The LenSx® Laser from Alcon is the first femtosecond laser to receive FDA approval for use in cataract surgery.
The LenSx Laser offers three-dimensional, high resolution images that map the unique eyes of each patient. These images, combined with the computer-captured measurements and information about the eyes, allow the surgeon to achieve greater accuracy, precision and customization than ever before.
The LenSx Laser is optimized with true image guidance, helping the surgeon determine the best location and dimensions for incisions. The bladeless femtosecond laser pulses to create incisions in the lens capsule, crystalline lens and cornea with a high level of accuracy. The LenSx Laser is an effective technological advancement that ensures the highest level of precision throughout every step of the cataract surgical procedure.
THE LASER CATARACT SURGERY PROCEDURE
What can you expect during your femto-laser cataract procedure? First, you will have a preoperative examination where your eyes will be measured so that your doctor can select the proper artificial lens for you by measuring the length of the eye from front to back. This procedure is absolutely painless, doesn’t touch your eye and will ensure that you get the perfect lens. Next, the information gathered will be programed into the femtosecond laser device device so that the surgery is customized to your exact eye anatomy. Before your surgery, you will be led to a comfortable surgical bed where you will lie down. Your surgical team will disinfect and dress the area around your eye in a sterile fashion. Drops will be put in the eye so that you will not feel any pain during the procedure. Once your eye is anaesthetized, a liquidfilled ring which centers the laser beam path is placed on your eye with a light vacuum so that the laser will be in the perfect position during surgery.
Once the laser has been programmed and started, it’s job will be complete in less than one minute. During your treatment, the surgeon will be by your side and supervise every step of the operation. The integrated OCT system enables the surgeon a clear visualization of the eye’s surfaces – before, during and after the procedure. The laser will divide your clouded lens into fragments, like that of a pie, which will then be removed from the eye through a tiny tube that is only a few millimeters wide. A perfectly circular opening is then made in the lens capsule in order to insert the new artificial lens. The laser performs this step with ultimate precision which is important as the final outcome of the surgery depends upon the precise placement of the artificial lens. Next, the laser creates tiny tubes from the outside of the eye to the lens capsule. The femtosecond laser creates tunnels so small and precise that they do not need sutures and will close on their own, thus preventing infection. Lastly, the fragmented cloudy lens is aspirated via the tunnel and an artificial lens is inserted in its place.
