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Cataract

Laser Cataract Surgery

Trust Your Eyes To Experience

Weinstock Laser Eye Center, a division of The Eye Institute of West Florida, is one of the premier cataract surgery centers in Tampa Bay.  Since 1974, by using the latest treatments, we have been achieving the best vision results possible for our patients. You can count on us to provide excellent care in a comfortable and friendly environment.

Our team of board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons, Dr. Stephen WeinstockDr. Robert Weinstock and Dr. Neel Desai, are all nationally recognized for their surgical skills and expertise in the field of ophthalmology.

“I wanted to express my thanks to each and everyone who showed such care and concern before, during and after my cataract surgery. I am extremely satisfied with the results and impressed with the wonderful way you treat all your patients! As far as I am concerned, you are a top-notch team of professional individuals and I have passed the word on to many of my friends!” – K. R.

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Advanced Technology = Best Results

At Weinstock Laser Eye Center, we invest in the latest equipment available to help our patients achieve better vision. Using a laser during cataract surgery generally improves the precision, accuracy and visual outcome from the procedure.

Our Tampa Bay eye surgeons are proud to have two of the most current laser platforms in our state-of-the-art Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center. 

  • LENSAR femtosecond laser
  • LenSx laser

Replacing the traditional blade, these lasers create the most precise incision possible. They even have the ability to correct astigmatism.  Having these choices of lasers allows our surgeons to customize the procedure to the patient’s specific ocular structure and visual needs.

During cataract surgery our team uses Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA). ORA takes real-time measurements to determine lens power, lens position, and astigmatism correction during your actual cataract surgery in order to optimize your results and minimize the need for further refinement.

Our operating rooms are equipped with TrueVision®, an advanced 3-D stereoscopic high-definition visualization system that provides surgeons a better view of what is happening during the procedure.

Even with advanced laser technology, the skills and experience of your surgeon matter.

Meet Our Surgeons

You Can See Clearly Now! The Cataracts are Gone.

Still trying to decide when to have cataract surgery?  Learn more about the process and one patient’s experience.

Learn More

Older man taking a picture outside

Benefits of Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Treat cataracts AND get rid of your glasses and contact lenses.

If you have cataracts and need cataract surgery, consider refractive laser-assisted cataract surgery performed by top surgeons at Weinstock Laser Eye Center.

Benefits of laser cataract surgery:

  • A computer-guided laser allows surgeons to perform surgeries with a level of precision and customization specific to the patient’s unique anatomy.
  • Patients can have cataracts removed and their vision corrected so they can see up close or at a distance, often without glasses.
  • Laser cataract surgery can treat cataracts, and also correct astigmatism with a premium lens implant.
  • Patients have more options in terms of how they want their vision to function without needing to wear glasses.
  • Energy from the laser also softens the cataract, making it easier to remove.

Sandy Scott – Florida Champion Cyclist

Dr. Rob changed my life last month. As a very active sports participant he gave me 20/20 vision at the age of 70 with a cataract/astigmatism surgery and implantation of Crystalens in both eyes. I can’t remember seeing this well as a 26-year-old new hire airline pilot, and I had 20/10 vision! I took a three-hour bicycle ride a couple of days after surgery and everything was so crystal clear that I could not stop smiling for the whole ride. By the way, I haven’t stopped smiling yet. Thank you Dr. Rob!! – Sandy Scott

 

Call (727) 518-2020 to schedule a consultation to have your eyes evaluated and decide on the best cataract treatment plan to fit your lifestyle preferences.

Premium Lens Implants

Laser cataract surgery removes cataracts and corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism using premium intraocular lens implants.

Weinstock Laser Eye Center offers the latest in innovative premium intraocular lens implants. Each type of lens implant offers different vision benefits.

Multifocal IOL Implants
Accommodating IOL
Toric Lens Implants

I can’t thank you enough for the gift you have given my mother. I haven’t seen her look so good & so excited in a long time. She is driving again, sewing without difficulty & noticing more dirt than ever! The contacts irritated her eyes & they were always bloodshot & watery. Now, crystal clear! I know the Crystalens is an excellent lens, but it is a miracle in your hands. – Ali, Physician: Dr Robert Weinstock

Doctor performing eye exam

Your care team will review your intraocular lens Implant options with you and make recommendations based on your lifestyle, visual preferences and budget.  Visit our Learning Center to read a summary on each of the lens types and brands such as Crystalens, ReStor and Tecnis Symfony.

