Laser Cataract Surgery

There have been many exciting innovations in cataract surgery over the past few decades, but none as exciting as the most recent development in cataract surgery: Laser Cataract Surgery. Dr. Sperber has been working with Dr. Jack Dodick (the inventor of the procedure) on this most exciting development in cataract surgery known as Dodick Laser Photolysis. This technique uses laser energy to break up the cataract, which can then be removed through an incision that is less than 1.5 millimeters in length (less than half the length of the incision used in the current procedure for cataract removal).

There are several advantages of this procedure over the present technique, ultrasound phacoemulsification. First, because much less energy used in the cataract removal, it is safer to the surrounding tissues inside the eye. Second, because the incision is so small, this allows for even more rapid healing than the present techniques we use in cataract surgery.

The Laser Photolysis procedure starts with the surgeon making two small incisions with a specially constructed diamond blade. The capsule of the cataract is opened in the conventional fashion and the two probes used in the procedure are introduced into the eye. The cataract is broken up into small pieces and aspirated out of the eye through these extremely fine probes. After the cataract is completely removed, the incision is enlarged slightly and a foldable intraocular lens implant is inserted into the eye. The tiny incisions seal without any stitches and the patient can get up and walk out of the operating room almost immediately after surgery.

Because the incisions are so small, recovery is extremely rapid and the patient can return to normal activities the next day.

Laser Photolysis has been used in Europe, South and Central America and in Canada for several years now. Dr. Sperber has worked with Dr. Dodick and experts all around the world in the development of this device. Because of his work, Dr Sperber is one of the most experienced Laser Cataract Surgeons in the world. The Food and Drug Administration Device Advisory Panel (FDA) approved this procedure in June of 2000 and we have been performing this exciting new procedure on our patients, with great success since that time. If you are interested in Laser Cataract Surgery and the tremendous advantages it has over conventional surgery, please contact Dr. Sperber or Dr. Sherman to see if you are a candidate for this exciting, innovative procedure.