Cataract Surgery

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.

 

Are You a Candidate?

Take our self tests to find out!

What our

Patients Say

"The service here is commendable. I feel very comfortable when I’m here, and there’s progress with my vision. Always good results. Nothing needs to be improved here."

Veronica

"Well worth the 3-hr drive I made to get to my first appt. I told Dr. Safi I will follow him anywhere. He’s the best. I trust him; he’s an Army doctor, and they see worse things up at Tripler because of the military exposure. And he’s always in a good mood; helps put you at ease. I recommend you guys to everyone."

Violette

"It’s almost like I was born on the day of the surgery.  This has definitely been life-changing for me. Every day I am evolving, finding out things I couldn’t do before that I can do now."

Tiaturi T.

"My provider is beyond proficient. Not only is my provider professional, knowledgeable, and caring, but actually prays with you before surgical procedures. Nothing like knowing you are in the more than capable hands of two beings."

John B.

"Wonderful office and staff. Very professional, knowledgeable and a sincere demeanor with clients. I would highly recommend their services."

Alice W.
read more

Contact Us

Our Facebook Feed

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
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. 👁️

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

1 day ago
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! 📞

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

2 days ago

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

3 days ago

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!
#FridayFact
... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
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!

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

1 week ago
🌺👁️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!

🌺👁️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

2 weeks ago
Load more

Locations

OAHU LOCATIONS

Main Office Yacht Harbor Professional Center
1620 Ala Moana Boulevard
Suite 500
Honolulu, HI 96815
Tel: (808) 955-0255

Mary Savio Medical Plaza
98-1247 Kaahumanu Street Suite 310
Aiea, HI 96701
Tel: (808) 955-0255 

Pro Com Plaza
94-216 Farrington Highway
Suite B2-203
Waipahu, HI 96797
Tel: (808) 671-4778

HAWAII LOCATIONS

77-6399 Nalani Street 2nd Floor
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Tel: (808) 329-2010 

346 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
Tel: (808) 935-4456

MAUI LOCATION

Kahului Building
23 Paa Street
Kahului, HI 96732
Tel: (808) 877-8955

KAUAI LOCATION

‍4418 Kukui Grove Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Tel: (808) 245-5377