Blade free

Cebu Doctors University Hospital changes the game in cataract and lasik surgery technology by introducing the first and only blade- free technology in both procedures, not only here in Cebu but also in the Visayas and Mindanao areas as well. Through the New Alcon Lensx, the first laser system approved by the United States Federal Drug Administration for cataract surgery, a patient can be cataract-free in minutes. In a launch last February 17, it was learned that the procedure is "safe, fast, precise and scalpel free."

"This system delivers an image-guided computer precision that demonstrates enhanced surgical accuracy and tremendous reproducibility eliminating crucial steps in cataract surgery which may be prone to human error," a presentation read.

Another equipment called Wavelight Refractive Station is one of the fastest and advanced technology for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This tool is dubbed "the all-laser lasik surgery."

Further, it was learned that this combines the most advanced lasers currently available for performing lasik surgery by breaking the speed barrier, achieved by doubling its firing rate.

It represents a new generation of refractive technology referred to as " high performance vision correction," that allows patients to achieve exceptional results under all lighting situtations, day and night, reducing incidents of " halos" and glare.

The presentation added that the station's Femtosecond Laser ( Wavelight FS200), a 200 khz laser is impressive because of its speed and ability to make the flap needed for lasik.

Thus, there is no need for blades and the surgeon is given the freedom of choice with regard to diameter, shape, thickness and location of the flap, to suit the individual needs of the patient. Simplifying cataract surgery Cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural lens. This causes vision to go blurry or foggy, and that this is a common symptom of aging. This can severely inhibit a person's ability to enjoy a better quality of life.

The human lens, located behind the pupil, works just like the lens of a camera, focusing light on the retina ( the back of the eye), which sends the images to the brain. The lens become clouded over time and this is what is called a cataract. This keeps light and images from reaching the retina clearly. This can be the reason sharp images become blurred, bright colors become dull, or seeing at night is more difficult. It may also be why reading glasses or bifocals don't seem to help.

When you have a cataract, vision has been described as seeing life through old, cloudy film.

How would you know if you have cataract? Objects look blurry or cloudy; bright colors appear dull; night vision is affected; there's yellow or brown tint to your vision; you see glares or halos around bright light; there is loss of contrast sensitivity ( differences in distances, contours, colors; and that brightness is less obvious than before); glasses no longer seem to work as well as before.

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. It is usually a day- only procedure requiring only a few hours in a hospital or day surgery center.

During the launch, it was emphasized that the goal of the operation is to " divide the old, cloudy lens into pieces, remove the pieces from the eye, and insert an artifical lens to replace the natural lens."

The eye is anesthetized to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. In traditional cataract surgery, micro incisions ( of about 2.5mm) are created by a blade, the front of the lens is opened mechanically and the lens divided by an ultrasonic probe. This probe then removes the dense part of the cataract and after cleaning of the remaining cataract tissue, an intraocular lens is inserted through this micro incision.

However, using the latest laser technology, patients now have the option of choosing a bladeless, computer- controlled Lensx laser to perform the first three critical steps of cataract surgery.

The Lensx laser creates " precise incisions in the eye, creates a perfectly sized opening in the front of the lens and divides the cataract, all with a high precision image guided femtosecond laser."

Such prepares the eye successfully for the subsequent cataract surgery steps and intraocular lens insertion. The Lensx laser is an advanced precisionbased technolgy that uses a computer- controlled and image- guided high- frequency femtosecond laser to " perform the early stages of the cataract procedure, cutting the tissues with a high degree of precision."

As for the femtosecond laser technology ( where making the incision takes the tiniest fraction of a second), it has already been well- proven over the last decade in Refractive Laser Eye Surgery.

So the patient enjoys the advantages of reduced energy, fluid and time used during cataract surgery therefore ensuring a faster, kinder and gentler approach leading to quicker visual recovery and less damage to the delicate structures of the eye. What is lasik? Lasik stands for laser in- situ keratomileusis - a form of laser surgery that is capable of correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At Centre for Sight which is the first and only lasik provider in Cebu City, and in the Vismin areas, the new bladeless, all- laser lasik via Alcons' Wavelight Refractive Station allows the surgeon to customize the refractive procedure for each patient's need. This innovative approach improves safety and efficiency when creating the corneal flap during this life- changing procedure.

The femtosecond laser used in bladeless, lasaer lasik directs rapid pulses of infrared light to precise, computer- controlled depth of the cornea to create the flap. The depth is determined and programmed by the surgeon. This high- energy light pulse ( 15,000 per second) eliminates the need of a blade resulting in a faster flap and precise creation.

The equipment offers a tailored performance, including adjustable hinge position and size, variable side- creation angles and flap size and shapes, allowing the surgeon to expand the treatment options and even offer refractive surgery to patient who may have been not a good candidate in the past.

CDUH stands by the vision that because unique as you are, you deserve that range of customization options recognized through the Lensx Laser and their Alcon Refractive Station.

Services are available at Centre for Sight, Cebudoc Group of Hospitals and University ( North General Hospital, South General Hospital, CDUH, Mactan Doctors Hospital, and San Carlos Doctors Hospital in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental), Restore Vision Centre, and Larrazabal Eye Group.