What is a cataract?
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the world. A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s internal lens. Most commonly, cataracts develop naturally as your lens changes composition with age, but they can occur with other causes. Feel free to ask the doctor for more information.
How is a cataract treated?
Cataract surgery is currently the only treatment option available for cataract surgery. In this surgery, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Sometimes, you may be able to reduce the impact of cataracts by changing your prescription.
Can cataracts return after surgery?
No. The results of cataract surgery are permanent. Cataracts cannot form in the artificial lens. Some people do, however, experience what are called secondary cataracts, which form in the sac or capsule around the lens. These are treated with a simple, quick, and effective laser treatment.
Am I a candidate for cataract surgery?
Most people are candidates for cataract surgery if they are in good general health and have cataracts that impair their vision and ability to perform basic daily tasks.
What is recovery from cataract surgery like?
Most people will recover fairly quickly from the anesthesia used in the procedure, and the incisions are very minor. They heal quickly on their own–there are not even any stitches. Most people are comfortable driving the day after cataract surgery, although people who receive premium lenses may need time to adapt to their new vision.
What are premium lenses (IOLs)?
Originally, cataract surgery was performed without any replacement lens. Vision after surgery was better than before surgery but still poor. In the mid-20th century, we started using replacement lenses that helped cataract surgery patients get good vision, but the replacement lenses could only be focused to give people good vision either up close or at a distance.
Premium IOLs are used to give people better vision at several distances after cataract surgery. Most people who receive premium IOLs don’t need glasses after cataract surgery. There are times when for very specific activities i.e. reading very fine print or night driving, glasses may still be needed. As advanced as these lenses are they cannot compare to the natural human lens at a young age, which allows focusing at all ranges and distances. Premium lenses are currently classified as multifocal / trifocal / extended depth of focus lenses (Panoptix®, Symphony®, Restore®) or accommodating lenses (Crystalens®, Trulign®). Each of the premium lenses have certain benefits and trade-offs. Dr. Vishteh can discuss premium lenses and recommend the one best suited for your particular needs.
What are Toric Lenses?
Toric lenses are intra-ocular lenses that also correct astigmatism. Some people have astigmatism which causes blurred vision and is not corrected with regular intra-ocular lenses. Uncorrected astigmatism can lead to blurred vision despite perfect surgery; toric lenses allow clear post-operative vision for patients with astigmatism. Toric lenses are considered upgrade lenses.
Does insurance cover cataract surgery?
Yes. Cataract surgery is considered a necessary medical procedure and is paid for by your health insurance. However, premium IOLs are not considered necessary and if you elect to receive them, you will have to pay additional costs out-of-pocket.
Have additional questions? Please contact Armin Vishteh, MD today for a free consultation at our offices in: Rancho Cucamonga, Burbank, Santa Monica.