Patient Spotlight: Kim’s Cataract/Corneal Transplant Story
Patient Spotlight: Cataracts
Kim’s Cataract/Corneal Transplant Story:
We love hearing feedback from patients! Kim recently came to us with a complicated case. After her diagnosis, she completed her cataract procedure with Dr. Russ as well as a corneal transplant. Let’s hear about her experience.
Why did you come to Shreveport Eye with Dr. Van Norman?
Initially, I started experiencing scratchy, dry pain. Then, last August, I woke up blind in my right eye with severe pain and light sensitivity. I was referred to Dr. Russ by Dr. Ashley Sipes for cataract surgery and due to the difficulty diagnosing my corneal issues.
What was your experience with the procedures?
My experience has been excellent! I have always felt at ease even when I was in severe pain and there was uncertainty of the underlying cause of my condition. Even though my issues didn’t always present “text book”, Dr. Van Norman, Dr. Borel and the entire staff have never made me feel like I was difficult.
I’m a nurse so last August when I woke up blind in the right eye, I was not able to work. Jennifer helped me tremendously with all of my disability paperwork and helped me get accommodations approved. Stephanie has helped numerous times with medications, etc. and EVERYONE from the front desk to the back and optical have always gone above and beyond for me.
What can you do/see now that you couldn’t before?
I can see almost everything now! My overall results have been great with significant improvements.
Would you recommend this to others? Why?
Yes! No matter how complex my case has gotten, Dr. Van Norman did not give up until he was sure the issue was resolved. He made sure I could reach him with any additional issues or complications.
I will continue to refer my patients, friends and family to Shreveport Eye.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Laser-assisted cataract surgery has been used to remove cataracts for at least the past decade in the United States. This procedure provides the same outcome as traditional cataract surgery, but it makes use of a different method because of the advanced instruments. The surgeon utilizes a femtosecond laser to break up the cataracts, then using special software to create a surgical plan with a 3-D image of the eye called OCT (optical coherence tomography). This surgical plan includes the location, depth, and length of the cataract in all dimensions. By using this unique map of the eye, with the settings created in the software, the femtosecond laser will actually create the incisions and assist in the cataract removal with greater precision than a surgeon is capable of.
Light energy from the laser causes disruption of tissue borders with minimal damage to nearby tissue. The old lens is removed, and then, the new lens is inserted. Recovery time is known to be comparable with traditional cataract surgery, while most patients experience clearer vision and can resume normal activities rapidly after laser-assisted cataract surgery.
