BOOK NOW | (203) 318-6522
BOOK NOW | (203) 318-6522

Looking for laser cataract surgery near you?

At Coastal Eye, experienced ophthalmologist Omar Shakir, MD, MBA, screens for and treats cataracts using the latest techniques, including laser cataract surgery. Don’t ignore changes to your vision. Call the office or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment. Are you suffering from macular degeneration? To learn more about our services, check out this page: macular degeneration.

Media background

What causes cataracts to form?

Cataracts usually form as the result of normal, age-related changes to your eyes and are common among people aged 60 and older. As you age, the proteins in the lenses start to break down and clump together, forming cloudy areas. When a cataract blocks your sight, it’s because you’re looking directly at the clumps of protein. Though most cataracts are age-related, they may also form after eye injuries or because of genetic defects. You’re at a higher risk of developing cataracts if you have diabetes.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

Cataracts make the lenses of your eyes cloudy, blurry, and foggy. The lenses of your eyes are normally clear and work like camera lenses. They focus light onto your retina so you can see clearly, but if you have a cataract, the lens can’t focus properly. In addition to blurry, cloudy vision, signs and symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Colors appearing less bright and vivid
  • Sensitivity to glare from lamps, the sun, or headlights
  • Difficulties seeing at night
  • Problems reading, watching television, or seeing facial expressions
  • Halos around lights
  • Frequent need for a stronger eyeglass prescription 

At first, you might not notice any changes to your vision. When cataracts are still small, you may be able to adapt. Dr. Shakir can discover cataracts during an eye exam before they cause any symptoms. Cataracts require treatment when they start to interfere with your everyday life. If you’ve noticed any troubling changes to your vision, schedule an appointment with Dr. Shakir as soon as possible.

Banner media

When to consider cataract surgery

You don’t necessarily need surgery as soon as Dr. Shakir detects a cataract. Cataracts can interfere with your vision, but they don’t damage your eyes. Dr. Shakir recommends surgery to remove your cataract if non-surgical adjustments like stronger prescription lenses and improved lighting aren’t enough to improve your vision. Typically, wait times for surgery with Dr. Shakir are less than four weeks. If you have cataracts in both eyes, you may not need surgery on both cataracts at the same time.

Cataract surgery is quick, safe, and effective. Dr. Shakir removes the lens with the cataract and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Dr. Shakir offers the latest in cataract surgery technology at the Coastal Eye Surgery Center. He uses the latest laser system, LENSAR®, which is more precise and may result in better vision than traditional handheld cataract surgery.

Lensar Logo

Dr. Shakir also offers a complete selection of IOLs, including models that can treat astigmatism and minimize or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. Don’t let cloudy, blurry vision wait.

To get a diagnosis for vision changes or learn more about laser cataract surgery, call Coastal Eye or use the online booking tool today. Our experienced team can provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Laser cataract surgery: How it works

In most cases, laser cataract surgery involves first placing an ultrasound/camera device over the eye to map it in augmented reality. This device will also gather information about your lens and send it to a computer that programs the laser, providing information on the exact size, location, and depth of incisions. The surgeon does the corneal incision and the opening in the capsule using the laser in just seconds. The laser is also used to soften the cataract. 

An ultrasound probe breaks the lens into pieces and suctions them out. Lastly, the surgeon places the artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Laser cataract treatment is offered to all patients who want a better, more precise version of cataract surgery in New Canaan. We offer it inclusive of all multifocal lens implants. But you may also choose laser cataract surgery with a monofocal lens to enhance your distance vision. The laser used is the highest technology femtosecond laser by LENSAR®.

Banner media

More about femtosecond laser technology

Femtosecond laser technology has revolutionized cataract surgery, providing patients with a safer and more precise surgical experience.

This advanced laser technology creates incisions in the cornea and lens, allowing for a more accurate and predictable surgical outcome. The femtosecond laser can also break up the cataract, making it easier to remove and reducing the risk of complications. Additionally, femtosecond laser technology can help correct astigmatism during cataract surgery, providing patients with improved vision and reduced need for glasses or contact lenses.

Overall, femtosecond laser technology has transformed cataract surgery into a safer, more effective, and more customized procedure, providing patients with better outcomes and a faster recovery time.

What is traditional cataract surgery?

Traditional cataract surgery (Phacoemulsification) is a manual, handheld-blade version of cataract surgery. The process starts with the surgeon using a scalpel by hand and creating a small incision in your cornea. Through this opening, a small instrument is inserted. It is placed behind your pupil, where the natural lens sits in a capsule. In the capsule, a round opening is created by the surgeon. Then a pen-shaped probe is inserted through that opening. This allows the probe to break up the cloudy lens by applying ultrasound energy. The surgeon will then proceed to suction out the broken-up pieces. Your lens will be replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Lastly, the surgeon will self-seal to close the incision without stitches.

Background media

Take Our 5-Step Quiz

+Cataract Quiz

Are you worried about cataracts affecting your vision?
Take our 5-question quiz to assess your risk.

1
2
3
4
5
6
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
By completing this form, you are giving us permission to follow-up by phone, email or text.
This field is required.
Get Your Results

Laser Cataract FAQ

How is laser cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery?

Which type has a shorter recovery time?

How is laser cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery?

Laser cataract surgery is a more precise version of cataract surgery. It is NOT covered by any insurance plan. Laser provides specific advantages over manual cataract surgery. The opening in the capsule is more precise with less complication rate. This allows your surgeon to better center the IOL implant. The cataract is also softened and made easier to remove with laser. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of laser cataract treatment is that it can correct astigmatism, resulting in clearer vision.

Which type has a shorter recovery time?

Laser cataract surgery often has a shorter recovery period compared to manual. Some patients can see clearly almost immediately, while others may find their vision cleared within a couple of days. Generally, it can take around three months to fully recover from traditional cataract surgery.

faq media

Why Choose Coastal Eye?

Dr. Shakir is among the best for laser cataract surgery in the greater Connecticut and New York areas. If you are looking for a high-end, premium surgery experience in a beautiful, clean, contemporary boutique setting, our in-office surgical facilities in Greenwich and New Canaan will truly make you feel right at home. With little wait times and all the newest technologies, you can trust that you will receive the best outcomes for your cataract surgery. Why not trust your delicate eyes with the most skillful surgeon in the area? Schedule your appointment and find out the many reasons why our office allows for quicker, safer, and more comfortable cataract surgery.

start your vision journeySchedule a Consultation

Start my vision journey
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (203) 318-6522.