No More Long Drives for Advanced Cataract Surgery—Laser Technology Now Available in Cheyenne
We’ve got some exciting news for our patients in southeastern Wyoming and northern Colorado—laser-assisted cataract surgery is now available right here at Cheyenne Eye Clinic & Surgery Center! That means no more traveling down south for advanced care. Our team recently performed the very first laser-assisted cataract surgeries at our center, and we’re thrilled to make this technology more accessible to our community.
“As a surgeon, the more tools you have to customize the treatment to your patients, the better,” said Dr. David Smits, one of our two ophthalmologists certified to perform laser-assisted cataract surgery. “And this is just another great tool in the toolbox.”
What Is Cataract Surgery—And What Makes This New Approach Different?
Cataracts are incredibly common, especially as we age. If your vision has started to feel cloudy or dim, a cataract could be the cause. Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, distorting how light enters the eye. Surgery involves removing that cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one.
This procedure has been performed manually for decades—since the 1970s, when ultrasonic phacoemulsification was developed. But now, thanks to advancements in technology, we can use a femtosecond laser to assist in the surgery.
“This technology allows us to customize the procedure for each patient,” explained Dr. Anne Miller, who has been caring for Cheyenne patients since 2001. “We take precise measurements before surgery to program the laser, and we use optical coherence tomography imaging to get a detailed view of the eye’s structures.”
The laser then gently fragments the cataract, reducing the need for ultrasonic energy and manual work during the procedure. That means greater precision—and often a shorter recovery time.
A Win for Astigmatism Patients, Too
Dr. Smits also pointed out one of the major advantages of laser-assisted surgery: it can help correct astigmatism. The laser enables surgeons to make limbal relaxing incisions with far more accuracy than traditional manual methods. This opens up options for patients with a broader range of astigmatism levels.
“Not only do you get more precision and use less energy during the procedure,” said Smits, “but the ability to correct astigmatism really adds to the value of this technology.”
Bringing the Best Care Home to Cheyenne
We’re incredibly proud to bring this leading-edge laser technology to our local patients. For too long, people in our region had to travel for this level of care—but not anymore.
If you’ve been putting off cataract surgery, or are curious about whether laser-assisted surgery is right for you, we’d love to talk. Give us a call or click here to book an appointment. We’re here to help you see clearly—close to home.