Femtosecond laser technology

We are happy to announce that Dr Solomatin’s clinic in Latvia now offers laser-assisted cataract surgery. The Victus femtosecond laser platform helps to achieve great results both in cataract surgery as well as laser-assisted eye surgery.

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Standard cataract surgery

During standard cataract surgery a surgeon uses an ultrasonic device to separate the lens that has become cloudy (cataract), and removes the fragments from the eye.

Pros of the standard operation:

  • Widespread use and affordable price
  • Efficient removal of cataract in standard cases
  • Good results in using standard optical implants

Cons:

  • Use of cutting instruments to get access to the eye (micro scalpels)
  • Risk of causing injury to surrounding tissues is higher than in laser-assisted surgery
  • Harder to achieve optimal optical results with using premium-grade optical implants.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery

In laser-assisted surgery, the surgeon uses a laser beam to remove the cataract. The laser is characterised by high precision, the negative influence on the tissues during the surgery is smaller and there is no need to use ultrasound. The surgeon’s skill, supplemented by modern laser-assisted technology, makes cataract surgery as efficient and safe as possible. The VICTUS® laser-assisted device is the most efficient in cataract surgery.

Pros of laser-assisted cataract surgery:

  • Scalpels and cutting instruments are not used
  • Safer surgery for eye structures
  • Guarantees excellent control during all stages of the surgery
  • Allows to achieve maximum results with premium-grade implants

Cons:

  • Cost of the surgery is higher than with standard cataract surgery
  • Available only in the best-equipped clinics.

Consultation on laser vision correction

Our clinic also offers a complete eyes diagnosis and medical help!

What is a cataract?

A cataract is any clouding of the lens of the eye, and the capsule in which the lens sits. The lens of the eye, similar to one in a camera, fulfils the function of the objective, and focuses the image on the light-sensitive cells of the eye—the retina. The retina functions similarly to film in a camera, and is situated on the inner eyeball. Either due to age or as a result of a disease, the lens slowly loses its elasticity and begins to grow cloudy, which results in worsening vision. A clouded lens is similar to a dirty window glass. We cannot see outside until we wipe it clean. Cataract causes a similar effect. However, unlike window glass, the lens of the eye cannot be simply wiped clean.

What is the surgery like?

Today, our clinic is the only medical centre in the Baltics that offers cataract surgery using the FemtoCataract laser-assisted technology. A few years ago, cataract surgery was done mainly with ultrasonic devices. Nowadays we have improved technology, which makes it possible to perform cataract surgery carefully and safely with a laser device at our disposal. During the operation, the surgeon has complete control over all eye parameters, with an accuracy of a micron. Thanks to built-in tomographs, scanners and the equipment’s high resolution, the surgeon sees the condition of the smallest eye structures in real time. This allows us to achieve optimal results and avoid possible mistakes and complications. Laser-assisted devices have considerably shortened the duration of the surgery. The surgeon spends less time operating within the eye, which significantly decreases the likelihood of infection. In addition, the harmful effects on the surrounding tissues of the eye (cornea, iris) caused by instruments and ultrasonic devices are reduced, which significantly speeds the recovery process and helps to avoid complications after surgery. In our clinic, cataract surgery is carried out together with an anaesthesiologist. The surgery is painless and anaesthetic eye drops are usually a sufficient remedy. At the same time, the anaesthesiologist ensures the patient’s maximal comfort—there is no fear, anxiety, discomfort and pain. In addition, the surgeon controls arterial blood pressure and heart rate indicators and makes corrections when necessary. This guarantees the patient’s maximum comfort and safety during the surgery.

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    In order to prevent patient discomfort during surgery, anaesthetic eye drops are administered beforehand.

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    The clouded lens is carefully fragmented using a laser or ultrasonic device, and the fragments are removed from the eye. Afterwards, the new lens is implanted. If you choose a standard lens, the operation will give you good long distance vision, whereas you’ll require glasses for tasks at a short distance. A premium-grade lens guarantees good vision at any distance.

