Welcome to El Camino Ambulatory Surgery Center’s Eye Center of Excellence. With more than 20 ophthalmology surgeons on our Medical Staff, we offer many eye procedures such as cataract removal, astigmatism correction, ptyerigium removal, trabeculectomies, scleral patch and retinal surgery.
You and your surgeon have planned the right surgical treatment for you based on your eye health, lifestyle preferences and financial needs. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest outpatient procedures. Most patients are comfortable returning to their normal activities the very next day. At the Eye Center of Excellence, cataract treatment will be performed using either laser technology or phacoemulsification. All of our partner ophthalmologists are trained in laser-assisted cataract surgery, and their websites are available here.
Laser: El Camino Ambulatory Surgery Center’s Eye Center of Excellence is one of the first in the Bay Area to offer cataract removal with a state-of-the-art laser. Laser technology takes treatment of cataracts and astigmatism to a new level of precision and accuracy. The laser uses a noninvasive-imaging technique in the form of a 3-D computerized map of the eye, allowing surgeons’ precision, control and safety unmatched by traditional cataract removal methods. The relatively low amount of energy needed to remove the lens reduces the risk of complications and infection, while also promoting faster healing and minimizing post-op discomfort. The entire process takes no more than 30 minutes.
Phacoemulsification: Not all patients are candidates for laser eye procedures or desire the additional expenditure. The traditional phacoemulsification process remains an excellent option. With phacoemulsification, a special probe is inserted into the eye through a very small incision. The probe emits a high frequency wave that breaks the cataract into tiny pieces to allow for easy removal of the lens matter. The procedure takes about 15 minutes total.
Sometimes, a decision will be made between you and your physician to use a specialty non-covered implant lens or a laser for your cataract procedure. Please note that these are considered cosmetic or “non-covered services,” and will be your financial responsibility.