Laser-assisted cataract surgery

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is one of the latest advances in ophthalmology and Dr Hughes is excited about having the LenSx (Alcon, Fort Worth, Texas) femtosecond laser available to treat his patients at Vision Eye Institute Hurstville (Southline).

This laser replaces the first steps of cataract surgery which were traditionally performed manually. It creates the corneal incisions and the opening into the lens, and then divides the cataract into small pieces. Using this sophisticated technology, the pieces can be removed with less energy, and more safely and precisely than previously with the manual technique.

Dr Hughes was involved in collecting data for the largest published series of laser-assisted cataract surgeries performed in the world to date. This data demonstrated that using laser technology during cataract surgery is safer and more precise than manual technology.

With a keen desire to continue at the forefront of technology, Dr Hughes regularly attends conferences around the world where he exchanges information and knowledge of new technology with fellow ophthalmologists.

As one of the few ophthalmologists in the world to have performed cataract surgery using the femtosecond laser for more than 12 months, he is often asked to speak about his experiences and views on the technology.