Advancements in cataract eye surgery have been revolutionary over the past decade with the introduction of lasers. LaserVue Eye Center is proud to be the first practice in the Bay Area to offer the Blade-Free LENSAR® Femtosecond Laser system. Using the LENSAR® Laser system, we believe our laser cataract procedures are more precise and offer better results than less advanced systems. Learn more about laser cataract surgery at LaserVue in Santa Rosa!
Cataract surgery has always been a highly effective procedure. With laser cataract surgery, the procedure is safer, more precise, and easier for our patients than ever before. LaserVue’s computer-guided laser system makes the incisions and breaks apart the cataract with an astounding level of predictability.
Safer & More Advanced
The computer-guided laser system completes difficult tasks quicker and safer.
A Better Experience
Increased safety and peace of mind.
Precise & Predictable
Laser cataract surgery is more precise, reproducible, and predictable.
Advanced Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser Technology is Making Outcomes More Precise and Predictable.
The entire staff was very professional and friendly. The examinations were not rushed and very calm. It was a rewarding experience.
Emil S. - Retired
Fantastic! I have received complete support in all aspects of my care. The doctors and staff have been caring, responsive, and wonderful to work with. I highly recommend LaserVue Eye Center to anyone with vision problems.
What Should I Do If I Suspect That I Have A Cataract?
If you suspect a cataract, please call LaserVue Eye Center at 800-527-3745 to schedule an evaluation with Jay Bansal, MD. Dr. Bansal provides cataract surgery in San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Rosa.
What Should I Expect When Undergoing Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is an outpatient surgery. During surgery your eye is anesthetized so that there is little pain or discomfort. You also will receive IV anti-anxiety medicine to make sure you are relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. Unless you have special health problems or insurance requirements, your surgery will be performed in a comfortable, friendly, accredited outpatient surgery center.
Although it may vary, cataract surgery usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. We usually have patients arrive an hour before surgery and stay about 45 minutes after the procedure before going home. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home, but you will probably be able to drive to your postoperative visit the next day (assuming you were driving before surgery).
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). Dr. Jay Bansal uses state-of-the-art microsurgical techniques using a sophisticated ultrasonic device (phacoemulsification) to remove the lens and replace it with the intraocular lens implant. The implant is held in place by the outer capsule that surrounds your original lens. The IOL implant helps your eye focus properly after surgery but you will most likely need glasses for reading, which are prescribed about four weeks after surgery.
Intraocular lenses are about the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny and weigh the same as a kernel of corn. They are polished to the precise curvature needed to bend light rays into focus on the retina at the back of your eye. At LaserVue Eye Center, we use the new IOL Master technology to provide the most accurate measurements to determine the correct power of your IOL.
Prior to Surgery
Small incision cataract surgery requires some preparation. Following your diagnosis, you will be given a surgery date. Before your surgery we need you to get surgical clearance from your primary care physician. We well provide the form; please have your doctor complete the physical within two weeks of your surgery.
Eye Drops
Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops three times a day for three days before surgery as instructed. You will also use these drops following surgery, so bring them with you to the surgery center.
Transportation
Please arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery on the day of your procedure.
Day of Cataract Surgery
Wear loose fitting clothing the day of cataract surgery. When you arrive, a nurse will check your blood pressure, temperature and pulse and ask a few questions to make sure that you are well prepared for your surgery.
We will apply eye drops to dilate your pupil and numb the eye. Medication inserted through an IV will relax you, and may make you a little drowsy. Your anesthesiologist will review your medical history.
Blood pressure and heart monitors will be attached and you will be covered with sterile drapes. In the operating room, there will be more eye drops; we’ll wipe your face with alcohol and betadine. You will be able to breathe easily all through surgery; oxygen will be available by way of a tube directly in front of you.
Your surgery should only last 15 minutes and during that time you will be awake. Let us know if you need to cough or sneeze. You will be asked to look at the microscope light. If you feel any discomfort, we will immediately administer more medication. Most San Francisco / Santa Rosa cataract surgery patients are pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy the surgery is. Being awake during surgery is a lot safer and more comfortable for the patient. We’ll apply more eye drops after surgery. Usually, a patch is not required. You will rest for about 30 minutes while being monitored carefully and given something to eat and drink. Then you will be permitted to leave. Total time at the surgery facility is usually about two hours.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to assist you in any way.
What to Expect After Surgery
Rest after surgery and below are acceptable levels of activities. Your vision will still be blurry, which is normal. Remember, do not drive on the surgery day and do not drink alcohol as we have given you a light sedative.
