Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. Great advances have been made in cataract surgery. Millions of people undergo this vision-improving procedure every year and experience excellent results.  Recent innovations in cataract surgery now make it possible for cataracts to be removed with greater precision and accuracy.  Traditional cataract surgery involves the use of a surgical blade to perform corneal incisions and anterior capsulotomies of the eye, ultimately making it possible to remove the cataract. The LenSx® femtosecond laser is designed to improve precision and reproducibility during certain challenging and critical steps of cataract surgery that are currently performed manually. Because this technology allows for laser precision during these steps, the LenSx laser may contribute to improved surgical outcomes.

The LenSx® femtosecond laser utilizes a beam of laser light to create the necessary incisions for cataract surgery. An advanced computer-guidance system, controlled by Dr. Sayegh, directs the laser over the eye to provide the most precise and accurate results for each individual patient. This makes it possible for the successful combination of the surgeon’s skills with state-of-the-art technology to produce extraordinary results. The LenSx® femtosecond laser may also be able to better manage astigmatism than other types of cataract surgery.

After the LenSx® femtosecond laser procedure is complete and the cataract has been removed, Dr. Sayegh can place a refractive lens implant inside the eye to improve your vision.  Removal of cataracts is only the first step in setting you on the road to better vision. Refractive cataract surgery removes the cataracts, and then replaces your natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant, capable of reducing your dependence on corrective eyewear such as glasses or contacts. Dr. Sayegh can talk with you about your lens replacement options at your initial cataract surgery consultation.

In the past, eye specialists often waited until the cataract became “ripe” and your vision was very poor before suggesting you had the cataract removed.

Nowadays, with modern surgery the operation is usually done as soon as your eyesight interferes with your daily life. This includes having any difficulties with looking after yourself or others, cooking, driving, getting out and about, being able to read, work or do the things you enjoy.

If you are a driver you must reach the visual standard required by the Department of Motor Vehicles, and it may be necessary to have the cataract removed in order to keep your license.

Not long ago, cataract surgery required a hospital stay and was usually postponed as long as possible. Today, the procedure is performed on an out-patient basis and takes only a few minutes. Patients are free to return home to rest in comfort and avoid the inconvenience and expense of a hospital stay. In most cases, daily activities such as driving and reading can be resumed almost immediately.

After the surgery, you'll be given a short time to rest. Then, the very same day, you can go home. Within the next 24 hours, your doctor will probably want to see you for an evaluation. Drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and help your eyes heal. For a few days, you may need to wear a clear shield, especially at night, to prevent you from rubbing your eyes.

When your cataract has been removed it may seem like a miracle. All the things you couldn't see clearly are bright, clear, and vivid again. In fact, many people will tell you they haven't seen life so clearly in years.

Once you see how good the world looks, you'll be so glad -- like millions of others just like you -- that a cataract is one thing you can live without.

Medicare allows patients, who need cataract surgery, to select a custom intraocular lens to reduce their spectacle (eyeglasses) dependence. The PanOptix, Vivity & Acrysof Toric lenses that we offer all qualify!