Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery offers lasting vision correction and can be a good option for patients who are struggling with their close-up focus as they age. At Eye Care Specialists, board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon Mark Heimmel, MD, offers laser eye surgery, also called laser lens replacement, to patients in and around East Windsor, New Jersey.  Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about laser eye surgery. 

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery refers to procedures partially or fully performed using a laser. Many types of surgery fit into this category, including laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser cataract surgery. But, lens exchange is a laser eye surgery that’s not as well known. 

Laser lens exchange involves removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial premium lens that corrects vision without glasses. At Eye Care Specialists, Dr. Heimmel offers the leading lens replacement brands, including TECNIS Synergy™, Alcon PanOptix®, and IQ Vivity® lenses. 

Who might need laser eye surgery?  

Most lens exchange surgery patients are 40 or older and experiencing the problems of presbyopia (age-related near-focus issues) alongside existing vision issues (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism). 

As presbyopia sets in, it’s common to hold your phone further and further away and need the brightest light to read. With presbyopia, you inevitably need reading glasses to use your phone, work on a computer, sign documents, or do any other close-up task. Some patients switch to bifocals or trifocals at this time.

While cataract surgery (with premium lenses) can correct your vision at all distances, most people struggling with presbyopia are in their 40s or 50s — much too young to need cataract surgery yet. So, many people in this age group may opt for lens exchange surgery. 

Additionally, many patients have early signs of cataracts like reduced night vision, difficulty reading, and glare. Laser lens exchange allows you to treat these kinds of issues proactively so you can enjoy life without glasses again. Dr. Heimmel makes a personalized recommendation for your replacement lenses based on your testing and visual goals.

Does laser eye surgery prevent cataracts?

Lens exchange prevents cataracts since they can’t grow on an artificial lens. Of course, this means that laser cataract surgery prevents new cataracts as well. 

Conversely, LASIK surgery doesn’t have any influence on cataracts. So, you’re still likely to develop them as you age (nearly everyone has them eventually). Decades after your LASIK surgery, you may need cataract surgery to replace your eye lens. This is one reason that many patients consider lens exchange as an alternative to LASIK.

To learn more about laser eye surgery, call Eye Care Specialists or schedule your appointment online today.