Laser precise, so you can relax
UltraView ReLACS™ delivers femtosecond laser precision shaped by over a decade and more than 30,000 procedures — expertise backed by our own published research, for superior vision outcomes and faster healing.
Laser-Guided Precision for Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s natural lens. It develops slowly and eventually blocks light from reaching the retina. The only treatment is surgery: removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Learn more about cataract surgery and IOL options from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
For decades, surgeons performed this using manual techniques and ultrasound energy. These methods are safe and effective, but rely on hand steadiness. Small variations in incisions, capsule openings, or ultrasound energy can affect your final vision.
UltraView ReLACS™ changes this equation. ReLACS brings an unprecedented level of precision and safety to cataract surgery by using a femtosecond laser — the same technology used in laser vision correction — to perform four critical steps that are traditionally done manually:
| 1 | Blade-Free Corneal Incisions — The laser creates corneal incisions at a pre-programmed specific location, depth, and length that are reproducible and accurate. These self-sealing incisions eliminate the need for a hand-held blade. |
| 2 | Precision Capsulotomy — A perfectly round, circular opening in the capsule surrounding your cataract — impossible to replicate by hand. Better capsulotomy centration means better IOL positioning and better final vision. |
| 3 | Gentle Lens Softening — The laser softens your cataract, allowing your surgeon to remove it with greater ease while reducing or eliminating ultrasound energy inside the eye. Less energy means faster healing and less swelling. |
| 4 | Custom Astigmatism Correction — Blade-free arcuate incisions precisely positioned on your cornea to reduce pre-existing or surgery-induced astigmatism, improving your overall quality of vision. |
After the laser completes these steps, your surgeon finishes with phacoemulsification and places your new IOL. The result: unprecedented precision, less corneal trauma, and faster healing.
How ReLACS Differs from Standard Surgery
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what happens in each approach:
| Surgical Step | Standard Surgery | ReLACS |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal incisions | Manual blade, surgeon-dependent | Femtosecond laser, micron-level precision |
| Capsule opening | Manual capsulorhexis (freehand) | Laser-created, mathematically precise diameter |
| Lens fragmentation | Full ultrasound power required | Laser pre-softens cataract, less ultrasound |
| Astigmatism correction | Manual incisions, if performed at all | Laser arcuate incisions, precision placement |
| Ultrasound energy | Full power needed | Often 50% less energy required |
| Corneal swelling | More common due to higher ultrasound | Less common due to reduced trauma |
| Recovery timeline | 4–6 weeks to stable vision | 2–4 weeks to stable vision |
Why Choose Laser Cataract Surgery
Every aspect of ReLACS is designed to improve your vision outcome:
Precision & Reproducibility
The femtosecond laser performs the same way every time. Incisions are accurate to micrometers. Capsule openings are mathematically identical to the plan. This consistency translates directly to more predictable vision outcomes.
Reduced Ultrasound Energy
When the laser pre-softens your cataract, 30–50% less ultrasound energy is needed. Less heat means less corneal swelling and clearer vision faster.
Better Astigmatism Correction
The laser creates arcuate incisions precisely positioned to flatten your cornea’s steep axis. Many patients who would need glasses after standard surgery achieve uncorrected vision with ReLACS.
Faster Healing
Less corneal trauma means your eye heals faster. Many ReLACS patients report clear, stable vision within 2–4 weeks instead of 4–6 weeks.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your surgery is guided by computer-assisted precision — not hand steadiness alone — gives many patients confidence they’re choosing the a highly advanced, computer-guided option.
Who Benefits Most from ReLACS
ReLACS is an option for most people with cataracts, but is especially recommended in certain situations.
Especially Recommended If You…
- Want the best possible vision outcome
- Have astigmatism that needs correction
- Have high visual demands (driving, reading, computer work)
- Are considering premium IOLs (multifocal, toric, or light-adjustable)
May Not Be Recommended If You Have…
- Severe corneal disease or scarring
- Severe dry eye disease (though often treatable before surgery)
- Advanced glaucoma with severe optic nerve damage
- Certain retinal conditions that limit vision potential
During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your eye and discuss whether ReLACS or standard cataract surgery is right for you.
Combining ReLACS with Advanced Lenses
ReLACS is the laser; your intraocular lens (IOL) is the replacement. The precision of ReLACS becomes even more valuable when paired with advanced IOL technology.
Monofocal IOLs
Standard single-focus lenses, good for distance vision. Reading glasses still needed for near tasks.
Multifocal IOLs
Focus at distance, intermediate, and near. Many patients reduce or eliminate glasses entirely.
Toric IOLs
Corrects astigmatism built into the lens. Combined with ReLACS incisions for the strongest astigmatism correction available.
EDOF IOLs
Excellent distance and good intermediate vision with reduced glare compared to multifocals.
Light Adjustable Lens
The ultimate option: an IOL that can be adjusted after surgery. If your vision isn’t perfect, we fine-tune it. Learn more about Premium IOL Options →
ReLACS laser precision ensures whatever IOL you choose is positioned perfectly within the capsular bag.
Patients interested in further reducing glasses dependence after cataract surgery may also explore laser vision correction options at U Eye Laser Cosmetic.
