Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
The same innovation used for all-laser LASIK is now revolutionizing cataract surgery.
Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS Named in: Best Doctors in America & The Guide to America’s Top Ophthalmologists
In May of this year, area Cataract and LASIK Specialist Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, became the first and only eye surgeon in southwest Florida to offer Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery with Alcon’s LenSx, a computer-controlled laser that ensures the highest-precision surgical incisions. This is the greatest advancement in cataract surgery in 20 years. Dr. Frantz performed the first bladeless cataract procedure on May 15 at Suncoast Surgery Center, his outpatient surgery center located adjacent to the Frantz Cataract Center at Florida Eye Health in Fort Myers.
“We are proud to offer the most advanced eye care treatment for our cataract patients,” said Dr. Frantz. Leading eye surgeons throughout the world consider bladeless cataract surgery the wave of the future. “In five to ten years, it is expected that all cataract surgery will be performed with a laser; however, as a surgeon who has often introduced new technology to our area, I am thrilled about bringing the future of cataract surgery to our area now,” said Dr. Frantz. “The real beneficiary of this new technology is our patients,” added Dr. Frantz.
By adding computer control to the three key steps of cataract surgery, the LenSx laser ensures the highest-precision surgical incisions. “The LenSx is unquestionably the most technologically advanced option for cataract patients,” added Dr. Frantz.
LenSx utilizes a femtosecond laser, which has been used to perform LASIK surgery since FDA approval in 2001, and offers an alternative to the mechanical cuts used in traditional LASIK. This technology brought both safety and precision to the surgeon and the patient. Dr. Frantz was the first surgeon in southwest Florida to add the IntraLase femtosecond laser back in 2008 to provide the 100 percent bladeless iLASIK experience for his patients. This same innovation used for all-laser LASIK is now revolutionizing cataract surgery.
The three key patient benefits of the bladeless laser cataract surgery versus traditional manual cataract surgery are:
1) The laser provides a more precise circular incision around the cataract, improves the accuracy during placement of the intraocular lens implant, and leads to a greater likelihood of clearer vision. The main corneal incision is created through multiple planes to prevent potential wound leakage. A real time computerized laser imaging system guides the laser beam to the correct target during the surgery.
2) The laser pre-softens the cataract, allowing surgeons to minimize the use of ultrasound energy to remove the cataract lens. Decreased usage of ultrasound energy reduces the chances of thermal injury to tissues inside the eye, which lessens recovery time.
3) Astigmatism correction can be done on the same setting with cataract surgery using this laser as opposed to a manual incision. Astigmatism requires patients to wear glasses after cataract surgery. Correcting this at the time of cataract surgery lessens the needs for glasses subsequently.
“With the LenSx laser, I am able to perform my patients’ surgeries to more exacting, individualized specifications not attainable with other surgical methods. More importantly, my patients who have bladeless laser cataract surgery recover more quickly and have greater satisfaction in their outcome,” said Dr. Frantz.
Patients have the choice of having traditional cataract surgery or the LenSx bladeless laser cataract surgery, which is considered a premium enhanced procedure that requires an out-of-pocket fee from the patient. Standard cataract surgery is covered by insurance, but those patients should expect to wear glasses. Dr. Frantz offers the bladeless laser cataract surgery as part of a Refractive Premium Package. “Patients who want to minimize their need for glasses desire not just standard cataract surgery, but a refractive component as well,” explained Dr. Frantz. “This includes the ReSTOR multifocal lens, which will greatly reduce your dependence on glasses following surgery. The ReSTOR lens allows you to read a book, drive a car, and play golf or tennis with increased freedom from glasses. Other options include a Toric IOL for astigmatism and a standard single-vision monofocal lens with astigmatic refractive surgery,” said Dr. Frantz.
To set up a consultation to learn more about cataract surgery and the new bladeless laser cataract surgery, you may schedule an appointment online at www.bettervision.net or call 239.418.0999.
Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, and his team of nine doctors at Florida Eye Health offer a broad spectrum of patient-focused comprehensive care from eye exams and eyewear to bladeless laser cataract removal, glaucoma care, state of the art bladeless iLASIK, hearing services, and eyelid surgery with office locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, and Lehigh Acres.
