Traditional vs. Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery is the most advanced method of removing cataracts. Laser-assisted cataract surgery requires no blade. Before the surgery, your surgeon will create a detailed surgical plan by mapping out the cornea using an OCT (optical coherence tomography). Then, a femtosecond laser is used to create the incision in an extremely precise manner.
To get to the cataract, your surgeon must perform a capsulotomy. A thin, clear capsule surrounds the eye’s lens. The front portion of the capsule needs to be removed to gain access to the cataracts. During traditional cataract surgery, this is done with a small needle. During laser-assisted cataract surgery, this is done with the laser.
After the capsulotomy, your surgeon will need to break up the cataract to make it easier to remove. Traditional cataract surgery requires an ultrasonic device to complete this portion of the surgery.
The laser helps soften the cataract and makes it easier to remove. This requires less ultrasonic energy and reduces the risk of complication. Once the cataract is out, your surgeon will manually insert the new IOL through the incision. This happens the same in both procedures.
Laser Cataract Surgery Technology
Eye Center of Hawaii uses the LENSAR® Laser System to perform our laser-assisted cataract surgeries. We use this system because it is the only femtosecond laser designed from the ground up for use during cataract surgery. The LENSAR® Laser System allows cataract surgeons to deliver precise, predictable and extremely effective results.



As we get older, it’s common for the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy. Cataracts can slowly make colors seem duller and everyday activities like reading or driving more difficult. The good news is that today’s cataract surgery can restore clearer vision and help you get back to the things you enjoy most. Schedule an exam to learn about your options. 👁️ ... See MoreSee Less
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Macular degeneration affects the part of your vision you rely on most for everyday tasks. It can make your vision blurry, dim, or distorted. If something in your central vision doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth getting it checked.
Our team is here to help you protect your vision. Schedule an appointment to learn more! 📞 ... See MoreSee Less
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We are proud to welcome Dr. Elwishahi to our Waipahu office. Dr. Elwishahi is committed to improving the vision, health, and quality of life of Hawaiʻi’s communities through comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based eye care that is personalized to meet the unique needs of each patient. Call us today to schedule your exam! ... See MoreSee Less
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You blink about 14,000–19,000 times a day, spreading tears that protect, nourish, and keep your eyes comfortable. Blinking is one of your eyes’ most important defense systems.
But did you know, you may not be blinking right? You may not be fully closing your eyes, or blinking enough? It can be one of the causes of dry eye and one of the MANY things we check for in our comprehensive screening. It’s one of the reasons our dry eye team has so many happy and relieved patients!
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Cataract surgery has come a long way.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery allows for greater precision, customization, and the ability to correct astigmatism — helping patients achieve clearer, more predictable results.
Advanced technology. Personalized vision.
Schedule your cataract exam today! ... See MoreSee Less
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🌺👁️Cataracts don’t just make vision blurry — they can make colors look dull and faded.
The natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy over time, muting the vibrant blues of the ocean, the greens of the mountains, and the bold colors all around our island.
Cataract surgery can restore clarity and bring those colors back to life.
Schedule your cataract exam with us today! ... See MoreSee Less
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