FEMTO Laser Cataract Surgery in Delray Beach, FL

At Rothchild Eye Institute, we take pride in offering the most state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, including FETMO laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). Often age-related, cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye and can interfere with your vision. Because cataracts are foggy areas within the lens itself, the lens must be removed and substituted with an IOL (intraocular lens) to treat the condition. Our femtosecond laser employs cutting-edge technology that can digitally diagram the surface of the eye and create a more exact, bladeless incision, enhancing treatment precision. For cataract surgery patients with refractive errors, like myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia, tailor-made premium IOLs can be inserted during cataract surgery to serve as corrective lenses. To learn if you might be a good candidate for laser cataract surgery, please call our Delray Beach, FL practice and reserve a consultation.

Besides being a beneficial laser eye treatment for cataracts, there are several benefits to laser cataract surgery. By utilizing state-of-the-art laser technology, our ophthalmologists are able to precisely correct the eye's lens for overall improved vision. A few of the other benefits can include:

• Shorter recovery time compared to other procedures
• Astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness can be corrected during the same procedure
• Reduced rick of corneal swelling
• A noninvasive treatment option for cataracts

Cataracts develop slowly over a peroid of time. If you've noticed changes in your vision, it may be time to consider surgery. You may be a good candidate for laser cataract surgery if you experience any of the following symptoms regularly:

• Cloudy vision
• Light sensitivity
• Halos, or rings around lights
• Changes to color vision (yellowish hues)
• Double vision
• Poor night vision

You may qualify for lens replacement surgery if your vision changes have impacted your daily life. Schedule an appointment with our team to learn more abd if it would benefit you.

Laser cataract surgery is very similar to traditional cataract treatment. With this approach, however, we utilize a computer-controlled femtosecond laser to choose the most effective incision site, create the incision, and disintegrate the cataract. A state-of-the-art technology, known as optical coherence tomography (OCT), plots an incredibly complex map of the eye, allowing the laser to determine the precise location of the cataract. The femtosecond laser then softens the cataract to allow for easier removal. As soon as the cataract is broken apart and removed, our cataract surgeon will insert the selected artificial lens. Laser technology allows for a quick outpatient procedure and can help expedite healing time.

The healing time for laser cataract surgery usually takes 1 – 2 months, though it varies from patient to patient. During the healing process, patients should follow laser cataract surgery aftercare instructions for the best possible outcomes. Men and women who get laser cataract surgery need to use certain kinds of prescription eye drops for most of the recovery process, and it is imperative they don't rub or irritate the eyes in any way as they recover. We may also opt to have patients wear an eye patch for a while. In the majority of our patients, vision is significantly improved right after surgery, but it remains cloudy for 5 – 7 days until the post-surgery swelling starts to go down. Our opthamologists recommend that all laser cataract surgery patients come back in for 2 – 4 follow-up exams in order to keep tabs on the recovery process, as well as to ensure the patient's vision is improving normally.

Is laser cataract surgery safe?
Laser cataract surgery is considered a safe alternative to traditional cataract surgery. Some surgeons even believe the benefits of using a laser can make the surgery safer and more effective.

How are traditional cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery different?
In traditional cataract surgery, a small single-used handheld blade is used to make incisions in the cornea. During laser cataract surgery, these incisions are made by an advanced laser that can also soften the cataract and ready it for removal.

What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery?
Laser cataract surgery offers a precise method for cataract removal that is often considered gentler and easier on a patient's eyes. Laser cataract surgery can also potentially offer more options for astigmatism treatment.

Will my insurance cover laser cataract surgery?
There is a possibility the cost of your cataract surgery, whether traditional or laser-assisted, can be covered by your insurance benefits. It is important to discuss your benefits with your insurance carrier and our team at Rothchild Eye Institute so that you can fully understand what remaining out-of-pocket costs might need to be paid. Our Delray Beach, FL practice offers multiple methods of payment and payment plans to help you afford the care you require.

Can I choose laser cataract surgery if I have astigmatism?
Yes, laser cataract surgery can be an excellent option for patients with astigmatism. The laser technology allows for precise correction of astigmatism, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses after surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your condition and discuss how laser-assisted surgery can address your specific vision needs.

How long does the laser cataract surgery procedure take?
Laser cataract surgery is generally a quick procedure, typically taking about 10-15 minutes per eye. While the surgery itself is brief, you should expect to spend a couple of hours at the surgery center to allow for preoperative preparations and postoperative recovery time. Your surgeon will provide you with a more detailed timeline during your consultation.

When not treated appropriately, cataracts could severely impact daily life and eventually cause a complete loss of vision. However, with FEMTO laser cataract surgery at Rothchild Eye Institute, you can rid yourself of cataracts and enjoy even better eyesight. Our team encourages all patients who are living with cataracts to call our Delray Beach, FL practice to schedule an eye exam and learn about the advanced treatment options available. We are pleased to accept Medicare, a number of insurance plans, and flexible financing solutions through CareCredit®.