Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery is a new method of removing cataracts and correcting astigmatism with a refractive cataract laser. Laser cataract surgery allows unmatched precision and computer control, allowing surgeons to customize cataract surgery for each patient. A cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural lens. They are common in people aged 60 and older. Traditional treatment is surgery that removes the bad lens and replaces it with an artificial lens to improve vision. Surgery with the laser is bladeless and guided by optical coherence tomography imaging to precisely determine parameters of the surgery.
Why UAB
When it comes to cataracts, nothing can change your world like seeing it more clearly again. We perform traditional cataract surgery as well as a new option that uses breakthrough technology to remove cataracts and correct astigmatism using a refractive laser. The laser offers increased precision while eliminating the use of a blade. We have more surgeons certified to perform laser cataract surgery than any other facility in the Southeast.
UAB Medicine faculty physicians work closely with vision scientists to develop state-of-the-art technologies and groundbreaking treatments to improve your eye health. Callahan Eye Hospital pioneered surgical instrumentation, devices, and procedures that are now used by ophthalmologists all over the world. We don’t just treat eye disease – we help our patients learn to adapt to changes in their vision by providing comprehensive care and rehabilitation services.
Ophthalmology care at UAB is located in UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, one of the busiest eye hospitals in the country, where specialists work together to treat complex cases. The UAB Callahan Eye Hospital surgical suite houses nine operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery as well as a 24/7 eye emergency room, which is the region’s only Level I Ocular Trauma Center. More than 11,000 surgeries are performed at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital each year, and we conduct more reconstructive eye surgeries than any other facility in the world. Patients come from around the nation to be treated for eye conditions at UAB.
VIDEOS
The Red Eye: What Primary Care Physicians Need to Know
Improving the detection of glaucoma
Glaucoma is a silent disease. It does not hurt, symptoms are slow to develop, and most people do not notice any loss of vision until it is too late. A project by ophthalmologists at UAB are examining whether a partnership with community-based optometrists will improve detection and treatment of glaucoma, especially for high-risk populations.
UAB Callahan Eye Hospital helped save a young baseball player’s career and, most importantly, his sight.
Baseball Eye Injury
College baseball player Meade Kendrick was nearly blinded by a batted ball during a practice drill. The ball hit directly on Kendrick’s left eye resulting in a severe closed-globe injury to the eye. See how Meade's vision was restored by UAB Ophthalmologist Doug Witherspoon, M.D. at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital.
Traditional vs. Laser Cataract Removal
UAB Callahan Eye Hospital offers a new surgery to remove cataracts and correct astigmatism using a refractive laser, which offers increased precision while eliminating the use of a blade. Watch the video and see the difference laser cataract surgery can make in helping you see more clearly, again.


RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
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