LenSx Laser Cataract Surgery in Houston

The LenSx Laser cataract surgery offers a precise, safe treatment option for those looking to treat their cataracts in Houston. Whether you are hoping to address overall vision quality, reduce dependence on glasses, or simply remove your cataracts, the LenSx Laser is one solution you should discuss with your ophthalmologist.

The LenSx Laser was the first femtosecond laser developed and continues to be an industry leader today, as it offers a more predictable and precise way for surgeons to perform cataract surgery.

If you have been experiencing signs of cataracts, or have general questions about your eye health, call Eye Center of Texas at (713) 797-1010 or schedule a consultation online to begin your journey to seeing clearly today.

LenSx vs. traditional cataract surgery: What’s the difference?

To illustrate the difference between LenSx vs. traditional cataract surgery, it’s important to understand what happens during cataract surgery, traditionally.

Continue reading if you’re wondering, “what are cataracts?”

In the below video Dr. Mark Mayo discusses the benefits of laser cataract surgery and why he prefers this treatment for his Houston cataracts patients.

Traditional cataract surgery

Traditional cataract surgery is performed using a blade instead of a laser. The surgeon makes a corneal incision using the blade, performs an anterior capsulotomy using a needle and forceps, and uses an ultrasonic device to break up the cataract. What type of cataract you are experiencing and whether the cataract has formed on the outer layer or the back of the lens will influence how long the healing process takes and how invasive the surgery will be.

Laser cataract surgery

Laser cataract surgery is performed using a femtosecond laser instead of a blade. The surgeons will create a 3D model of your eye using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA™, more on that later), to direct the laser more accurately. The main distinction between traditional surgery and laser surgery for cataracts is that instead of a surgeon’s hand holding a blade, the capsulotomy is performed by a hyper-accurate, map-guided laser. Once the incision has been made, the cataract is broken up ultrasonically by the same device used in traditional surgery

What is LenSx laser cataract surgery?

The FDA-approved LenSx Laser allows eye surgeons at Eye Center of Texas to provide patients with enhanced, reproducible surgical performance. The breakthrough technology has been shown to be up to 10x more precise than manual techniques for some steps in the surgical process.

Like fingerprints, no two eyes are exactly the same. The LenSx Laser offers a precise way to map the eye and provide your surgeon with the data needed to plan and perform the surgery successfully.

ORA™ System (Optiwave Refractive Analysis)

Just when you thought technology couldn’t get any better, Eye Center of Texas is pleased to offer a new cataract surgery measurement tool that helps customize your vision even further during cataract surgery. The ORA™ intraoperative aberrometry system provides real-time analysis of your eye during surgery.

There are many important benefits to having the ORA™ System technology included as part of your vision correction procedure. These include:

• The ORA™ System may help your surgeon achieve better results and provide you with an improved quality of vision.
• The ORA™ System gives your surgeon an added level of confirmation for an optimal outcome.
• If you have astigmatism, the ORA™ System may improve the accuracy of your correction to help reduce the chance you’ll need to wear eyeglasses after your procedure.

Prior to the ORA™ System, surgeons were unable to assess the quality of vision during the cataract procedure and would need to wait weeks to determine if the proper intraocular lens (IOL) selection was made. With this technology, verification of the proper IOL happens during your surgery! Our surgeons now utilize ORA™ with all premium lens procedures to ensure proper IOL selection.

How long does it take to recover from laser cataract surgery?

You will likely be able to return to normal activities within a day or two. You may experience some discomfort immediately after the procedure, but should not be in any significant amount of pain at any point afterward. Here are a few tips that should make the recovery a bit easier:

• Don’t wear eye make-up
• Don’t use any lotions or creams on your face
• Don’t rub your eyes
• Avoid allergens as best you can
• Avoid strenuous activities
• Listen to your doctor’s recommendations on medication and when it is safe to return to normal activities (like driving and working)

Although it may take a day or two to get back to normal activities, it is not guaranteed that your vision will return that quickly. For some patients, it may only take a day or two for vision to return completely, but for others, it can take as long as 3-6 weeks depending on their circumstances.

Is LenSx covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers a significant amount of these cataract surgery costs:

• The surgeon’s fee
• The facility fee
• The cost of a monofocal intraocular implant
• Follow up costs

Medicare pays for 80% of these Medicare-eligible charges. They determine what is eligible, and it is up to the surgeons to agree with their decision. The costs that you will likely be responsible for are the difference between the Medicare-allowed payment for the surgeon’s fee and what the surgeon’s fee would otherwise be.

Medicare does not however cover LenSx cataract surgery costs or the cost of monofocal lens implants. LenSx technology, Astigmatism Correcting Toric Lens Implants, and Multifocal Lens Implants, while all strongly recommended by our cataract surgeons, will require most Medicare users to pay a bit more out of pocket.

Disclaimer: Speak to your Medicare or insurance representative to clarify which procedures are covered under your plan.

LenSx Laser Cataract Surgery at Eye Center of Texas

If you are looking to get LenSx Laser cataract surgery in Houston, you can’t do much better than Eye Center of Texas. We have years of experience and cutting-edge technology that helps patients who want to achieve clearer vision. We’ve successfully performed over 80,000 cataract procedures, and yours could be next.

For more information about LenSx Laser cataract surgery, call Eye Center of Texas at (713) 797-1010 or schedule a consultation online today.