Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

Frequently asked questions

How does the femtosecond laser system work?

Every eye has a unique size and shape. Prior to treatment the femtosecond laser system scans the eye making a precise 3-D map of relevant structures. This process enables your surgeon to create a highly customized treatment plan that is tailored to your eye.

How does femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery compare to traditional manual surgery?

In traditional cataract surgery your surgeon uses handheld blades to create incisions in the cornea for accessing the cataract. Your surgeon will then use a surgical instrument to manually create an opening in the lens capsule that holds the cataract.

With a femtosecond laser system, your surgeon can make the corneal incisions with exceptional precision. Moreover, your surgeon can create the circular openings with the exact intended size, shape, and location using the precision of the femtosecond laser system. Your surgeon can also use the system to soften the hard cataract and segment it into manageable pieces before entering inside the eye with instruments.

The next step in both traditional and femtosecond laser-assisted procedures is to remove the tissue and break up and remove the cataract In the traditional approach, your surgeon will insert mechanical instruments into the eye and use ultrasound energy to initiate breakup of the hard cataract into pieces that are small enough to be removed.

With femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, the softening of the lens by the laser enables your surgeon to remove the cataract more gently and with significantly less ultrasound energy than is used in traditional manual cataract surgery. This gentle, low energy approach may make your visual recovery more rapid.

For both traditional and femtosecond laser-assisted procedures, the precision of these steps sets the stage for accurate positioning of the replacement lens. Accurate positioning of the replacement lens is critical for achieving the desired visual outcome.

Your surgeon may recommend a treatment plan that could include additional incisions in the cornea. In traditional cataract surgery, these corneal incisions are made with a handheld blade. With the femtosecond laser system, our surgeon can create these incisions exactly as intended with laser precision.

What are the benefits of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery?

With the femtosecond laser system, your surgeon can provide you with a highly customized treatment with advanced 3-D imaging treatment with little or no discomfort, a more precise treatment, a gentle and easier cataract removal and generally a more rapid visual recovery.

Ask your doctor if cataract surgery with the femtosecond laser system is right for you.

What Our Patients Are Saying

My experience at EMG was one of the best. The staff was friendly and informative. I felt very comfortable with the entire experience. All my questions were answered and explained.

I had my second cataract surgery yesterday. Dr. France and the surgical staff are really professional, kind, and pleasant. The idea of cataract surgery kind of skeeved me out, but the entire process was smooth, and remarkably painless. Everyone made a point of making sure I was comfortable, and ready. I am grateful to Dr. France and all of his staff (both sides of the office). Thank you!

Elizabeth Jamison

From my initial appointment to set up cataract surgery, I have felt wrapped around with the utmost care and concern. All procedures were clearly explained. I knew that I could call at any time with questions and that I was in expert hands. For surgery, I entered the building and was totally supported. Nurses made me feel comfortable first. Dr. Daly checked in with me. The anesthetist asked questions to make sure that I understood the procedure and to inform me of what I would experience. The procedure was done on time, and I felt assured that I was getting the best of care. I left knowing that my eyes were healing and soon would be renewed. I had a follow-up call to check in with me and remind me that I had an appointment the following day. Post op went smoothly again with the knowledge that I could ask any questions I had as well as being able to call back with any questions I had. The notes and support materials including the video made me feel on top of what I was doing at home. All in all, the very best experience!

Leah Campbell

I was referred to Dr. Hill by Dr. Rhodes from within the group due to apparent dry eye conditions following elective lens replacement surgery by Dr. Sterrer. Although I was happy overall with my lens replacements, I was experiencing some cloudy and inconsistent vision. Dr. Hill and her staff were very helpful in getting me an earlier appointment than I originally had, were extremely thorough and detailed in their baseline evaluation, were confident that they had identified the source of my dry eyes, and gave me great recommendations on home treatment and if office treatment going forward. I feel well taken care of and have confidence that the path forward with lead to improvements that will end up giving me better vision than I already have. Great work!

Jim Sevey

From the first appointment, every staff member of Eyecare Medical Group and Dr. Sise were very kind, informative and professional. I was a very nervous patient at the first cataract surgery and the surgical staff calmed my nerves and helped me relax. I have worn glasses for 57 years, now with both eyes having the cataracts removed I am glasses free. Dr. Sise took the time to explain everything and asked repeatedly if I had any questions. I am so glad I was referred to Eyecare Medical Group and met this amazing practitioner and his staff.

Elizabeth Doherty

Had cataract surgery on both eyes. Dr. France is a miracle worker. First time in 25 years I can see without glasses. His team of nurses are amazing.

Steven Hutton

From the moment I walked in every person that I encountered was amazing! The level of care and concern from all the staff made me feel so at ease with a somewhat nerve-racking procedure that was ahead of me. I can’t say enough good about the whole experience!

Sharon Norman

I could not be more pleased with my experience. Dr. Sterrer did my cataract surgery, and I’m currently seeing Dr. Parnes, who treats my AMD. I have complete confidence in everyone in this practice.

Victoria Armontrout

Bruce Sanderson saw Dr. Kahn and had a minor surgery done. Everything was perfect and I can't spread the word any faster. I accidentally deleted the review you sent me so I'm writing this. Thank you, Bruce.

Bruce Sanderson

I work at a large medical office that prides itself on care without compromise. However, Eyecare Medical Group stands at the top of the list for caring employees. EVERY person there made my husband and I feel welcomed and cared for. They are one in a million! Many thanks to everyone there! :-)

Linda Boucher

I had a really great experience with Dr. Hill and Terry (nurse) at Eyecare Medical Group in Saco! Their new facility, while a bit farther than their Portland office, is gorgeous and has all the equipment needed to evaluate you for chronic dry eye. I was seen immediately after checking in and each eye drop, test, and exam was well explained. I felt like Dr. Hill really listened to my concerns, was respectful, and came up with a good treatment plan for me. I appreciate that she was positive, but also realistic, so I left feeling motivated to implement my new eye health plan. I will be going to Eyecare Medical Group again in four months, and am really happy to continue my eye care with Dr. Hill!

Jenny McKee