LENSX-FEMTO LASER ASSISTED CATARACT SPECIALISTS

Arlington Heights, IL Laser Assisted-Cataract Surgery

Serving you in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove  and the surrounding areas.

847-392-9220
Northwest Eye Physicians offer LenSx, which is a technologically advanced procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to help with the removal of cataracts. A femtosecond laser is a laser that emits optical pulses that have durations that are between femtoseconds and hundreds of femtoseconds. The United States has only used this kind of laser for the last ten years and it has been utilized by LASIK surgeons. This laser is a cool laser that allows the surgeon to have very precise incisions during surgery.

Cataract Surgery Laser

A cataract is a medical condition where the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts occur when there is a protein that has built up in the lens of your eyes and it usually happens as the result of trauma, a side effect of a medication, age or because of a certain medical condition. It is usually recommended to have surgery to remove the cataracts once they have impacted your vision.

Steps to Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

There are four steps to LenSx-Femto Laser Assisted Surgery that include:
STEP 1: A small corneal incision is made in the outer surface of the eye to expose the cataract
STEP 2: An incision known as the anterior capsulotomy is made to open the outer covering of the lens
STEP 3: The cataract is softened and broken up using a type of ultrasound called phacoemulsification
STEP 4: The artificial lens is implanted to replace the cataract that was removed

Advantages of LenSx-Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

LenSx technology allows for the surgeon to get the most accurate measurements of the eye before the surgery in order to provide the most precise information of the size of the eye, the depth, pupil size and curvature of the cornea.
Another advantage of the LenSx-femto laser is that it has computer controlled software that allow the surgeon to make any adjustments to the anterior capsulotomy size and corneal curvature that are necessary. There will be some long term studies that will examine what all of the benefits are of this laser assisted surgery, but the early studies are showing that the laser may provide greater accuracy, safety and precision during cataract surgery than traditional surgery does.
Most insurance companies and Medicare will pay for cataract surgery, but it is the responsibility of the patient to check with their carrier to confirm coverage and eligibility. LenSx-Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery is considered to be an enhanced procedure, therefore the patient will have an out-of-pocket expense for the surgery. 
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

  • What is laser-assisted cataract surgery?

    Laser-assisted cataract surgery is an advanced form of cataract surgery that uses a femtosecond laser to perform several of the most delicate steps of the procedure. The laser creates highly precise corneal incisions, opens the lens capsule, and softens the cataract before it is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

  • How is laser-assisted cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery?

    Both procedures safely remove cataracts and replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens. Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses computer-guided femtosecond laser technology to automate portions of the procedure that are traditionally performed by hand, allowing for exceptional precision. Your ophthalmologist can help determine which approach is best for your eyes.

  • What is a femtosecond laser?

    A femtosecond laser delivers extremely short pulses of laser energy to perform delicate surgical steps with remarkable accuracy. It has been used in ophthalmology for years and is also commonly utilized during LASIK procedures.

  • Who is a good candidate for laser-assisted cataract surgery?

    You may be a candidate if yo

    • Have visually significant cataracts
    • Want the latest surgical technology
    • Have astigmatism that may benefit from laser-created corneal incisions
    • Are interested in premium intraocular lens options
    • Are healthy enough for cataract surgery

    A comprehensive cataract evaluation will determine whether laser-assisted surgery is appropriate for your individual needs.

  • Can laser-assisted cataract surgery correct astigmatism?

    Yes. The femtosecond laser can create highly precise corneal incisions to reduce certain amounts of astigmatism during cataract surgery. Patients with greater amounts of astigmatism may also benefit from toric intraocular lenses.

  • Does the laser remove the cataract?

    Potential benefits may include:

    • Highly precise surgical incisions
    • Improved accuracy during key surgical steps
    • Reduced ultrasound energy needed to remove the cataract
    • Astigmatism correction in appropriate patients
    • Excellent positioning of premium lens implants

    Your ophthalmologist will explain which benefits apply to your specific situation.

  • How long does laser-assisted cataract surgery take?

    Most cataract surgeries are completed in less than 30 minutes, although your total appointment time will be longer to allow for preparation, recovery, and postoperative instructions.

  • Is laser-assisted cataract surgery painful?

    No. Cataract surgery is generally very comfortable. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure, and many patients receive mild oral or IV sedation depending on the surgical setting. Most patients experience little discomfort during surgery.

  • What is recovery like after laser-assisted cataract surgery?

    Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, although complete healing continues over several weeks. During recovery you should:

    • Use prescribed eye drops
    • Avoid rubbing your eye
    • Wear your protective shield as instructed
    • Attend all follow-up appointments
    • Avoid heavy lifting for a short period

    Your surgeon will provide personalized recovery instructions.

  • Will I still need glasses after laser-assisted cataract surgery?

    It depends on the type of intraocular lens selected. Standard monofocal lenses usually provide excellent distance vision but may still require reading glasses. Premium lenses, toric lenses, and Light Adjustable Lens™ technology may reduce dependence on glasses for many patients.

  • What is an intraocular lens (IOL)?

    An intraocular lens (IOL) is the clear artificial lens implanted after your cataract is removed. There are several types of IOLs available, including:

    • Monofocal lenses
    • Toric lenses for astigmatism
    • Multifocal lenses
    • Extended depth-of-focus lenses
    • Light Adjustable Lens™ technology

    Your ophthalmologist will recommend the lens that best fits your vision goals.

  • Is laser-assisted cataract surgery covered by insurance?

    Standard cataract surgery is generally covered by Medicare and most insurance plans when medically necessary. Laser-assisted cataract surgery and premium lens options may involve additional out-of-pocket costs depending on the technologies selected.

  • Is laser-assisted cataract surgery safe?

    Laser-assisted cataract surgery has been safely performed for many years and is considered a safe and effective option for appropriate candidates. As with any surgical procedure, your ophthalmologist will review the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes before surgery.

  • Why choose Northwest Eye Physicians for laser-assisted cataract surgery in Arlington Heights?

    Northwest Eye Physicians offers advanced laser-assisted cataract surgery using femtosecond laser technology to enhance precision during cataract removal. Their experienced ophthalmologists combine advanced surgical techniques with premium intraocular lens options, including toric lenses, multifocal lenses, and the Light Adjustable Lens™, to create personalized treatment plans that help patients achieve their best possible vision.