FLACS

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Traditional cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure, but Dr. Shah now offers an even more advanced approach: Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS). This state-of-the-art technique replaces several manual steps of traditional surgery with the unparalleled precision of a computer-guided laser.This innovative method allows Dr. Shah to perform cataract surgery with greater predictability and a gentler touch.

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Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

DMEK

DMEK is a highly advanced corneal transplant that Dr. Shah performs for patients with vision loss from a damaged inner cell layer. This layer, called the endothelium, acts like a pump to keep your cornea clear. When these cells fail, often with a condition like Fuchs' Dystrophy, the cornea swells and becomes cloudy.

Dr. Shah performs this procedure by replacing only the faulty cell layer with a new, healthy one, leaving all other healthy corneal tissue untouched. It’s like replacing a tiny, worn-out part to get a larger machine running perfectly again.

This precise approach offers significant advantages. Your vision typically returns much faster, the final quality of sight is superb, and the risk of your body rejecting the new tissue is remarkably low.

Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty

DSEK

DSEK is a partial corneal transplant that Dr. Shah uses to address vision loss from a failing endothelial cell layer. This delicate layer of cells on the back surface of your cornea is crucial for keeping your vision clear. When it stops working properly, your cornea can swell and become cloudy.

The DSEK procedure involves placing a thin, healthy layer of donor tissue onto the back of your cornea. Unlike a full corneal transplant, Dr. Shah's approach with DSEK targets and replaces only the damaged part.

This targeted method uses a much smaller incision, which leads to a more stable eye after surgery. This means the wound heals quickly and is far more stable. DSEK also significantly reduces the risk of serious complications like bleeding or tissue rejection, which helps protect your sight.

How the Laser Assists the Procedure

The femtosecond laser performs several key steps with incredible accuracy, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of the surgery.

Creating the Incision

Instead of a handheld blade, the laser creates the tiny, self-sealing incision in the cornea. This incision is made with a level of precision not possible with a manual instrument.

Correcting Astigmatism

Dr. Shah carefully measures the unique shape of your eye to determine the exact amount of astigmatism correction you need. Using advanced laser technology, she gently reshapes the cornea with exceptional precision, helping to sharpen your vision and reduce blur or distortion.

Opening the Lens Capsule

A perfectly circular opening is made in the lens capsule, the clear membrane surrounding the cataract. This step, called a capsulotomy, is critical for a well-centered and stable lens implant. The laser ensures this opening is flawless in its size, shape, and position.

Softening the Cataract

The laser is used to break up the hard cataract into smaller, softer pieces. This significantly reduces the amount of ultrasound energy needed to remove the cataract, which is gentler on the delicate structures of the eye and promotes a faster recovery.

Benefits of Laser-Assisted Surgery

Patients who choose this advanced option with Dr. Shah benefit from:

Greater Precision: Each key step of the surgery is performed with micron-level accuracy, correcting refractive error.
Reduced Stress on the Eye: The laser's ability to soften the cataract before removal means less energy and less time are needed inside the eye.‍
Optimal Lens Placement: The perfectly circular capsulotomy ensures the new artificial lens is centered precisely, which is especially important for premium lens implants.
Advanced Lens Power Measurement (ORA Technology): During your laser-assisted surgery, Dr. Shah uses a specialized system called ORA (intraoperative aberrometry) to fine-tune your lens power in real time. Once your natural lens is removed, this technology measures your eye while you’re on the table, helping ensure the selected lens is the best possible match for your vision—especially if you have astigmatism or have had prior vision correction.