L C M E D S O C .O R G cataract surgery new optical technology By DANIEL ROSS, MD O ne of the most exciting advancements of cataract procedures available to medicine is the utilization of software, computer imaging, and laser technology to perform laser-assisted cataract surgery. This allows for better outcomes, fewer complications, and less likely to need glasses after cataract surgery. A real-time laser image of the cataract is projected on a screen and the laser parameters are adjusted precisely to the individual geometry of the patient. These precise measurements are used to perform the incision in the cornea, make a perfectly circular opening in the anterior capsule then optically etching the cataract. This allows the surgeon to aspirate the cataract with very low phacoemulsification, sound wave energy power. By keeping the energy low and the incisions precise, this minimizes the common complications of traditional cataract surgery. Lower power will result in less corneal edema and avoid complications Continued on page 16 SPRING 2020 | Lehigh County Health & Medicine 15http://www.LCMEDSOC.ORG