Cataract Surgery

see the world in a new light…

What is a Cataract?

A Cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye making it difficult for light to pass through.

At birth, we have a clear and flexible lens inside the eye that helps to focus images from near and far by changing its shape. The first age-related change we all experience is the loss of flexibility of the natural, clear lens. This generally occurs in our early 40’s and is the reason many begin to wear reading glasses or bifocals. As we age through our 40’s and 50’s, the degree of flexibility diminishes, which is why the amount of power needed for reading increases from a +1.00 to ultimately +2.00 to +2.50 reader. During this early change, the lens is generally clear. As we continue to age, the lens becomes cloudier, making it difficult to see clearly even with the aid of glasses. This is known as a cataract.

Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process and most people will develop them at some point in their lives. They can also be caused by other factors such as certain medical conditions (example: diabetes), medications (example: steroids) or eye injuries.

Common symptoms of Cataracts include

Blurry vision
Difficulty driving at night
Halos or glare around light
Yellowing of Colors
Double or ghosting vision

Where is surgery done and what is the recovery?

Cataract surgery is performed in an outpatient surgery center. Most can expect to be at the surgery center for approximately 3 hours going through the different steps at the facility (waiting time is built in!). Patients will get an IV placed so that the anesthesia team can deliver light sedation, which includes fast acting pain and anxiety medications. For any patients with high anxiety, the IV provides a fast way to deliver any additional medication needed. The eye is anesthetized topically with numbing medication.

While most are not fully asleep, the sedation can make patients forget they were in the operating room. On average, the procedure lasts 5-15 minutes. After surgery, there will be a post-operative check either that afternoon or the next day. Some patients will note an improvement to their vision the next day, while others may still be dilated and take a few days.

There will be eye drops to use for approximately 4 weeks after the procedure. There is typically minimal to no pain after the procedure. There are some restrictions after surgery (please review the instruction sheet given in post-op). Patients can drive 24 hours after the surgery if they are comfortable. Please note, patients still need someone to drive them to their postoperative visit. Surgery is done one eye at a time for safety reasons; the two eyes are often done 1-2 weeks apart.

What is the Treatment for Cataracts?

The treatment for cataracts is surgery. Approximately 4 million cataract surgeries are performed every year.
During the procedure, a small incision is made in the cornea and the cataract is broken into small pieces to be removed, a process called phacoemulsification. After the old cataract is removed, it is replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL. This helps restore clear vision and can dramatically improve the quality of life for those with cataracts. During the initial cataract consultation, many measurements of the eye are taken and the doctor will discuss the different intraocular lens options (more on this video)

Is it Laser Surgery?

Our surgeons are certified to perform femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, have used, and have been certified on several laser platforms. However, multiple studies have shown no increase in accuracy or safety with the use of femtosecond laser in cataract surgery. Some of those studies have even suggested an increased risk of complications. The femtosecond laser is not covered by medical insurance, incurring a significant additional cost to the patient. As such, our surgeons do not recommend laser-assisted cataract surgery as it is an additional expense without a clear benefit.

When do I need Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is generally indicated when one’s vision is poor enough to affect one’s activities of daily living despite the use of corrective glasses. The exact timing of surgery is variable as some feel they see and function well despite having cataracts. If a patient is overall happy with their vision, cataracts can be observed with yearly eye exams until they become symptomatic enough to require surgery.

Is Cataract Surgery covered by Insurance?

When cataracts become visually significant, the surgery would be covered by medical insurance companies (not vision plans). Some patients will have a deductible or co-pay; our staff can help determine that amount that would be due. There are options for premium lens placement during cataract surgery if there is a desire to reduce the need for glasses. Premium lens options would incur additional costs not covered by medical insurance. The surgery would still be covered but not the premium lens fees. These costs would be passed directly to the patient. Financing via alphaeon credit is available.

Will cataracts come back?

No. Once cataracts are removed, they do not come back. Some patients will develop scar tissue behind the lens implant, known as posterior capsular opacification, that can blur the vision in a similar way cataracts can. If this occurs, it can be treated in the office with a laser, often leading to visual improvement by the next day. This procedure is called a capsulotomy. There are no special postoperative instructions after it is performed. The laser is covered by insurance. Like cataracts, this is a one-time treatment; the scar tissue does not recur once the laser is performed.

When can I update my glasses?

Glasses will need to be updated after cataract surgery. This is generally done 3-4 weeks after surgery to ensure stability.