Exceptional Precision with Bladeless Cataract Surgery

Description

Dr. Emilio Justo and Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center were featured on Channel 3 News as a leader in the forefront of laser cataract surgery. Dr. Justo uses precision lasers and imaging to execute bladeless cataract surgery carefully and efficiently. Cataract surgery gives patients renewed sight after their lenses have become clouded from this condition.

Carey Pena: Well, it is one of the most common surgical procedures and considered one of the safest. But one valley eye doctor says that doesn't mean cataract surgery can't be improved. Sandra Haan: I couldn't get the colors right. Nothing ever looked right, so I was getting very frustrated Carey: Sandra Haan loved to paint, but when she got cataracts even that wasn't fun anymore. But she really know she had to do something when she was planning a trip to Alaska. Sandra: So I wanted to get them out before I went to Alaska because there's a lot of distance I need to see in that area. Carey: Haan also knew that with that trip coming, she did not have a lot of time to recover which is why she opted for laser cataract surgery at the Arizona Eye Institute. Sandra: I had it done on like a Monday. I went back to work on Wednesday and the next Wednesday I left for Alaska. Carey: Dr. Emilio Justo is one of the few doctors using the LenSx Laser system in the valley. He says first and foremost, he feels it offers increased safety. Dr. Emilio Justo: In doing it by the laser, in my opinion, makes it much more reproducible, precise, and accurate. And with that reproducibility, in my estimation, comes an increased safety factor. Carey: For all cataract surgery, an incision is made in the cornea. Dr. Justo says traditionally doctors make that cut with a blade. Dr. Justo: But still it relies upon the human hand and the human hand can only be so precise. Carey: With this system, measurements are programmed into a computer and the laser actually suctions to the eye. Dr. Justo: In that way, in case if the patient slightly moves their eye, that device stays with it. Carey: Haan says while it sounds uncomfortable, it really is not. Sandra: I didn't even notice what happened. I walked out of here like nothing, it you know, you got some ointment in your eye. Carey: She said she drove herself to the office the next day with a new clarity. Sandra: I'm reading signs you know from a block away. I thought, "I can see this. Oh I didn't know I could see this! " Carey: A clarity that has also given her a fresh eye for her art. Sandra: I'm setting up a studio in my house. I can get back into it. Carey: You should because you're very talented! And while insurance does cover cataract surgery, most so far do not cover the laser procedure.