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    A standard or premium-grade implant is inserted to replace the natural lens that was removed.

Characteristic cataract complaints

A cataract is usually painless and can appear in either one eye or both eyes. In time, vision can become weaker. Colours lose their saturation and images become less sharp. Some patients complain of double vision, night-blindness, and also heightened sensitivity to bright lights. This can significantly influence one’s ability to drive a car. In the case of cataract, glasses are not much help. The only efficient method of cataract treatment is the surgical replacement of a clouded lens with a clear artificial implant. During the surgery, the physician uses a precise laser-assisted device to carefully fragment the lens, remove it from the eye and prepare the eye for the implantation of an artificial lens. Cataract removal also decreases or completely eliminates the necessity to use glasses. The most common cataract symptoms are the following:

  • Decrease in sharpness and quality of vision
  • Need for brighter lighting
  • Having to change the strength of your prescription glasses often.
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Benefits of laser-assisted cataract surgery with the VICTUS PLATFORM

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Before

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After

Laser-assisted technology is more precise, more pleasant for the patient and allows for faster recovery after the surgery. Laser-assisted cataract surgery significantly improves vision, decreases your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. It is possible to repair such defects like near-sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, and in some cases also presbyopia.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

TESTIMONIALS

Wide selection of optical implants

In order to understand which type of lens is the most suitable for you, acquaint yourself with the key differences

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Standard lens

A standard optical implant guarantees great long distance vision after cataract surgery. You’ll still need glasses for reading.

Ask yourself

will I be comfortable with special reading glasses?

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Improved premium-grade lens

May improve the range of vision, allowing you to lead an active life. You will have excellent vision at any distance. You’ll have good vision in any situation owing to the improved lens. It is especially important in today’s world, where we lead an active life.

Ask yourself

do I want a more natural range of vision?

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Consultation on laser vision correction

Our clinic also offers a complete eyes diagnosis and medical help!

Frequently asked questions

The patient usually complains of a deterioration of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses. If you are unable to find glasses to help you see better, it is time to look for an underlying cause. By conducting further examinations, the doctor often discovers that the decrease in vision is caused by cataract.
Patients eligible for premium-grade lens implantation.
  • patients with complicated cataract
  • patients with traumatic cataract (the condition developed as a result of trauma)
  • patients with unusual eye anatomy (e.g., small anterior chamber of the eyeball)
  • children
Before a decision concerning surgery is taken, a careful examination of the patient’s eyes and overall health must take place. If the patient does not complain of a significant decrease in vision and is not yet mentally ready for surgery, s/he remains under observation. Should the physician notice a decrease in vision and signs of the disease progressing, the patient is recommended not to delay the surgery, since advanced cases have a higher risk of complications.
Cataract surgery is one of the most efficient and safe types of eye surgery. It is called the jewel of ophthalmology for a reason. Naturally, this is only true when the surgery is carried out by an experienced specialist with all the necessary equipment at their disposal.
In order to ensure maximum safety and comfort of the patient, cataract surgery is usually carried out one eye at a time. First, surgery is done on one eye, then, depending on the specificities of recovery, the surgery of the second eye is planned. The second surgery usually takes place not earlier than a week from the first one.
The decision of when to have cataract surgery is taken with the patient depending on visual acuity indicators and the condition of the clouded lens. There are cases when a patient is able to drive a car, watch TV or work on the computer for several years after being diagnosed with cataract. In these cases cataract is mild and does not influence vision much. Therefore, an urgent surgery is not needed and the patient remains under observation. However, once cataract begins to influence a person’s quality of life and causes a significant decrease in vision, it is time to consult with a physician about cataract surgery.
After the surgery, a set of eye drops will be prepared for you, which will have to be used in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. In addition, you will be informed of the regime you will need to maintain after the surgery.
Vision restoration processes are individual and depend on the density of the removed cataract, difficulty of the surgery, concurrent medical conditions and other factors. First signs of vision improvement can be noticed already the day after the surgery.