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LenSx Frequently Asked Questions
Cataract Surgery with LenSx® Laser
Since the Technology is new, is it completely safe?
Texas Eye and Laser Center has been using this technology in All-Laser LASIK for nearly a decade. The femtosecond laser allowed our surgeons to make more precise and thinner flaps, making LASIK safer than ever before. Now our surgeons can use this same technology for cataract surgery, making it more precise, more predictable and better than ever before.
Why did Texas Eye and Laser Center decide to begin utilizing the LenSx
laser for cataract surgery?
Texas Eye and Laser Center prides itself on offering its patients the latest
technology. We wanted this technology so our patients would be getting the
most precise cataract surgery available today.
How does blade-free laser assisted cataract surgery differ from traditional cataract surgery?
The laser-assisted technology will allow Dr. Brian Ranelle and Dr. Jerry Hu to perform an anterior capsulotomy, corneal incisions, and lens fragmentation by using a laser, instead of a blade, all before entering the eye to remove the cataract. This makes cataract surgery more precise, more predictable and better than ever before. It’s especially important for patients who choose a LifeStyle IOL. Precise arcuate incisions are now possible with femtosecond laser to reduce astigmastism. In addition, a perfectly circular capsulotomy helps greatly with lens centration, thus allowing for crisper, clearer vision.
Will cataract surgeries only be done by the laser from now on?
The choice between blade-free laser assisted cataract surgery and standard cataract surgery depends on a number of items. Your surgeon will be able to tell you which technology would be best for your vision. At this time, we only offer this technology as part of our LifeStyle Lens option.
How does the LenSx laser work?
This technology automates the most challenging steps of cataract surgery. Prior to this innovative technology, traditional surgery revolved around the surgeon using a blade to create several small incisions during the entire procedure. With
the LenSx laser, the surgeon can make those same incisions with much more precision. Below are the steps of cataract surgery we use the LenSx laser for.
- All corneal incisions – The incisions needed for cataract surgery
- Anterior capsulotomy – The opening in the outer surface of the lens capsule, allowing the surgeon access to the lens.
- Lens fragmentation – Division or breaking-up of the lens/cataract, allowing for easier removal.
- Arcuate incisions – More precise reduction of astigmatism.
Is this covered by my Insurance?
Most of the time, cataract surgery is covered by Medicare or other insurance companies. However, this technology is considered a premium, and requires patients to pay for it out-of-pocket. At Texas Eye and Laser Center, we combine LenSx with our LifeStyle lens package. During the initial consultation/evaluation process, we’ll discuss all of the pricing options with you.
Do you offering financing?
Yes! We currently offer 0% financing for 24 months! We also offer extended payment options up to 60 months for those looking for a smaller monthly payment.
Are their complications associated with this technology?
There is risk associated with any surgical procedure. However, this technology was specifically designed to reduce those risks over traditional cataract surgery.
What are the advantages of blade-free laser assisted cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery?
- Control: This technology allows real time transmission of video to help guide the surgeon for precise alignment.
- Safety: It allows for fewer complications over traditional cataract surgery, and more surgical control.
- Precision: Blade-Free Laser Assisted cataract surgery allows for precise corneal incisions, capsulotomy and a better lens fragmentation over traditional methods. All of the above allows for a better cataract procedure.
- Reduction of Astigmatism: precise arcuate incisions can reduce or even eliminate astigmatism, allowing patients to depend less on glasses.
- It’s especially important for patients who choose a LifeStyle IOL. Since the capsulotomy is almost perfectly centered, this helps greatly with lens centration, thus allowing for crisper, clearer vision.
How long does the surgery take?
Surgery typically takes 10-15 minutes.
Who else offers this technology?
Texas Eye and Laser Center is the first and only practice in the DFW metroplex to offer this technology. In fact, we were among the very first select eye centers in the country to offer LenSx