Dr. Jonathan Frantz just returned from the 2013 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) annual conference in San Francisco, where he shared his knowledge and experiences with the LenSx Laser with other cataract surgeons from across the country.
One year after introducing Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery to southwest Florida, Dr. Frantz is seeing a significant increase in the number of patients choosing to have laser cataract surgery over traditional cataract surgery.
A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens inside the eye and the only way to treat cataracts is with surgery. The cataract is removed and replaced with a new, artificial lens to restore your vision. The LenSx femtosecond laser that Dr. Frantz uses in bladeless refractive laser cataract surgery is designed to predictably perform many of the most challenging aspects of cataract surgery with highly reproducible computer precision. Lens fragmentation, capsulotomy and all corneal incisions are created with image-guided surgeon control.
A pioneer in bringing new technology to his patients at Frantz EyeCare, Dr. Frantz was the first surgeon to bring this innovative image-guided laser surgical breakthrough to southwest Florida last May. In fact, he was one of only a handful of surgeons in the United States offering bladeless laser cataract surgery with the LenSx laser and is the most experienced bladeless laser cataract surgeon in the area.
Dr. Frantz serves as a host site for surgeons who want to visit his practice and observe him performing laser cataract surgery to learn more about the intricacies involved in this new technology.
One of the things that Dr. Frantz is finding after performing laser refractive cataract surgery for the past year is that surgery with the femtosecond laser is resulting in significantly better predictability of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations than conventional phacoemulsification surgery. “I’m sure my colleagues across the country would agree that the difference is most likely due to a more precise capsulorrhexis, resulting in a more stable IOL position,” said Dr. Frantz. Capsulorhexis is the technique used to remove the lens capsule during cataract surgery.
According to Dr. Frantz, “The LenSx laser helps to alleviate some of the variability in surgery by customizing the procedure to each patient’s eyes.” With increased surgical reproducibility comes greater safety. “One of the reasons I believe the LenSx technology is safer for our patients is because it reduces the amount of ultrasound energy used in breaking up the cataract, resulting in reduced corneal edema.” “Our goal at Frantz EyeCare is to enhance the visual outcomes for our patients,” said Dr. Frantz. “This laser technology is far better than anything I have experienced before,” he added.
However, the latest technology may not be for everyone. About half of Dr. Frantz’s patients continue to choose traditional cataract surgery. “It’s still a successful surgery and there are a number of reasons why someone may not be a candidate for bladeless laser cataract surgery,” said Dr. Frantz.
The only way to treat a cataract is to have it surgically removed. The first step is to have a complete dilated cataract evaluation to determine if cataract surgery is necessary. This exam is covered by Medicare and most insurances.
Make an appointment for your cataract evaluation by calling (239) 418-0999 or online now.
