Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove and replace the lens of the eye.
A cataract causes the normally clear lens to become cloudy, impairing vision. Removing the lens and replacing it with an artificial lens can greatly improve vision.
Your ophthalmologist can perform the surgery on an outpatient basis, meaning a hospital stay is unnecessary. When a loss of vision begins interfering with daily activities due to cataracts, call Zimm Cataract and Laser Center.
A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which prevents light from passing through clearly from the outside to the back of the eye. There is no way to prevent the development of cataracts, however, loss of sight from the disease is largely preventable.
Cataract surgery is used to replace the cloudy lens with a clear lens, improving vision. In some cases, even if cataracts are not yet interfering with vision, your ophthalmologist may recommend the surgery. This is because cataracts can inhibit the ability of the eye doctor to monitor or treat other conditions, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
A cataract is removed through a process called Phacoemulsification. Your surgeon creates a small incision in your cornea then inserts a pen-shaped probe through that opening. The probe applies sound waves (ultrasound) to break up the cloudy lens. Next, the surgeon aspirates out the broken-up pieces and then inserts an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implant.
No-stitch, or small incision, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Before surgery, the patient receives IV sedation and is given topical anesthetic to numb the eye and to keep them comfortable during the procedure. Once the sedative has worn off, after approximately 30 minutes, you will be released from the surgical center and may return home.
There are primarily two types of cataract surgery. Your ophthalmologist will discuss both surgical options with you and help determine which one is right for your circumstances.
Traditional Cataract Surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the world and is recognized as being safe and effective.During Traditional surgery, your surgeon creates a small incision in the cornea by hand with a scalpel. This creates the primary opening through which the cataract is removed, and the new lens is inserted.
Through use of a Femtosecond laser, the surgeon can make precise, bladeless corneal incisions through which the cataract is removed, and the new lens implant is inserted. The incisions created by the laser can also treat, or reduce, the patient’s corneal astigmatism. Additionally, energy from the laser is used to soften the cataract, making it easier for the surgeon to break up and remove.
Insurance companies typically cover the cost of traditional cataract surgery. However, laser assisted cataract surgery is elective and is not covered by insurance. If you choose to have laser assisted cataract surgery with astigmatism correction, you will be responsible for paying the fees associated with it.
We offer several intraocular lens (IOL) options to our patients undergoing cataract surgery:
* Insurance companies typically cover the cost of monofocal lenses. However, toric and multifocal lenses are not covered by insurance and are an out-of-pocket expense.
If you believe that you have cataracts in one or both eyes, your first step is to get a professional diagnosis from your ophthalmologist at Zimm Cataract and Laser Center. You and your eye doctor will determine if cataract surgery is right for you.
This may include assessing:
Consult with your ophthalmologist at Zimm Cataract and Laser Center to see if cataract surgery is an option for you.