Posted by: Mann Eye in Cataracts

It’s always a good day when we have the opportunity to share advances in eye surgery with our friends at “We Are Austin.” Dr. Luke Barker stopped by for a little Q & A with Taylor Ellison about the CATALYS™ Precision Laser making its way to Austin.

Q: “So tell us about this breakthrough technology.” – Taylor

A: “Mann Eye is the first in Texas, and the first in the United States, initially when we first bought this laser. We’re the first in Austin now to have the CATALYS™ Precision Laser for specific cataract surgery.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “Wow. How does it work, exactly?” – Taylor

A: “The laser is more precise than any human hand could ever be, and so that precision we carry over into cataract surgery in the planning and the delivery of the laser, to help the patient have a more precise, more accurate, and more comfortable procedure.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “So it’s a really great option. Let’s kind of go back to basics for a second. What is a cataract, and how does someone know if they have that?” – Taylor

A: “A cataract is just a clouding of our natural lens, so we’ll all get it. You’ll get it, I’ll get it. When you’re 50-plus, your lens starts to become more and more dysfunctional. It gets a little harder, a little darker, a little less flexible. You need reading glasses. Well, that carries over as the lens gets harder and darker, and that’s what we call a cataract. The symptoms are cloudy vision, everything has kind of a smear or film over it, glare from headlights at night, poor color vision, changing glasses prescriptions frequently, those kinds of things.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “Is surgery the only way to get rid of a cataract?” – Taylor

A: “So far surgery’s the only way to treat cataract.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “Why did you guys want to choose this new technology?” – Taylor

A: “Lots of different lasers on the market for cataract surgery nowadays. The reason Mann Eye initially and currently chose this laser is because of all the lasers on the market, it is the safest to date because it is the quickest and gentlest on the patient, and has a liquid optics interface, which does the imaging through liquid instead of anything putting any pressure on the eyes. So, much gentler on the patient. Very accurate and precise outcome for each specific eye.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “When you say quickest, what does the procedure time look like, and recovery?” – Taylor

A: “The laser actual time takes usually between 15 and 20 seconds.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “Really? Is that it?” – Taylor

A: “So very, very quick.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “That is so interesting, and then how does it play into your day-to-day life? Can you go back to work the next day, is it a couple weeks? What’s that look like?” – Taylor

A: “Another benefit of the laser is you have a quicker recovery, typically. So most people can go back to work the same day. Most people could pass their driver’s test after having it, the first day after surgery.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “Wow.” – Taylor

A: “So it does heal very quickly, and minimal interaction on your daily activities. You can go to work, you can be on the computer, you can watch TV, you can drive. All your normal stuff.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “That is so interesting. If someone’s been thinking about their eyes recently and is kind of uncertain, what do you suggest that the best thing to do? Come pay you a visit?” – Taylor

A: “Yeah, come in for a screening. We always have free screenings for LASIK, for cataract, things like that. We’re going to help you figure out what the problem is with your vision, and we have so many options, not just cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery, to give you an idea of what could potentially benefit your vision and lifestyle.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “Yeah, a really comprehensive approach. Tell us about Mann Eye in general. You guys have been around a while, you have a great culture there.” – Taylor

A: “Yeah, we just celebrated last month our 40th anniversary with the whole team in Houston and Austin, so it was fantastic. We’re going to continue the next 40 years in grand fashion and continue to lead in technology and in patient experience.” – Dr. Barker

Q: “Yes, and we’re sure glad you do. Thanks so much for being here, Dr. Barker. If you want more information you can head to their website, manneye.com, or give them a call. Like he said, they’ve got free screenings, and they’re always there to help. We’ll see you soon.” – Taylor

A: “Thanks, Taylor.” – Dr. Barker

Ready to schedule your cataract evaluation and be on your way to better vision? Click here or call us at 1-800-698-4746.