Cataract Awareness Month: 5 Facts About Femto Laser HD Surgery

To celebrate Cataract Awareness Month, here are some helpful facts about this amazing procedure.

When it comes to age-related health problems, there is perhaps no illness more common among seniors than vision loss caused by cataracts. In fact, according to Prevent Blindness America, there are currently more than 24 million Americans aged 40 and over who have cataracts, making this eye problem the leading cause of blindness across the world.

Cataracts, caused when the clear, natural lens of our eyes becomes cloudy and changes the passage of light into our eyes, can significantly affect our sight if it is not caught right away. Luckily, however, cataract surgery can be easily removed through cataract surgery and the damaged lens can be replaced with an intraocular lens implant (IOL) to help restore vision.

In fact, standard definition cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States with more than a 95% success rate. However, a new type of cataract surgery―femto laser HD surgery―has recently been introduced onto the scene and may be improving cataract removal even further.

Also known as RELACS (Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery), the Catalys Laser System combines a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser, advanced 3D Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging, sophisticated software and a host of other unique features that enable doctors  to provide patients with a gentle, highly customized procedure with unprecedented precision.

To help you understand more about how Femto Laser HD Cataract Surgery is helping those with cataracts, here are 5 facts about HD Cataract Surgery to honor Cataract Awareness Month:

1. HD Cataract Surgery Is Not Available Everywhere

There are only a handful of surgeons in the state of New Jersey at this time who are certified on the Catalys Laser System. OCLI’s River Drive office is the first of two centers in the entire state who actually offers this procedure. Plus, given that Dr. Silverman is the most experienced surgeon in the state when it comes to using this laser, you can be sure to trust him to give you the best results possible from your HD Cataract Surgery.

2. The Catalys Laser System Offers Many Benefits

Here are just a few reasons why you should chose the femto-assisted laser over traditional cataract lasers:

• A highly customizable procedure using advanced 3D imaging
• Little to no discomfort
• A faster recovery time due to reduced inflammation
• The opportunity to receive tailored treatment with advanced technology multi-focal lenses, which may reduce the need for glasses or contacts after surgery.
• Ability to reduce and control astigmatism with precision laser intrastromal arcuate incisions

3. HD Cataract Surgery Is More Precise Than Standard Definition (SD)

Following SD cataract surgery, some patients may find that there can still be some residual refractive error and/or astigmatism in their vision. Therefore, reading glasses may be necessary for intermediate and close vision. However, HD cataract surgery is recommended for those who wish to minimize their dependence on glasses even more. This is because doctors are able to make all of the incisions required for the surgery with an accuracy that is 10x greater than that achieved with the manual (SD) technique.

4. Catalys Lasers Automate The Surgical Steps

Although Traditional SD Cataract Surgery is considered to be one of the safest and most successful procedures performed in medicine today, most of the steps are still performed manually with a surgical blade, a bent needle, forceps, or chopper.  HD Cataract surgery automates these steps, adding a greater amount of precision to the entire cataract procedure making the surgery even safer and more predictable.

5. HD Cataract Surgery Makes Removal More Gentle

Femto-assisted laser technology also makes the breaking-up and removal of the cataract easier and gentler on the eye then the SD technique.   A clinical study has shown that Catalys can nearly or completely eliminate the ultrasound energy traditionally needed during this step. This low-energy approach reduces inflammation, allowing for a more rapid recovery.

Do you have any more questions about HD cataract surgery in New Jersey, or are interested in setting up a consultation? Be sure to contact OCLI today.

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