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.

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.

Laser Cataract Surgery in San Antonio, TX

Laser cataract surgery in San Antonio

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.

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.