LenSx

LenSx: Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

For most Southern Louisiana and Texas cataract patients, removal of cataracts is crucial to prevent severe loss of vision and the debilitating effects that this common condition can cause. Recent innovations in cataract surgery now make it possible for cataracts to be removed with greater precision and accuracy. Falgoust Eye Medical & Surgical is one of only a few ophthalmology practices in the U.S. to offer cataract surgery treatment with the LenSx® femtosecond laser.

Traditional cataract surgery involves the use of a surgical blade to perform corneal incisions and anterior capsulotomies of the eye, ultimately making it possible to remove the cataract. The LenSx® femtosecond laser is designed to improve precision and reproducibility during certain challenging and critical steps of cataract surgery that are currently performed manually. Because this technology allows for laser precision during these steps, the LenSx laser may contribute to improved surgical outcomes.

The LenSx® femtosecond laser utilizes a beam of laser light to create the necessary incisions for cataract surgery. An advanced computer-guidance system, controlled by Dr. Falgoust, directs the laser over the eye to provide the most precise and accurate results for each individual patient. This makes it possible for the successful combination of the surgeon’s skills with state-of-the-art technology to produce extraordinary results. The LenSx® femtosecond laser may also be able to better manage astigmatism than other types of cataract surgery.

After the LenSx® femtosecond laser procedure is complete and the cataract has been removed, Dr. Falgoust can place a refractive lens implant inside the eye to improve your vision.

Removal of cataracts is only the first step in setting you on the road to better vision. Refractive cataract surgery removes the cataracts, and then replaces your natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant, capable of reducing your dependence on corrective eye wear such as glasses or contacts. Dr. Falgoust can discuss your lens replacement options at your initial cataract surgery consultation.

LenSx: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a femtosecond laser?

For nearly a decade, femtosecond lasers have helped surgeons perform LASIK with unparalleled precision and safety. Designed to revolutionize key steps in the cataract procedure, the LenSx Laser now allows surgeons to deliver the benefits of precise femtosecond laser technology. That means cataract surgery is more precise, predictable, reproducible and safe.

Will cataract surgeries only be done by the LenSx laser from now on?

Dr. Falgoust will decide the best technology for the patient based on the patient’s specific conditions. In some cases, traditional cataract surgery may be required; in others LenSx will be the preferred choice.

How does the LenSx laser work?

LenSx automates the most challenging steps of traditional cataract surgery. Prior to the introduction of this laser, traditional cataract surgery involved the creation of several small incisions during the procedure. All of these incisions were made manually with a blade. With LenSx, the surgeon can create those incisions with a significantly higher degree of precision. This combined with the real-time image guided feature aids Dr. Falgoust in seeing the activity taking place in the eye during surgery and aids the surgeon in performing:

• Anterior capsulotomy – an incision that opens the clear, cellophane-like capsule that wraps the natural crystalline lens of the eye
• Lens fragmentation – softening and breaking up of the cataract lens of the eye
• All corneal incisions – all incisions of the cornea associated with cataract surgery

What should a patient expect after surgery?  

• Generally, greatly improved vision
• Freedom from having to wear corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses.

With upgraded lens implants, the clouded natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial lens that can better focus light onto the retina. Most importantly, cataract surgery is designed to completely remove the problem, stopping the progression of vision loss and giving the residents of Lake Charles and southwest Louisiana the ability to see more clearly, without fogginess, halos, and other symptoms.

Some redness will be noted on the eye from the suction device. This is normal and painless and should recede in approximately one week.