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Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens over time causing a gradual decrease in vision. People may also experience glare, poor night vision, large changes in eyeglass prescription or double vision.  

While age is the most common cause of cataracts, many factors can also cause a cataract to develop such as diabetes and other medical conditions, systemic medications (ex. prednisone) and environmental factors (ex. UV light and smoking). 

Cataract Diagnosis & Evaluation

A cataract can be diagnosed by a complete eye exam. The doctor will usually dilate the pupils to better examine the lens and other parts of your eye.  If the cataract is significant and is affecting your daily life, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.  An appointment would be made to be evaluated by the surgeon if not already done in order to plan and discuss the next steps.

Once the surgeon has evaluated and agrees that cataract surgery could be a benefit, a pre-operative appointment will be made. During this visit measurements of the eye are taken and any additional questions are answered. 

Intraocular Lenses & Pre-Operative Visit

During the pre-operative visit measurements will be taken and a discussion regarding the cataract surgery and intraocular lens choice will occur. You will review and sign the Surgical Consent in English or the Surgical Consent in Spanish.

During cataract surgery, an intraocular lens (IOL) is a small artificial lens that replaces the natural cloudy lens called a cataract.

You will be given four options for intraocular lenses (IOL):

1. Conventional Monofocal Lens

   A monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) is a type of lens implant used in cataract surgery to replace the cloudy natural lens. Unlike multifocal IOLs, which aim to provide clear vision at multiple distances, a monofocal IOL is designed to focus vision at a single fixed distance, typically either for distance or near vision and does not correct astigmatism. This means that individuals who choose a monofocal IOL will still require glasses or contact lenses.

2. Premium Toric Lens*

   Some patients have astigmatism that is due to an irregularly shaped cornea. It is usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The toric intraocular lens (IOL) corrects astigmatism in cataract surgery reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses at distance. Glasses are still needed with closer activities like computer, phone and reading.

3. Premium Vivity Lens*

   The Alcon Vivity intraocular lens (IOL) by Alcon is a modern solution for individuals suffering from presbyopia, offering an extended depth of focus after cataract surgery. The Vivity lens utilizes a unique non-diffractive technology known as X-WAVE, overall decreasing the need for glasses for distance and near focus. Compared to some other multifocal intraocular lenses, the Alcon Vivity Lens exhibits a lower risk of halos and glare. The Alcon Vivity Lens might not be the ideal choice for everyone and quality of vision may be affected by other eye conditions.

4. Premium PanOptix Lens*

   The PanOptix intraocular lens (IOL) by Alcon is another excellent option for individuals who would like to reduce the need for glasses at distance and near. It is a multifocal lens that provides flexibility with activities at distance and near. Some individuals may experience mild glare or halos around bright lights that often improve over time. This lens may not be recommended if the individual also has other eye conditions. Extra testing is needed to help decide if the PanOptix lens is the right choice.
   

   *Medicare and all insurance companies will cover the cataract surgery and the use of a conventional implant. When a “premium” implant is used, Medicare and all insurance companies will still cover the cataract surgery. However, the use of the “premium” implant and all related services are considered only partially covered. In addition to your deductible and co-payment, you will be personally responsible for the additional charges.

Cataract Surgery & Glaucoma

If you are having cataract surgery and have glaucoma, we can treat your cataract and glaucoma at the same time.

If you have been managing your glaucoma with eye drops, and are now preparing for cataract surgery, the OMNI or iStent inject may be an ideal option for you. By taking advantage of this opportunity during cataract surgery, you can address both of these conditions at the same time.

How the OMNI Surgical System Works

The OMNI system is an implant-free procedure that can be done separately or with cataract surgery to also treat glaucoma. Utilizing innovative technology, this cutting-edge system provides a comprehensive approach to managing this sight-threatening condition. The OMNI system targets three points of resistance to lower the intraocular pressure. With its ease of use and versatility, the OMNI system allows ophthalmologists to tailor the treatment to each patient's specific needs. By effectively reducing intraocular pressure, this advanced system aids in slowing down the progression of glaucoma and preserving the patient's vision, leading to enhanced quality of life.

How iStent inject Works

The iStent inject includes two tiny implants, each made of surgical titanium. Once implanted, you will not be able to see or feel the tiny stents. 

To help control the increased pressure in your eye associated with glaucoma, iStent inject creates two bypasses, or openings, between the front part of your eye and its natural drainage pathway to increase the flow of fluid. By creating the permanent bypasses through the primary blockage site (trabecular meshwork), iStent inject is designed to:

Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery is the most common surgery performed in the United States. The surgery is a same day procedure, which means you can expect to be there for 3-4 hours but you will go home after you have recovered from the surgery. 

Before the surgery, numbing eye drops will be used with monitored anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the surgery. During the surgery, tiny incisions are made and the lens is broken up and dissolved using an ultrasonic probe and technique called phacoemulsifaction.  Once the lens is removed, it is replaced with an artificial lens called the Intraocular Implant or “IOL”. 

Although cataract surgery is considered safe, there are certain risks associated with any surgery. Some of these risks may include pain, infection, swelling and bleeding. Most patients undergo this procedure without any complications. You can review the Surgical Consent in English or the Surgical Consent in Spanish for a better understanding of the potential risks and benefits.