Do not rub your eye. If instructed, wear a shield over your eye at night until told otherwise. You may shower but avoid getting water directly in your eye.
You will be given eye drops to use beginning the day of surgery. The antibiotic and a steroid drop. Please use both drops four times a day until instructed otherwise. Here is one way to apply eye drops:
Tilt your head back. Pull your bottom eyelid down.
Squeeze one drop into your eye. Try not to touch the eye with the bottle tip.
Close you eye for a few seconds.
It is normal to experience:
Scratchy, sand-like feeling. This is due to slight irregularities at the site of the wound. Using artificial tears to lubricate the eye will help these symptoms.
Slight eye ache or headache the first day. It’s okay to take Tylenol or a non-aspirin over-the-counter pain medication for this feeling.
Discharge. Some eye discharge is normal following surgery. Small amounts of mucous may collect in the eye during the day and may be on the eyelashes in the morning. This may be removed with sterile cotton balls or a clean wash cloth and warm water.
Please call us immediately if you experience:
Increase in pain or severe discomfort not relieved by the pain medication
Loss of vision
Blows or trauma to the eye sufficient to cause pain
Increased redness of the eye or pus coming from the eye
Nausea or vomiting
Call us at LaserVue Eye Center (707) 522-6200 if you have any questions about cataract surgery or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bansal.
Activities:
Unless your surgeon instructs otherwise, you may resume non-strenuous activities immediately after surgery. This includes: walking, watching TV, reading, bathing or showering (keeping the eye dry for the first few days), eating what you what. One week after surgery you may resume more activities such as golf, dancing, playing tennis, very light weightlifting and moderate exercise.
You may resume all activities after two weeks including more strenuous exercise.
Glasses:
Typically, new glasses may be prescribed in four to six weeks. In the mean time you may wear your old glasses as they will protect the operated eye from bumps and rubbing and help the vision in your other eye.
Sensitivity to light may occur after surgery for a short while. We will provide sunglasses that will fit over your old glasses. If you are comfortable in the sunlight, you may go without them.
Post-Operative Checklist
Do not drive the day of surgery. Rest at home. Your may read and watch TV.
Wear the eye shield the night after surgery as directed.
You may shower but avoid getting water in your eye.
Use eye drops as directed.
Follow all instructions and bring eye drops with you to your post-operative visit.
There are many known causes of cataracts including aging, diabetes, certain injuries to the eyes, certain congenital disorders, and some metabolic disorders.
How soon does vision improve after cataract eye surgery?
Distance vision will usually be very good within a few days to a week after surgery. Return of near vision may take longer and depends upon which lens was selected for the procedure. Some patients still require glasses or contact lenses with a mild prescription for optimal vision. Some patients achieve better vision improvement than others, but virtually all will see better with lens replacement than without. Implant surgery is intended to correct deficiencies in the eye’s lens, and will not help with vision problems related to other parts of the eye, such as floaters, flashes, or visual field loss. This information is general and not intended to apply completely and specifically to any individual patient.
Will I have to have cataract surgery again?
In cataract surgery, natural lenses are removed and replaced with artificial lenses, which are not subject to deterioration and should last a lifetime. Many patients experience subsequent clouding of the membrane that holds the lens, called the capsule. The normal treatment for this is a yag laser capsulotomy, in which a laser beam is used to create a hole through the membrane, allowing a clear path for light. It is a quick and painless procedure.
What is an advanced technology intraocular lens (IOL)?
The advanced technology IOL is a new, state-of-the-art type of intraocular lens that can provide a fuller range of vision, from near to distance, in most patients. The procedure for removing the natural lens and implanting the advanced technology IOL is the same one that’s been used for years in cataract surgery, but the result is a full range of vision, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
What happens if my eye is injured in the future?
The presence of an intraocular lens does not make the eye more susceptible to damage from trauma after appropriate healing. Most injuries affect the cornea—the clear front portion of the eye—or the retina—the light-sensing lining on the rear of the eye. If anything, the lens implant eliminates the chance of cataracts due to eye trauma.
Is advanced technology IOL implantation covered by insurance?
Most private insurance covers the cataract surgical procedure and the anesthesia, but rarely cover the additional cost of an advanced technology IOL, since it is considered elective. Patients should consult with both the doctor and the insurance carrier to determine their best alternatives.
When it comes to LASIK, peace of mind is everything
We offer you our Peace of Mind Promise. We promise our surgeons are some of the most experienced in the area. We promise they will use the most advanced all-laser LASIK technology. And we promise our friendly, professional staff will be with you every step of the way. How’s that for peace of mind?
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