some of the most challenging steps in cataract surgery traditionally
done manually with the precision of advanced laser technology. The
laser performs 3 key steps in the cataract surgery procedure that
some say can cut surgical times by as much as half:
• the corneal incision
• the anterior capsulotomy
• lens and cataract fragmentation
"I think the biggest advantage of laser cataract surgery is consistent
capsulorhexis, which will lead to better lens position afterward," says
ophthalmologist Michael Blair, MD, of the Ford Eye Center in Fort
Worth, Texas.
The laser can also be used to make incisions in the cornea to treat
certain types and amounts of astigmatism.
For patients who want the best possible vision, laser cataract surgery
is appealing. A more accurate incision, capsulotomy and astigmatic cor-
rection may help patients achieve their goal of less dependence on
glasses after cataract surgery. An increasing number of patients are ask-
ing their surgeons specifically for femtosecond laser cataract surgery.
Dr. Blair is among the many surgeons who's using femtosecond laser
cataracts as part of a premium channel offering. His tiered pricing:
• Distance plus. If the patient doesn't mind wearing readers after laser
cataract surgery. $1,800 per eye.
• Astigmatism package. Femtosecond laser plus premium toric IOL.
$2,200 per eye.
• Total vision package. Femtosecond laser plus multifocal IOL. $3,500 per
eye.
Dr. Blair offers a free LASIK touchup if needed. Also included in his
prices are all necessary testing and OCT (optical coherence tomogra-
phy), a 3D imaging technology that helps cataract surgeons to plan
the location and depth of incisions made during a laser-assisted
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 0 9
