Cataract surgery · San Antonio

Laser cataract surgery in San Antonio

Laser cataract surgery in San Antonio with both the LENSAR ALLY and LenSx femtosecond lasers. The laser makes a precise circular opening in the lens capsule, softens and divides the cataract, and can treat astigmatism, all before the cataract is removed.

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Laser-cut capsulotomy with the cataract already segmented by the laser — From Dr. Kavanagh's surgery: the laser-cut capsulotomy and segmented cataract.

Laser cataract surgery uses a femtosecond laser, guided by 3D imaging of your eye, to perform several of the most delicate steps of cataract surgery with computer-controlled precision. Dr. Kavanagh uses two advanced platforms: the LENSAR laser with ALLY and the Alcon LenSx laser.

Laser cataract surgery in San Antonio

San Antonio patients have access to both LENSAR ALLY and LenSx laser platforms. Your evaluation happens at one of our three San Antonio offices, and surgery takes place at a San Antonio surgery center.

Laser cataract surgery for San Antonio patients

Your evaluation takes place at our Medical Center, North Central or South office, where Dr. Kavanagh measures your eyes and maps any astigmatism. On surgery day the laser portion and the lens replacement are done in one visit at a San Antonio surgery center.

Laser cataract surgery pairs especially well with premium and toric lenses, because a centered, round capsule opening helps the new lens sit exactly where it was planned.

What the laser does

3D imaging and planningBefore any laser energy is used, the system builds a detailed 3D map of your cornea, lens and the depth of the cataract. The treatment is customized to your eye's exact anatomy and to the density of your cataract.

CapsulotomyThe laser cuts a perfectly round, precisely sized and centered opening in the thin capsule that surrounds the lens. A well-centered capsulotomy helps the new lens implant sit in the ideal position, which matters most with premium, toric and multifocal lenses.

Breaking up and softening the cataractThe laser divides the cataract into small segments and softens it in a grid pattern before any instruments enter the eye. Less ultrasound energy is then needed to remove it, which can be gentler on the cornea and the eye.

Correcting corneal astigmatismThe laser can place precise arcuate incisions in the cornea to reduce astigmatism. LENSAR with ALLY uses iris registration to align the treatment with the true axis of your astigmatism, even if your eye rotates slightly when you lie down.

LENSAR treatment view showing the planned capsulotomy circle and fragmentation pattern — 1. The LENSAR view: the circular capsulotomy and fragmentation pattern are planned on a 3D scan.

Laser-made capsulotomy being removed — 2. The laser-cut capsule disc is lifted away, showing the segmented cataract.

Softened cataract being removed — 3. The softened cataract is removed with less ultrasound energy.

New lens implant being positioned — 4. The new lens implant is positioned in the centered capsule.

Our laser platforms

LENSAR with ALLYA combined imaging and femtosecond laser system that automatically measures cataract density, tailors fragmentation patterns, and uses iris registration to align astigmatism treatment and toric lens placement.

Alcon LenSxA femtosecond laser with real-time OCT imaging that creates the capsulotomy, lens fragmentation and corneal incisions with micron-level control.

Watch it

Dr. Kavanagh performing LENSAR laser cataract surgery with an enVista Envy lens implant.

Who benefits most

Patients choosing a premium, toric or multifocal lens
Patients with astigmatism who want less dependence on glasses
Dense or advanced cataracts
Patients who want the most precise, reproducible surgery available

Laser cataract surgery pairs naturally with premium lenses. See lens implant options.

For educational purposes. This page explains common conditions and treatments to help you prepare for your visit. Your exam determines the right plan for your eyes.

Questions

Laser cataract surgery questions

Is laser cataract surgery covered by insurance?

Medicare and insurance cover traditional cataract surgery. The laser portion has an additional cost and is often included with premium lens or astigmatism-correction packages. Our counselors review costs before surgery.

Does the laser hurt?

No. Numbing drops are used and the laser step takes only a few minutes. You may feel light pressure while the laser is positioned.

Is the whole surgery done by the laser?

No. The laser performs the most precise steps. Dr. Kavanagh then removes the softened cataract and places your new lens implant.

Which laser is used in San Antonio?

Dr. Kavanagh uses both the LENSAR ALLY and the LenSx laser. Which one is used depends on the surgery center and your eye's needs.

Is laser cataract surgery covered by insurance?

Standard cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most plans. The laser portion is usually an added cost, often bundled with astigmatism correction or a premium lens.

Ask about laser cataract surgery in San Antonio.

Call 830-379-3937 Book an appointment