West Chester LASIK Surgeon Discusses Cataract and LASIK Combination
West Chester, PA — Cataract and LASIK surgeries can be very effective on their own; however, when combined, the two procedures can further enhance the quality of vision for particular individuals. Dr. John DeStafeno, a cataract and LASIK surgeon in West Chester, PA, says the combination of the techniques, or bioptics, is relatively common, and he often performs both if the situation demands the two treatments for optimal vision. He adds that he is constantly seeking safe and ethical procedures to provide patients with the level of care and results they deserve.
At Chester County Eye Care Associates, Dr. DeStafeno and his fellow team of doctors offer the most advanced and state-of-the-art vision treatments available. In regards to bioptics, he says, “LASIK and cataract surgery are often performed so the intraocular lens implanted during cataract surgery corrects some visual error, while the LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea to remove any remaining error.” He adds, “For some eyes, especially those with astigmatism, current intraocular lenses may not be able to correct the entire visual error in the eye. LASIK has the ability to fine-tune the results after cataract surgery. This is especially valuable when using premium intraocular lenses which demand very little visual error to function fully.”
The order in which the LASIK and cataract surgeries are performed depends on each surgeon’s expert opinion. Dr. DeStafeno says he prefers to perform cataract surgery first, and allow the eye to heal for at least one to three months prior to LASIK surgery. He adds that the healing period enables the eye to return to its natural shape, allowing the LASIK treatment to be as accurate as possible. He also says every patient heals at a different rate, so one’s surgeon should always monitor recovery time between procedures on an individual basis.
When selecting an eye care specialist to perform any vision care procedure, Dr. DeStafeno says patients should consult a board-certified surgeon in order to ensure proper treatment and obtain the most effective results. He adds that board-certified surgeons have the additional education and training necessary to remain at the forefront of their respective fields.
About John J. DeStafeno, M.D.
An honors graduate of Albany Medical College, Dr. John DeStafeno completed a two-year fellowship in cornea, refractive, and external disease at Duke College of Medicine before joining the team of board-certified eye care specialists at Chester County Eye Care Associates. He is a large advocate of continued education and is well-respected in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. DeStafeno is a founding member of the Vanguard Ophthalmology Society, and he is a certified surgeon for the Visx Excimer laser, the Wavelight Allegretto Excimer laser, and the Intralase “No-blade” laser.
Chester County Eye Care Associates has offices in West Chester, Exton, and West Grove, and each can be reached via phone at 610-696-1230. The doctors of Chester County Eye Care Associates can also be contacted online at chestercountyeyecare.com or facebook.com/ChesterCountyEyeCare.