Newsom Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery
T. Hunter Newsom, MD developed the Newsom Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery technique for performing laser cataract surgery, pioneering it at the AAAHC-accredited Tampa Surgery Center.
What is bladeless laser cataract surgery?
Traditional cataract surgery involves the use of bladed tools to create micro-incisions in the eye for lens removal. Newsom Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery eliminates the need for those bladed instruments.
Dr. T. Hunter Newsom, a leading figure in ophthalmology, pioneered this technique as a significant advancement in ophthalmic care — offering patients a safer, more precise and less invasive option for cataract removal.
As Newsom Eye is at the forefront of ophthalmic care, the technique was developed and refined at the AAAHC-accredited Tampa Surgery Center.
- No blades. The laser replaces bladed instruments for the incisions.
- Greater precision than a hand-made incision can achieve.
- Developed here by Dr. Newsom at the Tampa Surgery Center.
How the procedure works
A laser performs the steps that a blade used to, before the cataract itself is removed.
Measurement and mapping
Your eye is imaged and measured so the laser treatment is planned to your specific anatomy rather than a standard template.
Topical drop anesthesia
Surgery starts with anesthetic drops. No injection and no general anesthesia for most patients.
Laser incisions
The laser creates the micro-incisions that bladed instruments used to make, with a precision and repeatability a hand cannot match.
Laser capsulotomy
The laser opens the capsule holding the lens in a perfectly round, perfectly centered aperture — which affects how well the implant sits afterward.
Lens removal and implant
The softened lens is gently suctioned out through the small incision, and the intraocular lens implant is inserted through that same opening.
Same-day discharge
Performed at the AAAHC-accredited Tampa Surgery Center, with your first follow-up usually the next morning.
Frequently asked questions about bladeless laser cataract surgery
What is Newsom Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery?
A technique developed by T. Hunter Newsom, MD for performing laser cataract surgery, pioneered at the AAAHC-accredited Tampa Surgery Center. It eliminates the bladed instruments used in traditional cataract surgery.
How is it different from traditional cataract surgery?
Traditional cataract surgery uses bladed tools to create the micro-incisions needed for lens removal. This technique replaces those instruments with a laser, offering a more precise and less invasive option.
Is laser cataract surgery safer?
The technique was developed to offer patients a safer, more precise and less invasive option for cataract removal. Your surgeon will discuss what it means specifically for your eye at your evaluation.
Does it hurt?
No. Surgery begins with topical drop anesthesia, and most patients describe pressure and light rather than pain.
Am I awake during the procedure?
Yes, with light sedation. Most eye surgery is done with drops rather than general anesthesia, and the procedure itself takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Where is it performed?
At the AAAHC-accredited Tampa Surgery Center, where Dr. Newsom pioneered the technique. Newsom Eye operates three AAAHC-accredited surgery centers in total.
Does it change which lens I can have?
No. The technique is about how the cataract is removed. Your lens choice — monofocal, customized or the Light Adjustable Lens — is a separate decision made at your evaluation.
Is it covered by insurance?
Insurance typically covers cataract surgery itself. Advanced technology and upgraded lens options may involve an out-of-pocket difference, which our team quotes before you schedule.
Five Convenient Florida Locations
Sebring
4211 US Highway 27 NSebring, FL 33870(863) 385-1544
Carrollwood
13904 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 200Tampa, FL 33618(813) 908-2020
South Tampa
113 S Armenia AveTampa, FL 33609(813) 908-2020
Brooksville
14543 Cortez BlvdBrooksville, FL 34613(352) 596-4030
Gainesville
2521 NW 41 StGainesville, FL 32606(352) 377-7733
See the technique for yourself
Ask about bladeless laser cataract surgery at your evaluation, and your surgeon will explain what it means for your eye specifically.