ORA, Lens Implants, and Better Vision after SMART Cataract Surgery

Helga F Pizio MD Cataract Surgery

Dr. Pizio in the operating room with the ORA cart in the background

In our last blog entry on SMART Cataract Surgery, New Eyes cataract surgeon Helga F. Pizio, MD talked about the revolutionary laser technology that has made it possible to remove cataracts without a surgical blade. Today’s blog discusses the next phase of this advanced procedure.

Measuring the eye for an intraocular lens implant (IOL) is the next critical step in refractive SMART Cataract surgery. The Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) is a scanning laser device attached to the operating room microscope. After the cataract is removed and astigmatism reduced using the femtosecond laser, the scanning ORA laser can take multiple measurements with a clear view to allow us to tailor the power and position of the IOL and give our patients the sharpest visual outcomes possible.

The ORA scanning laser incorporates many more parameters than previous methods to measure the eye, and it is much more dynamic. Since our introduction of the ORA technology to Las Vegas three years ago, our refractive cataract outcomes have been spot-on, with very rare enhancements necessary. The ORA technology to measure the eye during cataract surgery is appropriate to use on any type of patient and IOL selection. It helps in assuring the accuracy of the IOL power and position for monofocal IOLs, toric IOLs, or multifocal IOLs.

Refractive enhancements are very uncommon after SMART Cataract Surgery. There are some patients that do not respond as predicted and require a refractive touch-up for the sharpest results, and this can often be accomplished with a LASIK laser treatment.

Not every patient has or wants a refractive condition that requires treatment during cataract surgery. We take into account our individual patient’s lifestyle and we custom-tailor a solution for everyone. For those patients who have cataracts and would like to avoid being dependent on glasses or contact lenses, we have excellent advanced IOL options such as astigmatism-reducing toric IOLs and multifocal IOLs for both distance and near vision. Come to New Eyes to learn more about your eyes and how we can help you.

Dr. Helga F. Pizio

For more information on cataract surgery options here at New Eyes, or to schedule an eye exam, please contact us today.