How Cataract Removal Surgery Can Improve Your Life
What are cataracts and how can cataract removal surgery improve your life?
A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of your eye, causing blurry vision. Most cataracts are related to aging and, over time, can lead to vision loss.
Symptoms of cataracts:
- Cloudy or blurry vision.
- Lights are too bright and/or give off a glare or a halo.
- Poor night vision.
- Multiple (double) vision.
- Colors seem faded.
- Increased nearsightedness, increasing the need to change eyeglass prescriptions.
- Distortion of vision in either eye.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of cataracts, it’s important to seek medical attention. Our eye health experts offer surgical treatment options that can eliminate cataracts and help restore your vision.
What can cataract removal surgery do for your vision?
When a cataract interferes with your usual activities, such as reading and driving, your ophthalmologist will likely recommend cataract removal surgery. During cataract removal surgery, your lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. This lens is called an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract removal surgery is the most common procedure in the world and is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today.
Our surgeons provide both traditional and premium cataract surgery options. This implant won’t change the appearance of the eye, but it will improve your vision. When you meet with one of our cataract surgeons during your one-on-one preoperative consultation, they will evaluate your vision needs to help you determine the best IOL implant for you.
What does laser cataract surgery entail?
Using advanced technology, premium cataract removal surgery can result in an enhanced visual outcome that REDUCES YOUR DEPENDENCE ON GLASSES, sometimes eliminating the need for them entirely, and addresses various refractive conditions such as astigmatism.
Astigmatism will be treated using either the Catalys® laser, an astigmatism-correcting Toric intraocular lens, or the Light Adjustable Lens, as needed. Some of the technology used may include the following, depending on your specific needs:
- The Catalys® Laser system analyzes the internal structures of your eye and provides computer-guided laser precision, for several key steps of cataract surgery. Under your surgeon’s guidance, the Catalys® laser performs these delicate maneuvers with real-time 3D imaging with incredible accuracy.
- The ORA System® Intraoperative Wavefront Aberrometer takes additional measurements of your eye during surgery to optimize your post-operative visual outcome.
- Cutting-edge, technologically advanced intraocular lenses are utilized to help achieve the outcome that your lifestyle needs.
If any additional adjustments are needed to achieve the desired goal after the surgery (which occurs about 20% of the time nationally) these are performed at no additional cost.
What is the difference between premium and traditional cataract surgery?
Premium Cataract Removal Surgery Options at Clarus Eye Centre
This option allows the implantation of a lens within the eye that is adjusted a few weeks after surgery to allow the lens correction to be tailored to your specific visual needs. Up to three adjustments can be performed, if needed, before the lens power is locked in. These adjustments are performed non-invasively, without the need for additional surgery, utilizing a special light delivery device.
- EXPANDED FOCAL RANGE
This may be your best option for if you want to see well without glasses for most activities, including distance, intermediate-range, and near vision tasks. Most patients will notice some glare and halos around lights when driving at night after surgery. These symptoms usually diminish over time as you adapt to the lens but may persist. Your surgeon will help you choose the type of lens implant that best suits your individual lifestyle.
- SINGLE FOCUS
This may be your best option if you desire glasses independence at a single distance and you do not mind wearing glasses for tasks that require clear vision at other distances. If you choose a DISTANCE goal, glasses will be needed for all near and intermediate vision, such as reading, working on a computer, and reading your phone. Alternatively, if you chose a NEAR goal, glasses will be needed for all distance activities such as driving and watching television.
- Blended Vision or MONOVISION
This may be a good alternative if you want to reduce your dependence on glasses for distance and near vision. The dominant eye is set for distance and the non-dominant eye is set for near. The goal with blended vision is for both near and far objects to be in focus. Blended vision may require some time for adaptation. There may be some compromises with blended vision, so it may not be suitable for all patients. Visual quality may not be as good as when both eyes are focused together, and depth perception may be reduced during some activities. Some patients with blended vision choose to use glasses for certain activities such as night driving and extended reading.
Traditional Cataract Removal Surgery at Clarus Eye Centre
This is a good option if YOU don't mind wearing glasses for all activities after your surgery. During your cataract surgery the cloudy lens will be removed from your eye and a lens implant will be placed within your eye. The new lens provides vision at one focal point, such as distance or near. The preoperative measurements done prior to surgery will determine the intraocular lens power to be used. It is important to understand that this option does not fully correct your prescription. It is normal and expected to need glasses for both distance and near vision following traditional cataract surgery.
Will my insurance cover premium cataract removal surgery?
Regardless of which option is chosen, your insurance company will be billed for standard cataract surgery. The cost of the premium portion of your surgery is not covered by most medical insurance plans. However, our cataract team will assess each patient’s situation during your consultation and help you to understand your financial obligation prior to committing to any cataract surgery.
Scheduling a consultation to learn more about cataract removal surgery
If you suspect you have cataracts and would like to improve your vision, Clarus Eye Centre can help. After a thorough eye exam, our eye health experts can determine if you’re a viable candidate for cataract surgery and help you choose between traditional or premium cataract surgery. To schedule your cataract consultation appointment, contact Clarus Eye Centre today.