Cataract Surgery

At Ophthalmic Associates, our team is proud to offer advanced technology and surgical processes to our patients, including the use of premium intraocular lenses.

Before Your Surgery

Before your surgery, our team will discuss various types of lens implants with you. How you see after surgery will depend on the type of lens implant used. It is vital that you discuss your lifestyle and vision expectations so that we can determine the right premium lens implant for you. Before your surgery, our team also uses technology like IOLmaster, OCT, HVF, and ORBSCAN, to ensure the best process for your specific surgery and vision needs.

During Your Surgery

Cataract surgery is relatively “patient-friendly.” It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in less than 15 minutes. “Phacoemulsification” is the microsurgical technique used. It requires a tiny incision and breaks up the cataract with ultrasound waves.

• Patients are given topical numbing drops and IV sedation, or twilight anesthesia, to ensure that they are comfortable and relaxed. 
• The surgeon makes an incision and uses ultrasound waves to break up the hard, yellow proteins that form the cataract, leaving the lens membrane in place.
• Next, a soft, flexible synthetic Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted into the lens capsule of the eye.
• The lens is a permanent fixture that helps your eye to focus. You will not be able to feel or sense the implanted lens in any way.

After Your Surgery

Because there are no needles or injections, only a tiny incision, stitches and an eye patch are often not required after the surgery. In most cases, the incision is so small that the eye heals rapidly, with little or no discomfort, and the patient experiences a quick visual recovery. Patients can typically return to normal activities within a few days. Additionally, Ophthalmic Associates utilizes DROPLESS technology so you don’t need to pay for or worry about putting in eye drops after your surgery.

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Cataract lens technology is constantly evolving and our doctors provide the latest technology with the highest quality outcomes. Our team will work with you to decide when your cataracts must be removed and which type of IOL is best for your visual needs. Ophthalmic Associates uses three basic types of lenses, each designed for a specific corrective function.

During the first 25 years that lens implants were used for vision correction, the goal was to correct distance or far vision as best as possible (single-focus). The very latest in premium multifocal and toric lenses can improve vision for various distances all at once. This means not having to wear glasses following your procedure and regaining your important reading vision:

• Multifocal Lens: Designed to give patients the best distance and near vision with less dependence on glasses after surgery. 
• Toric Lens (Astigmatism): Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism for patients that have moderate to high astigmatism. Patients can choose to have distance or near vision and will need glasses for the other distance. 
• Single-Focus Lens (Basic): The single-focus lens is effective in clearing the cloudiness from cataracts. But the patients who choose this option will most likely require glasses full time (bifocals or progressive lenses) to correct blurriness caused by residual astigmatism and presbyopia.

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Medicare and most insurance plans cover the costs for cataract surgery with a single focus lens and traditional (manual) surgery, with additional out-of-pocket charges for multifocal and toric lenses. With this one-time opportunity, many patients find the extra expense well worth the exchange for freedom from glasses or contacts.

Financing is also available for a portion of the premium lens charge. Our staff will review all of this information with you before your surgery.

We offer several payment options to suit your needs:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): You can save up to 30% by using tax-free dollars to pay for your cataract surgery. Many employers offer an FSA or Health Savings Account.
• Financing: Ophthalmic Associates is pleased to offer up to 18 months interest-free financing through CareCredit. 
• Credit Cards: Many patients opt to pay for their procedure using a personal credit card. This may be a good option, especially if you have a card that carries a low interest rate or offers points and other rewards.

Contact our staff today to review the best financing options for you.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding that develops in the eye’s crystalline lens. As the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 60 or older, cataracts impair vision, making everyday activities increasingly difficult. 

What Causes a Cataract?

The most common factor for developing a cataract is age. Other contributing factors may include increased exposure to sunlight, diabetes, ocular inflammation, ocular trauma and family history. Certain medications can also promote cataract formation.

Are Cataracts Found Only in Older People?

Nearly 22 million Americans age 40 and older are affected by cataracts and by age 80 over half of the population has at least one cataract. Cataracts can also occur at earlier stages in life due to diabetes, long-term steroid use, or trauma to the eye. Children and adolescents can also acquire cataracts during fetal development due to hereditary factors or infectious diseases present during pregnancy.

What are the Symptoms?

Cataracts may cause a decrease in vision, glare or poor night vision. Some people experience double vision or muted colors. Patients may not notice a cataract has formed, as a cataract typically forms in one eye first and the other eye compensates for any visual loss. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years for a cataract to fully develop.

Is Cataract Surgery Effective?

Over time, the lens implant can develop a "film" behind it, which can again cause symptoms of blurred vision. A simple laser capsulotomy procedure can be performed to create an opening in the film in order to restore normal vision. Laser capsulotomy does not require going to the operating room nor does it involve any incision into the eye. It only takes a few minutes and is painless. 

When Should Cataract Surgery Be Done?

Because cataracts have a different rate of progression in each patient, surgical necessity will vary for each individual. Surgery can be recommended by your surgeon when cataracts begin to impact your daily lifestyle. It is important to inform your doctor when you begin to experience a decrease in vision or increased difficulties when performing activities such as driving, reading, or watching television.

Does Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?

Yes. Medicare and most insurance plans cover approved cataract surgeries. There is an additional charge for advanced technology lenses. Our staff will review all of this information with you.