BENJAMIN CHUN, M.D. AT THE CATARACT & LASER INSTITUTE OF PENNSYLVANIA FIRST IN PITTSBURGH TO PERFORM CATARACT SURGERY WITH THE ALCON LENSX® LASER
A new, highly advanced, image-guided laser is revolutionizing refractive cataract surgery
Pittsburgh, PA November 18, 2013 –The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania’s Medical Director Benjamin Chun, M.D. is the first eye surgeon in Pittsburgh to perform laser refractive cataract surgery with a bladeless, computer-controlled laser that ensures the highest-precision surgical incisions. “We are proud to offer the most advanced refractive eye care treatments for our patients in Pittsburgh,” said Dr. Chun. “The LenSx laser provides our cataract patients with surgical precision, faster recovery time and can lessen the need for glasses after surgery.”
The three key patients’ benefits of the LenSx assisted cataract surgery versus traditional manual cataract surgery are the accuracy of the cuts, the gentleness to the eye and the precision in making the cuts as:
1) The laser provides a precise circular incision around the cataract, which is associated with accurate placement of the intraocular lens implant. The main corneal incision is created through multiple planes to reduce the potential for wound leakage. A 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 is associated with faster visual recovery and reduces the chances of thermal injury to tissues inside the eye.
3) Using the laser to create all corneal incisions also allows the surgeon to minimize the amount of astigmatism patients have after surgery, which subsequently lessens the needs for glasses.
“This technology represents the most significant advancement in refractive cataract surgery in 30 years. Prior to LenSx, cataract surgery was performed by hand with blades. With the LenSx laser, I am able to perform my patients’ surgeries to more precise, individualized specifications not attainable with traditional methods. More importantly, the laser allows my patients to have a faster recovery and even more satisfaction with the surgical outcome,” said Dr. Chun.
About Cataracts
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States with over 3 million procedures performed annually. A cataract is the age-related clouding of the natural clear lens in the eye, resulting in hazy vision, unusual glare, poor night vision, and a reduction in color perception.
Traditional Cataract Surgery vs. Refractive Laser Cataract Surgery
With traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon makes incisions and removes the natural lens using traditional metal surgical instruments and blades. When choosing the LenSx® laser approach for refractive cataract surgery, the patient will enjoy the benefits of a “blade-free” surgical procedure, enhanced distance vision with the correction of astigmatism or a full range of vision by using a multifocal lens implant.
Cost of Surgery
If the patient has cataracts, insurance companies and Medicare pay for the cataract to be removed and replaced with a standard lens, leaving the patient with the cost of deductibles and co-pays. If the patient chooses to have advanced vision beyond what basic cataract surgery covers, there are additional out of pocket expenses associated with advanced technology refractive options.
About The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania
The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania’s mission is to provide the best in eye care to every patient. This philosophy is exemplified by Dr. Chun’s use of LenSx® Refractive Laser Cataract Surgery. The Cataract & Laser Center of Pennsylvania offers diagnostic and treatment services in general ophthalmology and optometry, routine and comprehensive eye exams, cataracts, glaucoma management, dry eye syndrome and diabetic eye disease. To learn more about LenSx® refractive laser cataract surgery or to schedule an appointment, please contact Kerrie or Heather at 412-681-8505.
