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Author: Jonathan Stein, MD
Cataracts have a significant impact on your ability to see clearly and your overall quality of life. At OCC, a partner of OCLI Vision, we’re committed to providing you with the best methods for protecting and improving your vision. We offer laser-assisted cataract surgery options designed to remove these serious obstacles to clear vision. Our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Jonathan Stein, was the first surgeon in Connecticut to ever perform laser-assisted cataract surgery. With more than 15 years of experience in this bladeless surgery, he can safely remove cataracts and improve vision–even if the patient has astigmatism. For patients with astigmatism, an imperfection in the curvature of the eye’s cornea, the surgery can be configured to treat that condition at the same time the cataracts are being removed. Dr. Stein and his highly skilled colleagues of OCLI Vision and its associated practices are experts in managing cataracts and a wide range of other vision-related problems.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or discolored. This can create difficulty in seeing clearly and interfere with regular tasks like driving or writing. Some of the most common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Increased sensitivity to light or to glare
- The appearance of halos around bright light sources
- Poor night vision
- Cloudiness or blurring of vision
- A yellowing of colors
Prompt and effective treatment can help in protecting vision and preventing issues that could affect the health of your eyes in the future.
What Is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?
Also known as blade-free cataract surgery, laser-assisted cataract surgery is performed with the assistance of an advanced medical computing system that carefully calculates the precise configuration of the eye and creates a customized surgical plan using a femtosecond laser. This advanced medical equipment can create an incision much smaller than those required for traditional cataract surgery. This reduces the healing time for the procedure and can significantly lower the amount of ultrasonic energy required to dissolve the cataract.
What Is the LenSx® Femtosecond Laser?
Approved by the FDA in 2009 for use in treating cataracts, the LenSx femtosecond laser is also used in LASIK surgeries and has a proven reputation for reliability and quality results when used appropriately. Eye drops (no-needle anesthesia) are administered before the procedure to numb and relax the eye muscles. Laser-assisted cataract surgeries typically take about 10 minutes to complete.
Why Choose OCLI Vision?
OCLI Vision and its associated practices throughout the Northeast have been at the forefront of laser-assisted cataract surgery since the very beginning. In 2011, physicians from Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut (OCC), a part of OCLI Vision, were the first doctors in the Northeast to perform laser refractive surgery using the LenSx® femtosecond laser. OCLI Vision continues to be on the cutting edge of medical technology and vision care expertise.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for this Procedure?
If you’ve experienced significant vision symptoms that are adversely affecting your ability to carry out daily tasks, laser cataract surgery may be a good solution for you.
What Are the Benefits of Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?
Along with the obvious benefit of improved vision, laser-assisted cataract surgery offers some advantages over traditional cataract surgeries, such as:
- A smaller incision means a faster recovery time for patients.
- The use of a computer to plan and perform the surgical procedure usually results in much greater accuracy.
- Laser-assisted surgeries may reduce the risk of infections because of the smaller incisions.
- Laser-assisted cataract surgeries can be configured to treat astigmatism at the same time that cataracts are removed, which can save time and stress for patients.
Dr. Stein will recommend the best treatment plan for your needs, working with you to find the best option for improving your vision and providing the clearest possible sight for you now and in the future.
The Recovery Process
After laser cataract surgery, most of our patients see more clearly right away. You can resume your regular activities as soon as you feel able to do so. This will help you feel much more comfortable and confident about your vision after your surgical procedure.
OCLI Vision and the dedicated ophthalmic professionals at all of our associated practices can provide you with the right solutions for all your vision care needs. We treat a wide range of eye conditions, including the following:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Trauma to the eye
- Keratoconus
- Dry eyes
- Vision correction using bladeless custom LASIK procedures
- Surgical repairs and revisions to the eyes
To request more information or to make an appointment with any one of our ophthalmic professionals across the Northeast, call us today at 833-509-6254. We look forward to the chance to provide you with the highest level of eye care.
