Since a long time, New Vision Laser Centers-Centre for Sight have pioneered the introduction of the latest techniques of eye surgery and care in India, and have helped to establish the standard of care in terms of refractive and cataract surgery in India, and even the world. Now, our tradition of eye surgery excellence continues with the introduction of a revolutionary laser cataract procedure as unique as the eye itself.
New Vision Laser Centers-Centre for SIght and its Medical Director, Dr. Rupal Shah are proud to introduce the FDA approved Catalys femtosecond cataract laser in Western India. The Catalys used highly advanced optical technology to capture extremely precise, real-time, high-resolution digital images of the eye. Using the images, our team of cataract surgeons can now plan and perform cataract surgery to customized specifications that were previously un-achievable. Once the steps are planned, the Catalys laser can be used to perform several critical steps of the cataract procedure in a completely automated way, increasing the safety and precision of the entire cataract procedure. No blade or sharp needle is used during the procedure, leading to true bladeless laser cataract surgery.
Laser vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery
Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery with the Catalys femtosecond cataract laser has significantly improved the precision of several of the most critical steps that were traditionally performed manually. The precise, reproducible steps performed by the laser means better IOL placement within the eye, less trauma to the eye, and more predictable visual results which are especially important with Premium IOLs.
Laser Cataract Surgery & Premium IOLs
Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery is performed on our cataract patients that choose to have their astigmatism corrected or that choose to have one of our Premium IOLs such as the AcrySof® IQ, ReSTOR IQ, Toric Lenses, Tecnis® Multifocal, or Crystalens®.
The Femtosecond Laser Technology
Cataract surgery with phacoemulsification has become the standard of care for treating cataracts. Years of development of machines and techniques has made phaco surgery one of the safest and most successful medical procedures of any sort performed today. Although phacoemulsification is still the primary method used in cataract removal, many of the critical steps with traditional Phacoemulsification surgery are still performed with either a surgical blade, a bent needle or forceps. Now, with the Catalys femtosecond laser, Dr. Rupal Shah and her team can perform these steps without the use of blades and with a greater amount of precision.
Femtosecond Laser Steps
The Catalys femtosecond laser first creates an opening in the thin capsular membrane that surrounds the natural lens, called a “capsulorhexis”. This step provides an opening to remove the cataract. Studies have shown that less than 10% of manual capsulorexi, which are made with a bent or shaped needle, have been able to achieve the same accuracy that is produced with the femtosecond laser. Capsulorhexis, while not so apparent to the patient, is one of the most critical steps in cataract surgery, and it is also the step which causes most of the problems during cataract surgery. A good capsulorhexis allows more safety, more ease to the surgeon, and finally, proper positioning of the Intraocular lens that will remain in the eye following cataract surgery.
In order for the cataract to be removed, the lens must be softened and divided into manageable sections. This critical step is also performed with the laser, which creates less stress to the delicate fibers surrounding the capsular membrane that will hold the intraocular lens in place. Because the laser is used to soften and fragment the lens, it allows these lens pieces to be removed more safely, and with less ultrasound energy (or no ultrasound energy) compared with convetional phacoemulsification surgery.
Another laser step involves creating the primary and secondary incisions. These stair-step incisions are self sealing and rarely need suturing. Two additional arcuate incisions can also be created that are designed to reduce a patient’s pre-existing astigmatism.
Once these steps are completed, your surgeon will remove the cataract with phacomulsification and implant the IOL that you choose.
For answers to more questions regarding cataract surgery, please visit the Cataract Surgery Page.