Laser Cataract Surgery Cost

You Can See Clearly Now! The Cataracts are Gone.

Please consult the cataract team to determine the exact costs of your total cataract experience. You choose both the type of surgery and the type of lens implant that will be used. Your costs will vary depending on these two primary factors.

After your cataract evaluation, one of our surgical counselors will discuss your different options and associated pricing.

As for the people with whom I had contact for my cataract surgery – prompt, friendly, and typical of all those employed by you. – N.P.

Frequently Asked Questions

Give us a call at (727) 518-2020 to have one of our experts answer your questions. If you prefer to learn more before talking with us, here are the most frequently asked questions by patients considering Laser Cataract Surgery. 


Q: Do I get both eyes done at once?

No. Typically the first procedure is performed on one eye and the second procedure is performed on your other eye one week later. Your surgeon will determine which eye is performed first. 


Q: How long until I can see clearly after surgery?

Most people have normal vision the day after surgery.  Patients have a follow-up appointment the day after surgery to check vision and healing of the operative eye. Then it’s back to living life and doing all the things you enjoy – from playing golf or driving – without restriction and with reduced dependence on glasses.


Q: How soon can I drive?

You are not allowed to drive on the day of your procedure, so be sure to prepare to have somebody drive you to your surgery and pick you up following your cataract surgery. If you don’t have anyone who can drive for you, we have courtesy vans to pick you up and take you home.

Patients should wait 24 hours before driving although it is recommended that a patient waits to resume driving until the doctor checks their vision and healing at their follow up appointment the day following surgery. 


Q: What is the difference between traditional cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery?

No. Typically the first procedure is performed on one eye and the second procedure is performed on your other eye one week later. Your surgeon will determine which eye is performed first. 


Q: Do I get both eyes done at once?

No. Typically the first procedure is performed on one eye and the second procedure is performed on your other eye one week later. Your surgeon will determine which eye is performed first. 


Q: How do I know which type of surgery to choose?

Your doctor will evaluate your eyes and discuss your options. Your eye condition, lifestyle preferences, and budget will help determine the recommended surgery. 

Our team will explain your options and what you can expect on vision results and costs; then you can decide what best meets your needs. 


Q: How can I determine which lens implant to select?

This depends on your examination and consultation and discussion with one of our specialists. 

Each intraocular lens implant offers different benefits. An important part of your pre-operative process will involve choosing a lens implant that is right for your personal lifestyle. Some people engage in more reading or have hobbies that involve near vision tasks, as others may enjoy driving or traveling and require better quality distant vision. Then there are people who seek a full range of vision with the least dependency on glasses or contacts.

You will undergo several tests and measurements that will allow your doctor to select the right lens implant to your individual needs. A physical exam will complete the pre-surgical care. In addition to evaluating your eye condition, we get to know you and your lifestyle preferences then provide some recommendations.  Our goal is help you achieve the best vision results possible to fit your preferences and your budget.


Q: Does cataract surgery hurt?

With cataract surgery, there is generally no pain and you can return home immediately. 

It is normal to feel itching and mild discomfort for a couple of days after surgery. You may use soft tissue or cotton balls to gently clean your eyelids. Your doctor will prescribe medications to prevent infection and control eye pressure. After a couple of days, all discomfort should disappear.

For surgery, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. You will lie down on a comfortable, movable bed and be given medication to help you relax. Your eye will be dilated and you will be brought to an operating room where a painless incision is made and the cataract removed.  Complete healing occurs within eight weeks.


Q: What are the potential side effects or dangers from having cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgical procedures.  As technology has improved, so has recovery time, faster healing, fewer complications and better vision results. The location and doctor you choose to perform your surgery can make a difference in your outcome.

At Weinstock Laser Eye Center, a division of The Eye Institute of West Florida, we perform all our surgeries in our Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center. It is connected to our Largo offices to make it more convenient for patients. The Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center was specifically designed for ophthalmology procedures and is dual-accredited. We provide the safest environment for your surgery and follow the best practices for preventing infection and minimizing surgical complications.

With any surgery, there are risks. We properly review and discuss your full medical history to avoid these risks.