A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear, natural lens of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, which causes blurred or distorted vision. Cataracts are a natural part of aging and cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible. While every person will develop cataracts, they more commonly occur in people over the age of 55. They may also occur at an earlier age in people who have had eye injuries or other ocular or systemic disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:
Blurred/hazy vision
Spots in front of the eye(s)
Sensitivity to glare
A feeling of “film” over the eye(s)
A temporary improvement in near vision
Cataract Surgery 7th Cut
Vision loss from cataracts can often be corrected for a while with prescription glasses or contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. During cataract surgery, which is the most common surgical procedure in the country, the cloudy natural lens material is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL.
Advanced Cataract Surgery
Most eye diseases are completely asymptomatic (show no noticeable symptoms) in their early stages when they are most easily treated (including glaucoma and retinopathies). Early detection, therefore, is an important part of eye care. It is imperative that patients, especially those at increased risk, receive routine screening by medical and surgical specialists trained in dealing with these disorders.
Our team of retina surgeons use the best imaging system in the world for retinal and macular diseases. Heidelberg high-definition imaging system allows for superior imaging and diagnosis of disease processes related to macular degeneration, diabetes, macular pucker, and inflammatory conditions of the retina and choroid. High-resolution video imaging angiography and 3D macular images can resolve details in the retina as small as a few microns – smaller than the width of a single red blood cell.
More patients trust their eyes to our visiting retina surgeons for their retinal surgery needs than to any other practice in the state.
Lens Options
When you have Cataract Surgery or Elective Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial intra-ocular lens implant (IOL). Insurance will pay for a standard (single vision) IOL. With these, we do our best to correct your prescription, but they are a bit limited. Modern technology has allowed for the development of premium implants, that can better correct your prescription or lessen your dependence on glasses even further by extending the range of focus. These premium IOL’s are not covered by insurance, as they are considered to be an upgrade that is not medically necessary. While this means you will be paying out of your pocket for the premium IOL, for many people it’s worth the cost to be less dependent on glasses.
*Note: Lens fees do not include the fees for surgery or anesthesia that you may owe after billing has been submitted to your insurance. This is only what you will have to pay out of pocket on the day of surgery for the lens itself.
Standard
The Standard lens is typically fully covered by your insurance, (ie, no additional cost outside of copay or deductible). With this lens, we choose one range of focus to be best without glasses. For example, we can make your distance vision best without any glasses on, but you will require glasses for reading and intermediate (eg computer, dashboard) distance. The same can be done by correcting either your near or intermediate vision but will require glasses at the other distances. However, this lens may not correct all of your prescriptions, including astigmatism, so you will very likely have to wear glasses at all distances. If you do not mind wearing glasses, likely full-time, this is an excellent lens for you!
Out of pocket cost due on day of surgery: $0
Extended Depth of Focus - Eyhance , enVista Aspire
These lenses expand the range of focus your eye has without glasses. Unlike the standard, it can much more effectively compensate for your vision at two areas of focus rather than one - your distance and intermediate vision, or intermediate and near vision. This lens is ideal for the patient that would like to wear glasses less, but is okay wearing them occasionally, or for specific activities.
