A New Standard of Excellence
Now Offering Blade-Free Laser Cataract Surgery

ST. LUKE'S SURGEONS

St. Luke’s surgeons have been trailblazers in the innovations which make cataract surgery one of the safest medical procedures performed today. Recovery time is minimal thanks in large part to the contributions and advancements made by Dr. James Gills in ophthalmic anesthesia, the use of medication inside the eye, and developments in microscopic incision. St. Luke's is now on the forefront of cataract surgery again by offering Blade-Free, Laser Cataract surgery utilizing the LenSx Femtosecond Laser, the only FDA approved laser for cataract surgery. Blade-Free, Laser Cataract Surgery offers a level of precision and safety that most surgeons and manual instruments are not capable of. While the current techniques for cataract surgery at St. Luke's have greatly exceeded national standards for care and safety due to our protocols, Laser Cataract Surgery by skilled St. Luke's surgeons will offer improvement for many patients.

STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNIQUES

Your safety and comfort are our priorities. We recommend anesthesia according to each patient’s need, so their experience is as pleasant as possible. In many cases, the eye is numbed with topical drops combined with a special numbing solution placed inside the eye. This technique, developed by Dr. Gills, has revolutionized cataract surgery, and made it possible for many patients to enjoy their vision faster than ever. Cataract Surgery is performed through a tiny, self-sealing incision which is created using either the LenSx Femtosecond Laser or a precision blade in the case of traditional cataract surgery. The cataract is gently broken up and removed using ultrasonic vibrations. Stitches aren't necessary because the eye's natural pressure seals the incision. The LenSx Femtosecond laser also treats astigmatism with an unmatched level of precision.

WHAT ARE CATARACTS

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The lens is responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. Common symptoms of cataracts are: Halos around lights, sensitivity to sunlight, and blurry vision, especially when reading or driving at night. Cataracts are usually a result of the natural aging process.

NATURAL AGING OF THE LENS

As we get older, everyone eventually experiences a gradual loss of near vision. The lens of a child is very elastic, and can easily change shape to clearly focus at a near object. As we age, the natural lens loses this elasticity, and gradually becomes less flexible. This makes reading small print or looking at objects up close more difficult.

A HIGHER LEVEL OF SAFETY

In addition to “Excellence...with love,” St. Luke’s highest priority is safety in the care of our patients. In fact, our surgical center has a significantly lower incidence of eye infection than the national average. Some of our innovations include:

• Ultraviolet Lighting - When operating rooms are not in use, special ultraviolet lighting is activated to reduce the risk of bacteria. This is the same type of lighting used in cardiovascular units.

• Filtered Solutions - To further reduce the risk of infection, the solutions used during surgery first pass through special filters before reaching the eye.

• Antibiotics and Anti-inflammatory Solutions - Specially formulated antibiotics are added to anti-inflammatory solutions and placed directly in the eye after surgery, greatly reducing the risk of postoperative infection.

• Balancing Medications - We neutralize the PH level in medications used during surgery to reduce irritation, dryness and discomfort. This makes the surgery and recovery more comfortable.

• Eye Pressure Checks - Your eye pressure is checked in the first two hours following surgery to insure that the incision is tightly sealed. Special instruments are used during your surgery to help alleviate the risk of postoperative pressure rise.

INTRAOCULAR LENSES (IOLS)

When planning cataract surgery, your doctor will discuss the different intraocular lenses available to achieve your visual goals. An intraocular lens is an artificial lens inserted in place of the natural lens so that light focuses onto the retina, forming a clearer image. Our expert surgeons and staff insure that you receive the lens best suited to your needs.

LIFESTYLE LENS OPTIONS

When it comes to selecting your intraocular lens, our staff will describe the exciting premium lens options available. Our lenses are recommended with your individual lifestyle needs, as well as your eye health, in mind.

MULTIFOCAL, TORIC, AND ACCOMODATING LENSES

At St. Luke’s, our cataract surgeons use the most advanced lens technology available and tailor it to each patient’s specific needs. Our multifocal, accommodating and toric lenses are implants that offer patients the very latest technology, affording maximum independence from glasses. In practical terms, they allow patients to see far, near, and everything in between. Glasses may be required to fine tune vision; however, these lenses are the best option for creating freedom from glasses.

DELUXE MONOFOCAL LENSES

These types of intraocular lenses have one focal power, much like single-vision glasses (not bifocals). Patients have the option of selecting near or distance vision, depending on their needs. The deluxe monofocal lenses we offer to our patients are high-definition and provide precision optical quality for the sharpest vision possible.

ASTIGMATISM (Toric) LENSES

For patients found to have astigmatism, these Lifestyle Lenses (also called Toric Lenses) and Deluxe Lenses correct astigmatism, which causes blurred vision if left untreated.