Robotic Laser Cataract Surgery

Advanced Cataract Eye Surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area

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Robotic Laser Cataract Surgery

Introducing a Leap Forward in Cataract Surgery

At LaserVue Eye Center, our doctors are proud to bring the latest advancements in cataract surgery to patients across the Bay Area with Robotic Laser Cataract Surgery. Utilizing the cutting-edge LENSAR® Ally Femtosecond Laser Technology, this blade-free approach enhances precision, improves predictability, and optimizes outcomes for clearer, sharper vision. By integrating state-of-the-art robotics with expertise or Drs. Bansal & Wangyu, we are redefining what’s possible in cataract treatment, offering a safer, more customized procedure for each patient.

Robotic Laser
Cataract Surgery

Features

Blade-Free Robotic Laser Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery has always been a highly effective procedure. With Robotic Laser Cataract Surgery, your procedure is safer, more precise, and easier than ever before.

Only Robotic Laser Cataract Surgery with the LENSAR®ALLY Robotic Cataract Laser System™ combines our surgeon’s skill and expertise with robotic intelligence and precision. This “best of both worlds” approach allows you to have the most advanced cataract procedure available—and your best vision possible.

If you choose Robotic Laser Cataract Surgery for your procedure, know that you’re getting a giant leap forward in precision and predictability that far exceeds manual surgical methods.

“LaserVue Eye Center are my first choice for LASIK and cataract surgery both for myself and for my patients. My patients appreciate the friendly and caring approach and the excellent care LaserVue provides. That is why I chose LaserVue for my own cataract surgery.”

— Dr. Ian Middleton, Optometrist

Ambulatory Surgery Center

Which procedure is right for your cataracts?

Traditional cataract surgery has been used successfully for years. It involves using a manual metal or diamond blade for incisions into the eye and lens, followed by removal of the cloudy natural lens with an ultrasound device.

Robotic Laser Cataract Surgery uses robotic laser precision instead of handheld blades and instruments. Robotic precision is critical for making accurate incisions and softening the cataract. This is because the tissues of the eye are very thin and delicate. Some are only half as thick as a sheet of cellophane! Robotic laser cataract surgery is the only blade-free cataract procedure. This allows for a more precise and gentler approach to cataract removal. As a result, less ultrasound power is used for lens removal, resulting in faster recovery of vision than traditional cataract surgery.

While robotic laser cataract surgery offers benefits for any patient, it may be even more useful in patients with certain medical conditions of the eye including dense cataracts, traumatic cataracts, Fuch’s dystrophy (an inherited eye condition that can lead to significant post-operative corneal swelling), and pseudoexfoliation (an eye disease that causes small pupils and weak zonules – the delicate strings that attach the lens to the eye).

Dr. Jay Bansal: First in North Bay to Offer Laser Cataract Surgery

Laser Cataract Surgery FAQ’s

What is robotic laser cataract surgery?

Robotic laser cataract surgery is the only cataract procedure that combines your surgeon’s skill and expertise with robotic intelligence and precision. The result is the most advanced cataract procedure available, delivering your best possible vision with peace of mind.

How are cataracts treated?

To treat and correct cataracts, they must be removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). Despite common thought, not all cataract surgery is the same. You have options when it comes to choosing a procedure. Your choice may affect your visual results. Robotic laser cataract surgery gives you the opportunity to treat your cataracts and restore your vision to its full potential in the same procedure.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a highly common condition that happens when the eye is shaped like a football instead of a basketball. Astigmatism affects your near and distance vision and can cause blurriness or double vision.

If you have astigmatism and cataracts, your surgeon can correct both conditions during cataract surgery. If your astigmatism is not treated during cataract surgery, you will need to wear glasses or contacts after the procedure. Robotic laser cataract surgery provides unmatched precision for treating your cataracts and astigmatism to restore your vision to its full potential.

What is the cost of laser cataract surgery?

Laser cataract surgery is more expensive than traditional surgery because of the advanced technology used.

The additional costs are typically not covered by Medicare or most private insurance plans, which view the use of the laser as an elective upgrade.
Out-of-pocket costs for the laser portion can range from $1,500 to $2,000 per eye, in addition to the standard costs of cataract surgery.

What is the recovery time?

Recovery from laser cataract surgery is similar to traditional surgery, with most patients noticing significant vision improvement within a day or two.

Blurriness, mild soreness, or a gritty feeling is normal for a few days.
Most daily activities can be resumed relatively quickly, but you must avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and swimming for at least a week.
Full visual recovery and stabilization typically takes a few weeks to a few months.
Driving is not allowed immediately after surgery, and your doctor will advise when it is safe to resume.

Why choose robotic laser cataract surgery?

Robotic laser cataract surgery with the ALLY Robotic Cataract Laser System™ gives you the opportunity to treat your cataracts and restore your vision to its full potential in the same procedure. When you choose a robotic laser cataract surgery, you are choosing the latest procedure available to treat and restore one of your most valuable senses—your sight.

What types of cataract surgery are there?

What types of cataract surgery are there?
There are 3 types of cataract surgery perfomed today:

Manual cataract surgery
Basic laser cataract surgery
Robotic laser cataract surgery

What happens during robotic laser cataract surgery?

Before the procedure: The robotic laser system images your cataract with great detail. Robotic intelligence identifies the layers of the cataract for your surgeon. This ensures that the treatment can be focused on the cataract, leaving the eye unharmed. Robotic intelligence also detects how hard or soft your cataract is. This information is used in Step 3.

The system will continue to monitor your eye throughout the procedure. If there is any movement, your cataract and astigmatism treatment can be adjusted so you can achieve the best possible outcome. Real-time monitoring is only available in robotic laser cataract surgery.

Step 1: Tiny incisions are made in the outer surface of the eye to give your surgeon access to the inside of your eye. If you also have a small amount of astigmatism, tiny incisions can be made during this step to treat it. Robotic laser cataract surgery is the only 100% blade-free procedure. In all other cataract procedures, these incisions are made or completed by hand.

Step 2: Using robotic precision, the laser cuts a circular opening in the bag or sac that holds the cataract, called the capsule. This incision needs to be a perfect circle for your replacement lens to work well in your eye. The capsule is also very thin (only half as thick as a sheet of cellophane!), so this step requires the highest level of precision. In a manual procedure, this opening is created by hand using a blade and other instruments.

Step 3: The laser scores the cataract to soften it. Robotic intelligence recommends the best softening treatment for your cataract based on how hard or soft it is. This makes it easier and gentler for your surgeon to remove, which can help with healing. Basic laser cataract surgery and manual surgery do not provide this level of customization for softening the cataract.

Step 4: The cataract is broken up and removed using special tools. Because of how well the cataract can be softened in robotic laser cataract surgery, removal is gentle which may help the eye heal quickly after the procedure.

Step 5: After the cataract is removed, your surgeon will replace it with an IOL. If you have a larger amount of astigmatism, you can choose a toric IOL to correct it. Robotic laser cataract surgery provides precise guidance for correcting your astigmatism with this type of lens. No matter which IOL you choose, robotic laser cataract surgery makes it possible for you to achieve your best visual outcome.

What are the risks of laser cataract surgery?

Like any surgery, there are risks, though complications from cataract surgery are rare

Common side effects: Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, blurry vision, and floaters are normal during the initial recovery.
Rare complications: Though rare, risks can include eye infection, bleeding, ongoing swelling, retinal detachment, or the artificial lens moving out of place.
Loss of suction: A specific risk of the laser portion is the loss of suction during the procedure, though this is uncommon and the surgeon can simply complete the steps manually.