What Happens During Your ReLACS Surgery
Before surgery, imaging scans create a 3D map of your eye. In the operating room, your eye is anesthetized with numbing drops. You’ll feel pressure but no pain. Total procedure time: 15–20 minutes per eye.
| 1 | Femtosecond Laser — In the laser suite, your eye is positioned under the femtosecond laser. It scans and aligns your anatomy with pre-operative 3D imaging. In approximately 30 seconds, the laser completes all four precision steps: blade-free corneal incisions, a perfectly circular capsulotomy, lens softening, and any astigmatism-correcting incisions. You’ll hear rhythmic ticking and see bright light — no pain, just mild pressure. |
| 2 | Cataract Extraction & IOL Placement — You move to the main operating room where your surgeon completes the procedure through the laser-created incisions. Because the cataract is already softened, significantly less ultrasound energy is needed — the lens material is gently removed, typically in under a minute. Your new intraocular lens is then placed into the laser-created capsular opening, where it unfolds and centres with precision. Most incisions self-seal without stitches. |
Your Recovery Timeline
Here’s what to expect after your ReLACS surgery:
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Some grittiness, light sensitivity, mild discomfort. Vision is blurry (normal—your cornea is adjusting). Use prescribed eye drops every 2–4 hours. |
| Days 2–3 | Vision improves noticeably. Most patients see 20/40 or better by Day 3. Light sensitivity decreases. |
| Week 1 | Most patients achieve 20/25 or better. Resume light activities (walking, TV, light reading). No swimming, heavy lifting, or contact sports. |
| Weeks 2–3 | Vision stabilizes. Continue all eye drops. Resume most normal activities. |
| Week 4 | Vision usually stable. Resume all activities including exercise. Final eye exam and new glasses prescription if needed. |
| Month 3 | Complete healing. Any remaining mild haziness resolves. Eye drops can be discontinued. |
Your second eye is typically scheduled 1–3 weeks after your first. Many patients prefer to see results from the first eye before proceeding.
Risks & Considerations
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Cataract surgery — whether standard or laser-assisted — is one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures in medicine, but complications can occur. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail before your procedure.
General cataract surgery risks include infection (endophthalmitis, occurring in less than 0.1% of cases), bleeding, prolonged inflammation, increased eye pressure, retinal detachment, posterior capsule rupture, and cystoid macular edema (temporary swelling of the central retina). Most complications are treatable when identified early through follow-up visits.
ReLACS-specific considerations: The femtosecond laser adds precision but does not eliminate all surgical risk. Rarely, the laser docking process may cause temporary subconjunctival hemorrhage (a harmless red spot on the white of the eye) or pupil constriction that requires management during surgery. These are typically minor and self-resolving.
Post-operative dry eye is common after any cataract surgery and usually temporary. If you experience persistent dryness, our colleagues at the U Dry Eye Institute offer specialized assessment and treatment to support your recovery.
Your surgeon will review your individual risk profile during your pre-operative consultation, taking into account your eye health, medical history, and the specific procedure planned.
Pioneered by Our Team
UltraView ReLACS™ was developed at Uptown Eye Specialists. Our three lead surgeons co-authored the landmark outcomes study documenting superior precision and patient satisfaction. Together, they’ve performed over 3,000 ReLACS procedures—more than any other team in Canada.
Dr. Hannah Chiu
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Vaughan
Dr. Sangsu Han
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Etobicoke · Vaughan · Scarborough
Dr. Kay Lam
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Vaughan
Dr. Vincent Lam
OD, MD, FRCSC
Etobicoke · Vaughan · Scarborough
Dr. Raj Maini
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Vaughan · Scarborough
Dr. Evan Michaelov
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Etobicoke · Vaughan · Scarborough
Dr. Fariba Nazemi
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Scarborough
Dr. Harrish Nithianandan
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Etobicoke · Vaughan · Scarborough
Dr. Sohel Somani
MD, FRCSC, DABO
Brampton · Vaughan
Dr. Eric S. Tam
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Etobicoke · Vaughan · Scarborough
Dr. Lili Tong
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Etobicoke · Vaughan
Our full cataract surgical team also includes Dr. Raj Maini, Dr. Kay Lam, Dr. Fariba Nazemi, Dr. Vincent Lam, Dr. Sangsu Han, Dr. Hannah Chiu, and Dr. Evan Michaelov — all board-certified, hospital-credentialed surgeons with expertise in cataract and refractive surgery.
Backed by Science
ReLACS has been studied extensively in peer-reviewed medical literature. The evidence shows:
- Improved precision: Laser-created incisions and capsulotomies are more reproducible than manual techniques.
- Faster healing: Reduced corneal swelling and faster visual recovery compared to standard phacoemulsification.
- Better astigmatism correction: Laser-assisted correction is more effective and predictable than manual incisions alone.
- Reduced ultrasound energy: Studies show 30–50% reduction in phacoemulsification energy, reducing corneal trauma.
- Superior outcomes: Patients using ReLACS with premium IOLs achieve better uncorrected vision and higher satisfaction.
Drs. Nithianandan, Tam, and Somani co-authored the landmark ReLACS outcomes study—one of the largest of its kind—documenting superior vision precision, reduced ultrasound energy usage, and high patient satisfaction.
Common Questions About ReLACS
Ready to Explore Your Options?
The first step is a comprehensive cataract evaluation. Your surgeon will examine your eyes, discuss your vision goals, and explain whether ReLACS is right for you.
This is educational material about UltraView ReLACS™ cataract surgery. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your eye care professional before making decisions about your eye health.