Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery

Unfortunately, cataracts cannot be prevented. They are an inevitable part of aging and begin to affect adults over 40. By age 75, nearly half of all people will have developed cataracts. The only remedy to fully fix a cataract is surgery. Fortunately for you, Elmquist Eye Group surgeons are experts in bladeless laser cataract surgery. Let’s learn more.

About the Bladeless Technique

Cataracts form from a natural breakdown of proteins in the eye. As the proteins break down due to exposure to UV radiation and other Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgeryactors, they begin to clump on the eye’s natural lens. Over time, the proteins block light from entering the pupil, thus altering vision. Many of our patients describe their vision with cataracts as if they’re looking through a waterfall.

Artificial intraocular lenses (IOL) have been around for about 50 years. During the bladeless cataract surgery technique, our surgeons remove the clouded lens and replace it with an IOL. In the last few years, this field of cataract surgery has been revolutionized – first with the invention of the bladeless laser technique and then with a selection of the type of lens implants a patient can get.

The bladeless technique has superior precision and accuracy, making cataract surgery one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures in medicine today. Our Elmquist surgeons use the FDA-approved LenSx system designed by Alcon. It uses femtosecond laser technology for cataract procedures. Another reason the LenSx system is superior is that steps that were previously manual are now automated for the surgeon. We use the femtosecond laser to make an incision and then to fragment or break up the cataract prior to removal. The procedure is revolutionary and our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons have years of experience performing it.

So Many Lens Choices

These days, we can offer patients several varieties of IOL to correct vision, including toric lenses made particularly to correct astigmatism, an elongated curvature of the cornea. In fact, the laser procedure works best for astigmatism, given that the laser does a much more precise job of correcting the eye shape irregularities that are characteristic of astigmatism. In many cases, standard cataract surgery cannot address astigmatism, particularly as the level of astigmatism gets more severe.

With the LenSx system, our surgeons can make the precise incisions required for proper IOL placement of the toric lens for astigmatism. The laser allows them to carefully and precisely create the incisions, a procedure not possible without use of a laser.

The traditional cataract surgery is tried-and-true and certainly provides excellent results. However, bladeless cataract surgery enhances our surgeons’ ability to offer a wider range of corrective surgeries and offer patients at Elmquist Eye Group the best possible visual outcomes.

At Elmquist, our expert team has one goal: to provide you with the best possible cataract care. We perform a comprehensive eye exam and health history to determine whether you are ready for cataract surgery and to also determine the best lens implant for your long-term vision needs.

There’s no doubt you’ll have a pleasant surgical experience when you come to Elmquist Eye Group for bladeless laser cataract surgery. We have been providing excellent eye care for nearly 25 years in southwest Florida, and we have convenient Fort Myers and Cape Coral locations for you to choose from. Give us a call today to schedule your first appointment. You’re in good hands with the Elmquist team!