J.T. Kavanagh,
MD

Cataract surgery

San Antonio cataract surgery, 50,000 cases deep

San Antonio patients come to Dr. Kavanagh for one reason above all: experience. With more than 50,000 cataract surgeries performed, he has seen nearly every kind of cataract, from routine to complex.

• Laser cataract surgery with the LENSAR ALLY and Alcon LenSx femtosecond lasers
• Premium lens implants that can reduce or eliminate glasses
• Astigmatism correction at the time of surgery
• Combined cataract and MIGS glaucoma surgery in one visit
• Experience with dense, mature and complex cataracts

Lens implants we offer

Your cataract surgery, step by step

1. EvaluationA full exam and detailed measurements of your eye's length, curvature and astigmatism.
2. Lens planningDr. Kavanagh reviews your lifestyle and recommends lens options. Our counselors explain costs.
3. Surgery dayAn outpatient procedure of about 10 to 20 minutes per eye, with numbing drops and light sedation. The second eye is usually done a week or two later.
4. RecoveryDrops for a few weeks and follow-up visits. Most people notice clearer vision within days.

Laser cataract surgery

Bladeless precision with LENSAR ALLY and LenSx

For the most delicate steps of cataract surgery, Dr. Kavanagh uses a femtosecond laser guided by a 3D scan of your eye. The laser performs each step with computer-controlled, micron-level accuracy.

1. CapsulotomyA perfectly round, centered opening in the lens capsule, so your new lens implant sits exactly where it should.
2. Breaking up and softening the cataractThe laser divides and softens the cataract first, so less ultrasound energy is needed to remove it.
3. Correcting corneal astigmatismPrecise arcuate incisions reduce astigmatism, aligned to your eye with iris registration.

Learn about laser cataract surgery

MIGS glaucoma surgery

San Antonio glaucoma care from a fellowship-trained specialist

As a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist on the faculty at UT Health San Antonio, Dr. Kavanagh has performed every type of MIGS procedure and brings new glaucoma treatments to San Antonio patients early.

• Every type of MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery)
• Drug-delivering implants that can replace daily drops
• SLT laser treatment
• Tube shunts, Ahmed valves and seton surgery for advanced glaucoma
• Trabeculectomy when traditional surgery is the right choice

Explore every glaucoma procedure

Glaucoma treatment, from first step to advanced

1. DropsDaily pressure-lowering eye drops.
2. SLT laserA quick in-office laser that improves drainage, often reducing drops.
3. Drug implantsDurysta and iDose TR release medication inside the eye for months or longer.
4. MIGSiStent infinite, Hydrus, AlloFlo and the XEN Gel Stent, often placed during cataract surgery.
5. Traditional surgeryTrabeculectomy and Ahmed valve / seton surgery for advanced glaucoma.

Glaucoma has no early symptoms. If you have a family history, high eye pressure or diabetes, regular pressure checks and optic nerve scans are the best protection. About high eye pressure