FAQs

The most common side effect is the presentation of “floaters” but these typically dissipate within a few weeks.  Complications are rare, but may include increased pressure within the eye, a dislocation of the artificial lens implant through the opening that is created in the back portion of the lens capsule, or, rarely, a detached retina.  If you are in a high risk group, your follow-up will be more extensive.

Only one per eye.

Yes, YAG treatments are reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance providers.

Most patients should expect their vision to improve within 24 hours of the YAG treatment.  Normal activities may be resumed immediately after surgery.  Patients should anticipate “floaters” following the procedure, but these should dissipate within a few weeks.

The YAG treatment is a quick and painless outpatient procedure that is performed in our ambulatory surgery center.  There are no needles, no stitches, and no shots.  Drops are used to dilate the pupil and numb the eye.  Your doctor places a contact lens on your eye to focus the laser energy.  You may see flashes of light and hear clicking noises during the procedure, which takes only a few minutes.

The YAG laser delivers small, rapid bursts of energy that are focused on the cloudy capsule.  The laser energy creates a small opening that allows light to enter the eye, thus restoring normal vision.

Months or years following cataract surgery, the lens capsule that contains the new artificial lens implant may become cloudy and cause blurred vision.  The YAG (Yttrium Argon Garnet) laser creates an opening in the back portion of the lens capsule in order to restore your normal vision.

No, one eye is typically done at a time per the written policy of our ambulatory surgery center and the prevailing medical standard of care.

Developed by Silicon Valley-based OptiMedica Corp., CATALYS is a new FDA market -leared medical device that features a state-of-the-art laser, advanced 3D imaging, and many other innovative features that can bring numerous benefits to Commonwealth Eye Surgery patients.

Yes, LPI treatments are reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance providers.

Complications are rare, but some of the potential risks include blurred vision, increase in the pressure within the eye, minor bleeding, vision loss, or the need for either a retreatment or a different type of treatment.

No, only one eye is typically done at a time per the written policy of our ambulatory surgery center and the prevailing medical standard of care.

One. Retreatments are extremely rare, and usually are necessitated only if you have chronic inflammation within the eye (iritis).

Your vision may be blurry for several hours, possibly up to 24 hours. Generally, the eye is mildly irritated for 1-2 days. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops for the first few weeks to help treat any irritation or inflammation. Normal activities may be resumed following your surgery.

The LPI treatment is a quick outpatient procedure that is performed in our ambulatory surgery center. There are no needles, no stitches, and no shots. After placing numbing drops in your eye, your doctor places a contact lens on your eye in order to focus the laser energy.

The doctor uses the argon laser to make a small opening in the colored part of the eye. This hole prevents the buildup of fluid behind the iris and allows the fluid to reach the drains of the eye. This helps to lower the pressure within the eye.

LPI, or Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, is a surgical procedure used to prevent a severe form of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma.

As with any medical procedure, results may vary. However, unlike daily eye drops, SLT therapy is administered just once in a simple, fast, in-office procedure. Because glaucoma is a chronic disease, follow-up appointments with your eye care specialist are important. SLT can be safely performed on patients who have failed other laser surgeries or who have been on glaucoma medication therapy. SLT may be safely repeated if needed.

No, only one eye is typically done at a time per the written policy of our ambulatory surgery center and the prevailing medical standard of care.

Yes, SLT is reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance providers, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in non-reimbursed prescription medication costs.

SLT is an outpatient procedure performed in our ambulatory surgery center. Eye drops are used to numb the eye and treatment takes place in a standard exam chair with a slit lamp like the one used to examine your eye. The SLT laser is attached to the slit lamp. A contact lens is then used to hold your eye open and focus the laser energy onto the drainage area of your eye. Laser energy is released multiple times at the edge of your pupil and the procedure will take just a few minutes to complete. Most patients do not report pain during or after the treatment.

Using an advanced laser system, pigmented tissue cells within the eye are selectively targeted. Laser energy is absorbed only by those targeted tissue cells, preserving and protecting surrounding tissue. This laser energy stimulates the natural healing response within the eye and results in greater fluid outflow, which in turn lowers eye pressure.

SLT, or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, is a clinically proven procedure that safely and effectively lowers intraocular pressure (IOP).

You may not be able to tell. Only in acute angle closure glaucoma does the patient experience symptoms which include a red, painful eye, steamy vision, halos around lights, a mid-dilated pupil, brow ache, and nausea. In most cases glaucoma is asymptomatic and can be detected only by an eye exam.

You may resume wearing eye makeup, but continue to avoid touching the eyes.

The Society for Excellence in Eye Care is a voluntary educational organization, open only to surgeons who have practiced several years and are highly recommended by their peer group. Along with the American College of Eye Surgeons, the Society for Excellence in Eye Care presents an international perspective on the latest development in eye surgical technology and technique. Fellowship awarded by this elite group of anterior segment surgeons is a mark of the surgeon’s willingness to embrace new technologies for the betterment of his or her patients.

Although the qualifications for the American Board of Ophthalmology include a completed residency with 25 cataract cases performed, the American Board of Eye Surgery (ABES) actually reviews 50 consecutive surgical procedures and assesses the indications, appropriateness, and the visual outcomes of surgery. Qualified candidates then have 5 videotaped surgeries evaluated by a panel of surgical examiners to confirm that the surgeon is using contemporary techniques and is skillful in his surgical approach. The reviewers have no knowledge of the surgeon’s identity, eliminating bias and underlining the objectivity of the process. In addition, the American Board of Eye Surgery requires each surgeon to be recertified every 7 years to ensure that the surgeon has updated his surgical skills and has kept pace with technological advances.