laser cataract surgery here.

With the Laser Cataract Surgery option, the patient undergoes cataract surgery with the LensAR® femtosecond laser system (in traditional cataract surgery, the entire surgery is performed manually with handheld instruments). This laser system performs some of the key steps of the surgery. It uses Augmented Reality, a unique imaging system that scans your eye and creates a 3D reconstruction of your eye. This is used by the laser system to plan and treat your cataract. It is also used to create tiny incisions on the cornea to help reduce astigmatism.

Some studies have shown that surgery performed with use of the laser allows the intraocular lens (IOL) to center more precisely in the eye. In addition, you may opt for a premium intraocular lens (IOL) that helps you to see over a wider range of distances. Reducing your astigmatism as much as possible is one of the keys to maximizing your vision when using a standard, monofocal IOL, but especially when using premium IOLs.

Laser cataract surgery may also reduce the time it takes to remove your cataract. A shorter surgery time means less energy will be released into the eye. This reduces the chance of other parts of the eye being affected by the surgery and speeds the recovery process.

Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery

A technologically advanced procedure utilizing 3D imaging and the femtosecond laser
Little to no discomfort for the patient
Increased precision compared to manual cataract surgery
Gentler and easier fragmentation of the lens
More precise and centered opening of the cataract
More customized treatment which reduces the chance of needing glasses or contacts after surgery

Am I a Candidate for Laser Cataract Surgery?

Most patients who have cataracts are candidates for laser cataract surgery. If the opening between your two eyelids is very small or if your eye sits deep in your orbit, laser cataract surgery may be more challenging. There is a small, round suction ring that needs to sit on your eye to perform laser cataract surgery. To overcome this obstacle, an oval shaped suction ring has been designed so that more patients can opt for laser cataract surgery. Patients with dense, hard cataract or those desiring improved vision without glasses or contacts are also good candidates. Just remember, your ultimate vision will be limited by the existence of other diseases of the eye. No version of cataract surgery can fix your vision if the cataract is not your only problem.

What if I already had LASIK, PRK, or RK?

Prior refractive surgery is not a contraindication to having Laser Cataract Surgery. Refractive surgery causes thinning and flattening of the surface of the eye which can disrupt the measurement for the intraocular lens. This could make it more likely that you will need glasses or contact lenses after either version of cataract surgery. Steps can be taken, including using Alcon’s ORA device during the cataract surgery to take additional measurements for the intraocular lens power after the cataract has been removed. Even with the best technologies available, there is still a risk that the the intraocular lens power could be slightly off which would require you to need glasses or contacts.

Will Laser Cataract Surgery eliminate glasses?

Laser Cataract Surgery, ORA measurements during surgery, and the use of a premium intraocular lens can reduce you chance of needing glasses or contacts, but it may not completely eliminate your need for either. There is always the possibility that you will require glasses or contacts for some or all activities. The common scenarios that create a continuous need for glasses or contacts are night driving, reading in low light settings, or reading very small print.

What are the risks of Laser Cataract Surgery?

Laser Cataract surgery is completed without complication in greater than 98% of cases–similar to standard cataract surgery. That does not mean that laser cataract surgery is without risks. 2% or less of patients may experience a complication. The most common complications will be listed below, but it is impossible to list every possible complication:

Pain
Infection
Bleeding
Loss of Vision
Loss of the Eye
Need for further Surgery
Need for Glasses or Contacts
Droopy Eyelid
Death

We take precautions to avoid complications. If a complication occurred, we would take steps to manage the complication to achieve the best case scenario. Like any medical procedure, no guarantee can ever be made.

If you have any questions regarding your surgery, do not hesitate asking your questions. We are here to answer your questions and to provide you with the highest level of care available.

Is Laser Cataract Surgery covered by Insurance?

Standard Cataract Surgery is an insurance covered procedure when your vision has become blurry enough to disrupt your activities of daily living and glasses or contacts are no longer able to improve your vision. Some parts of Laser Cataract Surgery are covered by insurance, but the entire procedure is NOT covered. It is a hybrid procedure. There are additional out-of-pocket costs for Laser Cataract Surgery that will not be covered by insurance. The option to undergo Laser Cataract Surgery is a personal choice.