Laser Cataract Surgery

Posted on

Oct 12, 2015

Book/Edition

Colorado - Northern Colorado

Today's world has benefited from great advances in all aspects of modern medicine. Some of the most rewarding gains, in terms of outcomes for patients, have been within the field of cataract surgery. Cataract surgery works to eliminate the blurry vision and glare caused by cataracts, which can form in the lens of the aging eye. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by using a combination of surgical technique, scalpels and ultrasound. Recently there have been advances in the procedure of cataract removal, which now utilizes laser and optical coherence (OCT) technology. This breakthrough has resulted in greater safety and accuracy, and improved outcomes for patients.

Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery is now available nationwide, and the results from cataract surgery have never been better. This new technology utilizes the power and accuracy of laser energy to replace many of the critical steps in traditional cataract surgery and also optimizes the execution of these steps to maximize safety and accuracy. These processes are multifactorial in their scope of effect on the eye. The laser energy is used to create all corneal incisions to enter the eye, so a knife or scalpel is no longer required. These incisions are designed to be multi-planar, which allows for a higher level of wound sealing without sutures. The laser treats corneal astigmatism, which reduces the need for glasses following surgery. The laser also opens the natural capsule, which envelops the cataract, with a roundness, centration and precision that no human hand can duplicate. Additionally, the laser fragments the cataract, which decreases the amount of ultrasound energy required to break up the lens opacity. This theoretically is safer for the delicate endothelial cells on the inner surface of the cornea.

The face of modern medicine constantly is changing to improve the lives of people with all manner of disease, and age-related degenerations. Cataract surgery is among the leaders of this continuum with Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery. Bladeless cataract surgery has already helped thousands of patients in northern Colorado. Ask your eye doctor if you are a candidate for this remarkable new technology.


Editor's Note: Karl Olsen MD is a Cataract and Refractive surgeon at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado. He can be reached at 970 221-2222.

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