Specialized Cataract Surgery
Correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery
Cataracts and astigmatism are common ophthalmologic issues that affect many of our patients. The cataract surgeons at Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region often use the Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) surgical procedure to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery. With LRI, incisions are made at the opposite edges of the cornea. The incisions reshape the cornea. Because the incisions are outside the field of view, they are designed to not cause glare or other visual effects. See Dr. Allen Zieker’s case study for more information.
The combination of the cataract surgery with an LRI allows our patients to accomplish the correction of astigmatism at the same time as cataract removal.
Check out our FREE Cataract Surgery Guide here.
Laser Cataract Surgery
Standard cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision for many patients. In fact, it is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States; more than 3 million cataract surgeries are done each year. For decades, cataract surgery, including the first incisions and the breakup and removal of the cataract, were performed by hand. Now, additionally, Dr. Allen Zieker, and Dr. Robert Feldman can perform these steps with the Catalys™ femtosecond laser system.
Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region recently implemented this revolutionary technology. Catalys combines a femtosecond laser, 3D imaging, and the latest technology designed to produce a highly customized cataract surgery experience.
So what exactly is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?
When choosing to use the Catalys Precision Laser System, Dr. Allen Zieker, and Dr. Robert Feldman perform the following steps for laser cataract surgery:
- Creating the primary incisions and sideport to access the cataract
- Creating the circular incision around the capsule of the lens in the eye, a procedure called a capsulotomy
- Fragmenting the cloudy portions of the lens to facilitate its removal
- When appropriate, creating the incisions to reduce astigmatism
The surgeon is able to customize each patient’s surgery individually with the Catalys Laser System.
What are the benefits of Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery with Catalys?
The increased accuracy and precision have been shown to assist with a more predictable surgery. Dr. Allen Zieker, and Dr. Robert Feldman are experienced cataract surgeons and can now offer this choice to patients in need of cataract surgery.
Key Features of Catalys Include:
The Liquid Optics™ Interface—This gentle interface docks the patient to the Catalys system, using a liquid to fill in irregularities in the surface of the cornea designed to give the surgeon a clear, wide view of the patient’s eye.
Integral Guidance™—The Catalys femtosecond laser is guided by a detailed visualization of the cornea and lens (cataract) surfaces, made possible by the system’s advanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system. This provides a 3D map of these structures, allowing the surgeon to customize each patient’s cataract surgery with the laser targeting sites selected according to the unique anatomy of the patient’s eye.
NEXT STEPS
If you think you may have cataracts or have been told you do, it is important to schedule an appointment.
