June 2021

OPHTHALMOLOGY

INSIDE THE OR | FEMTOSECOND LASER-ASSISTED CATARACT SURGERY

Featuring: Surendra Basti, MD

Episode Summary

As part of ongoing efforts to update our patients on the latest technologies and advances in ophthalmic surgical care, we have produced video messages highlighting our unique surgical program. For example, join Surendra Basti, MD, director of Cataract Service and professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Northwestern Medicine, “Inside the OR” as he performs femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.
 
The patient, a fashion photographer, presented to the office with a cataract and a desire for clear vision at all ranges without glasses. Performing critical surgical steps predictably with the femtosecond laser permits the optimal placement and positioning of a trifocal lens. Optimal placement of the lens is essential to focusing light over the wide range of vision that the patient was hoping to achieve without using eyeglasses.
 
The laser was programmed to create a self-sealing corneal incision, perform a perfectly circular opening in the cellophane-like outer covering of the cataract (which is retained during surgery and serves to encase the trifocal lens) and break the cataract into six pieces. Dr. Basti entered the eye through the laser-created incision, removed all pieces of the cataract and placed the trifocal lens within the cellophane casing. Intraoperative image guidance helped refine and optimize the lens placement. The patient is now three months post-surgery, and a recent visit confirmed that her vision goals were fully met.
 
This video demonstrates how advanced cataract surgical technology, such as the femtosecond laser, intraoperative image guidance systems and trifocal lenses, can help surgeons deliver exceptional patient outcomes.

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