The same innovation used for all-laser LASIK is now revolutionizing cataract surgery
Area Cataract and LASIK Specialist Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, is pleased to announce that he is the first and only eye surgeon in southwest Florida to offer cataract surgery with Alcon’s LenSx, a bladeless, computer-controlled laser that ensures the highest-precision surgical incisions. This is the greatest advancement in cataract surgery in 20 years. Dr. Frantz plans to perform the first bladeless laser cataract surgery procedures within two weeks at Suncoast Surgery Center, his outpatient surgery center located adjacent to the Frantz Cataract Center at Florida Eye Health in Fort Myers.
“We are proud to offer the most advanced eye care treatment for our cataract patients in southwest Florida,” said Dr. Frantz. Leading eye surgeons throughout the world consider bladeless cataract surgery the wave of the future. “In five to ten years, it is expected that all cataract surgery will be performed with a laser; however as a surgeon who has often introduced new technology to our area, I am thrilled about bringing the future of cataract surgery to our area now,” said Dr. Frantz. “The real beneficiary of this new technology is our patients,” added Dr. Frantz.
By adding computer control to the three key steps of cataract surgery, the LenSx laser ensures the highest-precision surgical incisions. “The LenSx is unquestionably the most technologically advanced option for cataract patients,” added Dr. Frantz.
LenSx utilizes a femtosecond laser, which has been used to perform LASIK surgery since FDA approval in 2001, and offers an alternative to the mechanical cuts used in traditional LASIK. This technology brought both safety and precision to the surgeon and the patient. Dr. Frantz was the first surgeon in southwest Florida to add the IntraLase femtosecond laser to provide the 100 percent bladeless iLASIK experience for his patients. This same innovation used for all-laser LASIK is now revolutionizing cataract surgery.
The three key patient benefits of the bladeless laser cataract surgery versus traditional manual cataract surgery are:
1) The laser provides a more precise circular incision around the cataract, improves the accuracy during placement of the intraocular lens implant, and leads to a greater likelihood of clearer vision. The main corneal incision is created through multiple planes to prevent potential wound leakage. A real time computerized laser imaging system guides the laser beam to the correct target during the surgery.
2) The laser pre-softens the cataract, allowing surgeons to minimize the use of ultrasound energy to remove the cataract lens. Decreased usage of ultrasound energy reduces the chances of thermal injury to tissues inside the eye, which lessens recovery time.
3) Astigmatism correction can be done on the same setting with cataract surgery using this laser as opposed to a manual incision. Astigmatism requires patients to wear glasses after cataract surgery. Correcting this at the time of cataract surgery lessens the needs for glasses subsequently.
“With the LenSx laser, I am able to perform my patients’ surgeries to more exacting, individualized specifications not attainable with other surgical methods. More importantly, I anticipate that my patients who have bladeless laser cataract surgery will recover more quickly and have greater satisfaction in their outcome,” said Dr. Frantz.
Patients will have the choice of having traditional cataract surgery or the LenSx bladeless laser cataract surgery, which is considered a premium enhanced procedure that requires an out-of-pocket fee from the patient. “Standard cataract surgery is covered by insurance, but those patients should expect to wear glasses since the refractive component is not covered. We will offer the bladeless laser cataract surgery as part of our Refractive Premium Package. Patients who want to minimize their need for glasses desire not just standard cataract surgery, but a refractive component as well. This includes patients wanting refractive cataract surgery with a monofocal lens with astigmatic refractive surgery, patients desiring a ReSTOR CustomLens with or without astigmatic refractive surgery, or patients wanting a Toric intraocular lens for astigmatism,” said Dr. Frantz.
To set up a consultation to learn more about cataract surgery and the new LenSx bladeless laser cataract surgery, schedule an appointment now online or call 239.418.0999.
About Alcon
Building on its heritage of more than 65 years, Alcon, the global leader in eye care, is the second largest division of the Novartis Group with combined pro forma sales of more than USD 9.4 billion in 2010. Alcon has more than 22,000 employees with headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. Alcon’s three businesses – Surgical, Pharmaceutical and Vision Care – meet the diverse needs of eye care professionals and patients offering the widest spectrum of eye care products with operations in 75 countries and products available in 180 markets. For more information, visit www.alcon.com.
