SHREVEPORT, La. – Residents facing cataract surgery can now benefit from newer laser‑assisted techniques that improve precision and may lessen the need for glasses, according to local eye doctors featured on KTKS 3’s “From the Doctor’s Desk” podcast.

What patients can expect

Patients are still asked to fast after midnight before the procedure. Upon arrival they complete paperwork, check in, and receive an IV for conscious sedation. The surgery is performed while the patient remains awake, and the eyes stay open throughout the operation.

Doctor insights

Dr. Christopher Shelby, a certified cataract surgeon who has undergone the operation himself, described the experience as surprisingly comfortable. “Although there is this kaleidoscope of shapes and colors, there’s a lot of fluid, and then the next thing you know, it’s over,” Shelby said. “It’s actually amazing.”

Dr. Wyche Coleman III added that the use of laser technology can increase the likelihood that patients will be glasses‑independent after surgery. “We use the laser. The purpose of the laser is to give people a higher probability of glasses independence,” Coleman explained.

The laser also helps reduce small amounts of astigmatism. For patients with larger astigmatism, surgeons can implant toric intra‑ocular lenses that have built‑in astigmatism correction. In some cases, Coleman’s practice employs a two‑stage procedure, allowing certain steps to be performed with even greater accuracy.

How to learn more

Anyone interested in cataract surgery preparation or wanting more detail about the latest techniques can listen to the full podcast episode, which is available on the KTKS 3 podcast page and on major podcast platforms.

These advancements reflect a broader trend in ophthalmology toward minimally invasive, laser‑assisted procedures that aim to improve visual outcomes and reduce postoperative dependence on corrective lenses.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.