Bladeless Cataract surgery is now possible with the latest LenSx femtosecond laser technology at George Surgical Centre Eye Hospital.
The first of its kind in the Western Cape.
Knysna resident, Della Jerling recently underwent cataract surgery with a revolutionary new method using femtosecond laser. The laser, also known as the LenSx, was recently acquired by the George Surgical Centre Eye Hospital and is the first in the Western Cape. Dr Johannes Meyer, ophthalmologist performed the first session of surgery on patients from Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield and George. The new femtosecond laser is described by Dr Meyer as the greatest breakthrough in cataract surgery since the invention of phaco emulsificaton machine.
During conventional cataract surgery ( phace emulsification), small manual incisions are made into the cornea with ultra sharp diamond or metal knives. A part of the lens capsule is then removed by hand and ultrasound is then used to break up the cataract, which is then aspirated, all performed under a powerful stereomicroscope. Like all surgery its safety and success is dependent on the skill and experience of the surgeon, with far less complications and better outcomes achieved by surgeons who have preformed thousands of cases.
“With this new laser, the procedure can now be performed with accuracy to one thousandth of a millimetre, which I have to admit is better than most skilled eye surgeons can achieve”, he says. “In eye surgery we strive towards perfection by trying to make incisions in the cornea that change the shape of the eye to the patient’s benefit. We try to remove cataracts with as little energy as possible to reduce inflammation and possible damage to ocular structures. We create micro incisions thatr seal without the need for sutures, thus reducing the chance of infection or other complications. The femtosecond laser brings us closer to this perfection.” says Dr Meyer
Patients undergoing cataract surgery today lead more active lifestyles and have greater visual demands than before. They need a speedy recovery from surgery and focus and depth of field for activities such as golf and mountain biking.
New applications for this technology are constantly evolving. With the new laser, astigmatism (irregular cornea) can be reduced during cataract surgery, which reduces spectacle dependence. It is ideal to use with the new premium intracocular lenses now available. It can also be used for completely bladeless LASIK surgery. The femtosecond laser can also be used to perform corneal graft transplant surgery with extreme accuracy and less chance of rejection and better visual outcomes. Corneal transplant surgery can restore vision to patients with keratoconus or who have had eye injuries. “It is a privilege to work at one of South Africa’s leading eye hospitals at George Surgical Centre where, together with the Garden Route Eye Clinic, we are committed to acquiring the latest technologies and skills to serve our patients”
