Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery at Washington Eye Institute
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery uses a computer-guided laser to perform several critical steps of the cataract removal procedure that are traditionally done by hand with a surgical blade. The femtosecond laser delivers ultrafast pulses of light, each lasting one quadrillionth of a second, to create precise incisions in the cornea, open the front surface of the lens capsule, and break the clouded lens into smaller fragments before removal. At Washington Eye Institute, this technology is offered as part of an individualized surgical plan for patients who want the highest level of precision during their cataract procedure.
24.4M
Americans Affected (40+)
3
Board-Certified Cataract Surgeons
Source: National Eye Institute (NEI)
Could Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery Be Right for You?
Take our cataract self-assessment to find out if laser-assisted surgery could improve your visual outcome.
Cataract Surgery Quiz & AssessmentFemtosecond Laser Cataract Specialists
How Femtosecond Laser Technology Changes Cataract Surgery
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery uses a computer-guided laser to perform several critical steps of the cataract removal procedure that are traditionally done by hand with a surgical blade. The femtosecond laser delivers ultrafast pulses of light, each lasting one quadrillionth of a second, to create precise incisions in the cornea, open the front surface of the lens capsule, and break the clouded lens into smaller fragments before removal. At Washington Eye Institute, this technology is offered as part of an individualized surgical plan for patients who want the highest level of precision during their cataract procedure.
Precision-First Approach
Computer-guided laser planning ensures every incision is placed with micron-level precision for optimal lens positioning.
Customized Surgical Plans
Each procedure is tailored using 3D optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and real-time measurements to match your unique eye anatomy.
Femtosecond Laser Cataract Specialists
Our laser cataract surgeons use computer-guided, bladeless cataract procedures. With advanced training in femtosecond laser platforms and premium lens implant technology, patients receive individualized care designed around their unique visual needs and lifestyle goals.
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
Specialized in advanced cataract and refractive surgery
Patient-Centered Focus
Personalized surgical plans for every cataract patient
Advanced Laser Training
Certified in femtosecond laser & premium IOL technology
Ongoing Commitment to Excellence
Experienced in laser-assisted cataract surgery & lens optimization
Laser Cataract Surgery & Premium Lens Specialists
A Message From Our Surgeons
From Our Team
Femtosecond laser technology allows us to bring a new level of accuracy and consistency to every cataract procedure we perform.
Our surgeons use computer-guided imaging to plan each step before the laser is activated, giving patients the benefit of a fully customized surgical experience.
We believe that combining advanced technology with hands-on surgical expertise leads to the best possible visual outcomes for our patients.
Washington Eye Institute
Cataract Lens Options Explained
Cataract Surgery Explained by Dr. Summerfield
Why Choose Washington Eye for Laser Cataract Surgery
Our integrated surgical suite combines advanced femtosecond laser technology with experienced cataract specialists for superior outcomes.
Comprehensive Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Every patient receives detailed 3D OCT imaging, corneal topography, and biometry measurements to create a fully customized laser treatment plan before surgery day.
Bladeless Laser Precision
The femtosecond laser creates accurate corneal incisions, capsulotomies, and lens fragmentation patterns that are reproducible and customized for each eye.
Specialized Post-Operative Care
Our team provides thorough follow-up care with advanced diagnostic tools to monitor healing, lens positioning, and visual recovery after your procedure.
Our Cataract Surgery Team
Is Laser Cataract Surgery Right for You?
Learn about the signs that may indicate you are a strong candidate for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract removal.
Cataract Surgery Candidacy GuideTake A Quiz
Which Premium Lens Is Best for You?
Explore the intraocular lens options available with femtosecond laser cataract surgery.
Take the Lens Selection QuizAre You a Candidate for Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery?
Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is appropriate for most patients who need cataract removal. It is especially beneficial for patients seeking premium lens implants, astigmatism correction, or those who want the highest level of surgical precision available.
During your consultation at Washington Eye Institute, our surgeons will evaluate your eye health, review your visual goals, and determine whether the laser-assisted approach is the right fit for your individual needs.
The femtosecond laser allows us to customize every step of your cataract procedure for the most precise outcome possible.
Common Cataract Symptoms
Advanced Femtosecond Laser Treatments
Our integrated surgical suite offers the full range of laser-assisted cataract procedures for precise, customized visual correction.
