What is custom, blade-free, laser-assisted cataract surgery? ReLACS™
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States. And with the first wave of baby boomers turning 65, the number people suffering from decreased vision due to cloudy lenses, or cataracts, is only expected to grow. That’s why a new technology, offered by The Reeves Eye Institute/ Reeves Eye Surgery Center is so exciting. It’s called ReLACS™, or Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery and like LASIK, it brings a new standard of precision to cataract surgery. This custom, blade-free, laser assisted cataract removal option allows Dr. Reeves to plan and perform cataract surgeries to exacting, individualized specifications unattainable with standard cataract surgery. “We’re excited because the same technology that we offer in our bladeless LASIK program is now available to folks who suffer from cloudy vision due to cataracts.” says Dr. Reeves.
“There are no two eyes that are exactly the same, so our ability to use a laser instead of a blade to treat the growing cataract population is really exciting.” Since cataract surgery using ReLACS™ uses the laser to perform the most critical steps of cataract surgery, which used to be done by hand, patients not only receive the highest-precision in surgical incision but can also reduce their dependence on glasses after their surgery. “For years we have offered advanced intraocular lenses that replace the cloudy lens we remove in cataract surgery” says Dr. Reeves. “These lens options help people improve their vision at distance, at near, and even help people with astigmatism. When used in conjunction with ReLACS™, these lenses may mean a lot more freedom from glasses after cataract surgery for this group of people who remain very active for decades after their retirement.”
For more information please call 423-283-1201 to schedule your appointment today.
LenSx® Technology with ReLACS™
The LenSx® Laser is the first femtosecond laser cleared by the FDA for use in cataract surgery. The system is indicated for:
- Anterior capsulotomy
- Lens fragmentation
- All corneal incisions, including arcuate incisions
The LenSx® Laser brings a new level of precision to these surgical steps through a number of high-tech features:
Real-time video imaging with integrated OCT. Provides three-dimensional visualization of the entire anterior segment during docking, planning, and procedure.
Curved patient interface. Designed for patient comfort, ease of use, and optimal laser performance.
Intuitive touch screen graphic user interface. Allows each step of the procedure to be easily planned, customized, and executed.
True image-guided surgical planning. Enables the surgeon to precisely program the size, shape, and location of each incision. Ensures clean, precise incisions of any shape, at every depth. Utilizes variable spot size and variable laser energy for optimized tissue interaction.
A New Class of Cataract Procedure
A technologically advanced procedure, LenSx® Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery offers a new level of precision and reproducibility in ophthalmic surgery. The additional steps performed by the LenSx® Laser to align the capsular and corneal incisions in three dimensions are performed to optimize alignment of capsulotomy and corneal incisions.
The LenSx® Laser is designed to bring a new level of accuracy and reproducibility to refractive cataract surgery. Early proponents of the system report that, however accurate their manual procedures seemed in the past, they see measurable improvements when using the LenSx® Laser.1
A Platform for Precise Cataract Procedures
The precision of the LenSx® Laser has been tested in a series of recent clinical studies. Zoltan Z. Nagy, MD, of Semmelweis University in Budapest, evaluated the system’s ability to perform anterior capsulotomies, lens fragmentation, and create self-sealing corneal incisions.
Dr. Nagy demonstrated enhanced surgical accuracy and reproducibility:
All anterior capsulotomies created with the LenSx® Laser achieved accurate centration and intended diameter, with no radial tears or adverse events seen.
Corneal incisions created with the LenSx® Laser were highly reproducible, with precise dimensions and geometry.
In the same study, only 10% of manually created capsulorhexis achieved a similar diameter accuracy of +/- 0.25 mm.1,2 These results can be seen in the diagram, below.
Diameter Accuracy of the LenSx® Laser Versus Manual Capsulorhexis1
Only 10% of manual capsulorhexis achieved diameter accuracy of +/- 0.25 mm.
Enhanced Reproducibility
The LenSx® Laser can perform anterior capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, and all corneal incisions with tremendous reproducibility. The system performs surgery according to your preferences, extending your expertise with laser precision. From clean three-plane corneal incisions to customized fragmentation patterns, you can create predictable cuts that carry through subsequent steps of refractive cataract surgery.
References
Nagy ZZ. 1-year clinical experience with a new femtosecond laser for refractive cataract surgery. Paper presented at: Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology; October 24-27, 2009; San Francisco, CA.
Nagy ZZ. Intraocular femtosecond laser applications in cataract surgery. Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today. September 2009:79-82.
