Laser Cataract Surgery Arrives in the SCV! A Q&A with Dr. Craig J. Romero Helm

Q: Dr. Helm, would you explain the difference between traditional cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery?
Dr. Helm: Traditional cataract surgery involves the use of metal or diamond blades to make incisions through the cornea to access the cataract. A puncture is then made in the front side of the capsule that surrounds the cataract and forceps are used to tear a circular opening through which an ultrasound probe is passed and used to break up the cataract. Generally, in experienced hands, this technique produces excellent results with standard lens implants. However, there are now more advanced lens implants such as the trifocal lens implant (PanOptix®) and astigmatism-correcting lens implants that perform best when they are perfectly centered in the eye. Laser-assisted cataract surgery allows the surgeon to eliminate the variability inherent with manual techniques and delivers a consistency that offers greater predictability regarding lens centration. The laser is used instead of a blade to make the incisions in the patient’s cornea, make a perfect circular opening to access the cataract and use laser pulses to soften the cataract and allow it to be more easily removed.
Q: Wow! That sounds a little complicated! What are the main advantages of the laser?
Dr. Helm: (Laughs) Yes, it can get a little technical! Basically, the advantages of using a laser with cataract surgery are that the laser gives us a level of precision, predictability and programmability that allows for greater customization of surgery. Each eye is different. The laser takes that into account and allows us to precisely tailor the best contoured incision for that particular eye.
Q: Is there anything special about this particular laser that Helm Vision Group has acquired?
Dr. Helm: This laser represents Swiss technology at its finest! Other lasers can be very finicky. This laser is very solidly built and is highly accurate. The most important difference however, is that unlike other laser platforms that are available for cataract surgery, the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 uses the lowest pulse energy to do the job. That means that with less energy needed to perform, it causes less inflammation and makes the surgery a more gentle experience.
Q: Is there anything else that this laser can do?
Dr. Helm: Yes, this laser is incredibly versatile. We can also use it to do corneal transplant surgery. The laser can make complex incisions that result in a stronger bond between a donor cornea and the host cornea. Basically, anything type of corneal surgery that required a blade in the past can now be done more accurately and precisely with this laser. We are very excited to bring this technology to the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas.