Cataract surgery is the most often performed surgical procedure in the United States. Over 1.3 million cases are done each year.

 

Below we have listed a few questions that are frequently asked, but this list is of course inconclusive. If you have additional questions please email them to contact us or call for an appointment and we promise to address all of you visual concerns.

 

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the cloudiness of the human lens. The lens is clear when we are born, but with time it becomes cloudy and interferes with the light that enters the eye causing blurred vision. Sometimes cataracts cause glare and halos at night. Cataract formation is a normal aging process. However certain medications, injury, and diabetes can accelerate cataract formation. There are no medications, drops, or glasses to get rid of the cataracts or prevent them from worsening. The only treatment for a cataract is surgery. When the cataract causes blurred vision that interferes with your daily activities such as driving or reading, then proceeding with surgery is the right decision. A cataract is removed with a small incision and clear artificial lens is placed in the eye without using needle injection or stitches.

 

What is the Treatment for a Cataract?

The only treatment for cataracts is surgery. Fortunately with recent advances in cataract surgery, the procedure has become very safe with minimal to no pain.  

 

What is Laser Cataract Surgery?

A technological breakthrough with Lensx Laser Cataract Surgery is available that has significantly improved the precision of several of the most critical steps in cataract surgery. With Lensx Laser, we can customize your procedure to your eye’s unique characteristics, resulting in more predictable outcomes while making cataract surgery even safer.

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What are my Treatment Options?

 

A. Best Vision Plan       $1250       

The treatment is customized using the best technical modalities to ensure the best possible distance vision. Includes astigmatism correction, calculations for corneas that have had prior surgery, and monovision if desired by the patient. LASIK is included, if needed.   

       

B. Traditional Cataract Surgery      $0

Offers state of the art surgical procedure but may require glasses for distance vision. 

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C. Multifocal Vision Plan     $1950

For patients accustomed to vision with multifocal contacts and are willing to give up some clarity in distance vision for less dependence on reading glasses.       

   

What are my options regarding reading vision after cataract surgery?

I really don't won't to wear glasses after my surgery.

We try to give you the best vision with the least amount of risks. Our favorite option for patients is what we term “blended vision”. It’s a similar to monovision. It results in best distance vision in the dominant eye and a slightly myopic correction for the near eye. This allows for cell phone vision, and reading with good illumination. We have found this to be accepted by most individuals.  Often we are able to simulate this with a contact lens that you wear for only a day or so. If you have been successful with monovision contacts in the past then the transition is easy and we are able to simulate the vision you enjoyed prior to your cataract.

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We have utilized both the multifocal lenses, like Restor and Crystalens. We have happy people with these devices but we have also had patients that are not satisfied.  The biggest problem with the Crystalens is that it often doesn’t flex. You still get great distant vision but no reading.  This is unfortunate, because insurance doesn’t cover these costs and no one likes to pay a premium for something and then not achieve the result.

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Restor, has a design that sometimes results in halos and glare and a lessor quality of distance vision.  Again, a more expensive lens that may not give the desired effect. This lens is quite analogous to multifocal contact lens and so those that have worn multifocals in the past are better candidates for this lens. We promise to work with each of you to find the best option that best fits your needs.

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Why do you recommend laser cataract surgery in some patients and not in others?

If the laser was free, we would suggest it for everyone. There is a fee that insurance will not cover and we realize that is something that everyone cannot afford.  There are clearly patients that have features that would be best treated with the Lensx laser. Patients with dense cataracts, hypermature cataracts, or those with small amount of astigmatism will benefit undergoing surgery utilizing Lensx laser. 

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Astigmatism, everyone talks about it. I am not sure I know what it is and why so much time is spent talking about it.

 

We talk about it so much because our implants now can correct for regular astigmatism and it makes a big difference in your final vision. We are, at the very least, aiming to give you great distant vision and trying to achieve an outcome that only requires reading glasses.  Regular astigmatism is like the shape of a football instead of a basketball. Our tests at the time of your consult will determine if you need an implant with astigmatism correction.

 

What if I still have to wear glasses after my surgery?

We do our very best to accomplish your freedom from glasses but we do have an on-site LASIK laser and for certain patients we can do LASIK to correct any remaining prescription after cataract surgery.

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What should I expect the day of surgery?

You spend approximately 2 hours in the surgery center. Intravenous sedation is given to make you comfortable. The eye is cleaned for surgery. The procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes. After the surgery a clear shield is placed on the eye and you start the drops the same day. You will follow up the next day in the office.

 

What types of drops are used after my surgery?

1. Ofloxacin antibiotic drops – 1 drop 4 times daily for 1 week after surgery.

2. Prednisolone 1% eye drops – 1 drop 4 times daily for 2 weeks, then 1 drop 2 times daily for 2 more weeks.

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When can I go back to work?

It of course depends on the type of work, but most are able to return to work the very next day.  No swimming for a week but you can shower the very next day and use makeup in 3 days.

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What if I have had LASIK in the past or RK surgery, does this affect my outcome?

The surgical modification of your cornea does play a part in the IOL calculations (implant), but we have a great deal of experience in this area and perform special measurements to ensure the best outcome.