Laser-Assisted Capsulotomy for Cataract Removal
The femtosecond laser creates a perfectly centered, circular opening in the lens capsule with a level of precision that surpasses what can be achieved by hand. This accurate capsulotomy is critical for proper lens implant positioning, especially when using premium multifocal or toric lenses.
By using 3D OCT-guided imaging to map the capsule before the laser fires, our surgeons can ensure consistent, reproducible results that support the best possible visual outcomes for every patient.
How Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery Works
Evaluation & Imaging
3D OCT scans map your eye to create a precise, individualized treatment plan for the laser procedure.
Laser Capsulotomy & Incisions
The femtosecond laser creates precise corneal incisions and a perfectly circular opening in the lens capsule.
Lens Fragmentation
The laser softens and breaks the clouded lens into smaller pieces for easier, gentler removal by the surgeon.
Lens Implant Placement
Your surgeon places the new intraocular lens through the laser-created opening for optimal centration and stability.
Laser Lens Fragmentation
The femtosecond laser uses precisely patterned energy pulses to soften and divide the cataract into small fragments before the surgeon removes them. This reduces the amount of ultrasound energy needed during the procedure and supports a gentler removal process.
ORA-Guided Lens Optimization
Intraoperative aberrometry using the ORA system measures your eye in real time during surgery, allowing the surgeon to verify and fine-tune lens power selection for the most accurate refractive result possible.
Signs You May Benefit from Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
If you are experiencing any of the following, you may be a candidate for laser-assisted cataract removal at Washington Eye Institute.
Advanced Surgical Technology
Our integrated surgical suite features the latest femtosecond laser platform and diagnostic imaging for precision-guided cataract procedures.
Femtosecond Laser Platform
Delivers ultrafast light pulses for bladeless incisions, capsulotomy, and lens fragmentation with micron-level precision
3D OCT-Guided Imaging
High-resolution optical coherence tomography maps the entire eye structure before and during surgery for guided accuracy
Integrated Surgical Suite
Combines the femtosecond laser, phacoemulsification, and advanced IOL technology in a single streamlined environment
Real-Time Capsulotomy Mapping
Live imaging tracks capsulotomy size, shape, and centration in real time to ensure optimal lens implant positioning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is femtosecond laser cataract surgery safer than traditional cataract surgery?
Both traditional and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery have excellent safety profiles, and the overall complication rates are comparable. The laser provides a higher degree of precision for key steps such as the capsulotomy and corneal incisions, which can be particularly beneficial when implanting advanced lenses that require exact positioning. Your surgeon will discuss the specific advantages of each approach as they relate to your eyes and your lens choice.
Does the femtosecond laser replace the surgeon?
No. The laser performs specific steps of the procedure under the surgeon's direct supervision and programming, but the surgeon remains responsible for removing the cataract, implanting the new lens, and managing every aspect of your care. The femtosecond laser is a precision tool that enhances the surgeon's capabilities rather than replacing clinical judgment and surgical skill.
Will I feel anything during the laser portion of the procedure?
Your eye is numbed with anesthetic drops before the procedure begins, so you should not feel pain during the laser treatment. You may feel light pressure from the interface that rests gently on your eye while the laser works, and you will likely see a pattern of colored lights. The laser portion is completed in a few minutes, and most patients describe it as comfortable.
How long does recovery take compared to traditional cataract surgery?
The recovery timeline for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery is very similar to that of traditional cataract surgery. Most patients return to routine activities within a few days, and vision continues to improve over the following weeks. You will follow the same schedule of postoperative eye drops and follow-up visits regardless of whether the laser-assisted or manual technique was used.
Is femtosecond laser cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Medicare and most insurance plans cover the cataract surgery procedure itself and a standard monofocal lens implant. The additional cost of femtosecond laser technology is typically considered an elective upgrade and is paid out of pocket by the patient. Our team at Washington Eye Institute can provide you with a detailed breakdown of surgery costs and what your insurance will and will not cover during your consultation.
Can the femtosecond laser correct my astigmatism during cataract surgery?
Yes. The femtosecond laser can create arcuate incisions in the cornea that are precisely tailored to reduce your astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. This can be performed alongside a toric lens implant for more significant astigmatism or as a standalone corneal treatment for milder cases. Your surgeon will evaluate your corneal measurements and recommend the best approach to address your astigmatism during your preoperative visit. You can reach us at 301.800.7490 to schedule your evaluation.
Schedule Your Femtosecond Laser Cataract Consultation Today
Our fellowship-trained cataract surgeons are ready to help you explore the benefits of laser-assisted cataract surgery.