How Laser Technology Lends Accuracy and Precision to Routine Eye Surgeries
Laser technology has significantly improved how ophthalmologists operate on eyes. Surgically treating glaucoma or cataracts has become much more accurate with lasers. The technology plays a central role in LASIK surgery, the procedure they’ve become most famous for in the ocular world. Our locations throughout Maryland provide state-of-the-art laser technology for patients considering LASIK or surgical treatment for glaucoma or cataracts.
LASIK Has Made Laser-Assisted Eye Surgeries A Household Concept
Our skilled ophthalmologists at Katzen Eye Group regularly perform LASIK surgeries at our locations in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Rosedale. LASIK has become the well-known solution to glasses and contacts. It is a laser vision-corrective surgery, which adjusts the refractive state of the eye in order to correct vision problems. Common eye conditions like myopia and astigmatism can be treated with LASIK.
Since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the 1990s, LASIK has helped over 12 millions Americans say goodbye to glasses and contacts. A patient undergoing the procedure has numbing eye drops applied to their eyes before one of our ophthalmologists creates a flap in the cornea, allowing a laser to reshape the patient’s corneas. Once the flaps have been returned to position, a patient can head home and return to business as usual the next day.
Not everyone qualifies or is a good candidate for LASIK. Katzen Eye Group’s highly trained professionals are happy to sit down with you to discuss your health and expectations in order to determine whether LASIK is a good option.
Femtosecond Lasers Bring More Accuracy to Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the oldest recorded surgical eye procedures. In its earliest stages, cataract surgery was performed using the “couching” method, a process where the affected lens was simply pushed into the vitreous cavity. Fortunately, science has developed more sophisticated techniques that have turned cataract surgery into a successful and routine procedure.
An ophthalmologist creates small incisions in the cornea. Viscoelastic fluid is applied to help the eye retain its shape. A probe is then inserted to break up the affected lens. A cataract is essentially a build up of protein on the eye’s lens, and this build-up blocks the eye’s light, poorly impacting a person’s vision. In order to restore proper vision, there is no other choice but to remove the lens.
The probe inserted into the eye uses ultrasound waves to break up the lens through a process known as phacoemulsification. This probe then vacuums up the pieces, safely removing it from the eye. An artificial intraocular lens is then inserted through the incision. Since the cornea is self-healing, all patients need to do after cataract surgery is protect their eyes and follow their doctor’s instructions.
Standard cataract surgery is performed using surgical blades, but femtosecond lasers can now be used to make the incision and help break the cataract-affected lens into smaller pieces. The laser helps provide for increased accuracy. Specialists at our locations across Maryland are available to sit down with patients to determine which intraocular lens (IOL) is right for them.
Laser Surgery One of Multiple Treatment Options for Glaucoma Sufferers
Glaucoma is caused by an increased build-up of pressure in the eye, resulting in damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits information to the brain meaning any damage there severely impacts a person’s vision.
In the early stages, glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, but surgery may later become necessary. There are two common surgeries to treat glaucoma: microsurgery and laser surgery. Laser surgery techniques address glaucoma by improving the drainage system of the eyes so that the pressure-causing fluids can drain out more easily.
Unfortunately, glaucoma is not preventable, but it is treatable. Routine eye exams are the best way to detect glaucoma early and prevent severe vision loss. Katzen Eye Group’s in-house glaucoma specialist Dr. Tania Marcic performs these procedures at our clinics in Lutherville, Baltimore and Rosedale.
With the latest technology and a dedicated team, Katzen Eye Group is prepared to address the Maryland area’s vision needs. If you think you may need eye surgery, stop by one of our locations in Lutherville, Baltimore, or Rosedale for an eye exam and to learn more about the role laser technology plays.
