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If you are 50 years or older you may be experiencing the development of cataracts. Cataracts are a natural part of the aging eye that can be visually impairing. The good news is that modern cataract surgery has come a long way with both its technology and time in surgery center. At Joshi Eye Institute we offer a complete spectrum of modern cataract surgery including premium lens implants. You can now see at near, far and intermediate distances after cataract and if you have astigmatism, we can correct that as well. Joshi Eye Institute is located in Boynton Beach, Florida and routinely performs cataract evaluations and consultations.
A cataract is a clouding over the clear lens of the eye. Age-related changes beginning at about the age of 40 cause proteins to break down in the lens and begin clouding over. Cataracts are a very common condition that affects more than half of all Americans by age 80. Fortunately, Dr. Melissa Iglesias, a cataract surgery specialist at Joshi Eye Institute, can treat your cataract with a simple, painless surgery.
Age-related cataracts are the most common types of cataracts. There are some other more unusual types of cataracts:
Cataracts often progress very slowly. Many people have early-stage cataracts for years before they need surgery. It’s important to take care of yourself in the early stages of cataracts:
Surgery is the only option for removing cataracts from the eye. Cataracts cannot be treated using medication or other minor procedures.
Waiting for a cataract to “ripen” is an outdated concept. Most ophthalmologists recommend cataract surgery when patients feel that a cataract is interfering with their quality of life.
Cataract surgery is a quick and painless surgery. The actual procedure takes less than a half-hour to perform. When you arrive at the eye surgery center, the staff will wash and clean the area around your eyes. Drops are then inserted to dilate your pupils. Anesthetic eye drops will numb the eye, and you should feel no pain. Most patients are awake during the procedure. You may be given medication to help you relax. Your Joshi Eye Institute eye surgeon will enter the eye through tiny incisions. The incisions are made with a laser or blade near the edge of the cornea. The next step is to remove the clouded natural lens from your eye and replace it with the artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Stitches are not usually required and the tiny incisions close on their own.
Your eye will be covered to protect it for at least 24 hours. You will need prescription eye drops at regular intervals for several weeks to help the eye heal and to prevent infection. It’s very important to follow the post-operative instructions your doctor gives you.
In today’s world of modern cataract surgery, you have so many amazing options that free you of dependence on glasses and open up a whole new lifestyle. This is why consulting an experienced cataract surgeon is critical. Long gone are the days of monofocal lens implants that enable vision at only one distance. We now have multifocal and trifocal options built into the lens implants. We have TORIC lens implants that correct astigmatism. Not only is today’s cataract surgery safer than ever it has become precise. Read More about this implants technology.
In today’s world of modern cataract surgery, you have so many amazing options that free you of dependence on glasses and open up a whole new lifestyle. This is why consulting an experienced cataract surgeon is critical. Long gone are the days of monofocal lens implants that enable vision at only one distance. We now have multifocal and trifocal options built into the lens implants. We have TORIC lens implants that correct astigmatism. Not only is today’s cataract surgery safer than ever it has become precise. Read More about this implants technology.
Monofocal lenses are often referred to as the standard lens because they can correct vision at a single distance. During cataract surgery, this lens is the only one that Medicare will usually cover.
Because it’s a basic intraocular lens, it does not correct astigmatism, and patients will need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. This is to ensure that they can see at other distances that the monofocal lens can’t correct.
There are no extra out-of-pocket expenses for patients that choose this lens, as Medicare covers this and cataract surgery.
Acrysof IQ (Monofocal), Tecnis, Staar NanoFLEX IOL
Multifocal lenses offer a continuous range of sight from distance to intermediate distances. Patients that choose multifocal lenses report fewer visual disturbances like halos.
Patients with a multifocal lens may need to use reading glasses when performing tasks like reading things with fine print. Multifocal IOLs are premium lenses, meaning you will have to pay out of pocket for them. These lenses have several regions with different powers. This allows people to see up-close, far away, and intermediate distances.
This lens can cause more glare and loss of contrast than monofocal or toric lenses. Multifocal lenses cannot correct astigmatism unless the lens comes in a toric model. Some patients may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery for clear vision.
Acrysof IQ Restor, Symfony, Symfony Toric, AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision Intraocular Lens (IOL), AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Toric Extended Vision IOLs, AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision UV Absorbing IOL, and AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™, Toric Extended Vision UV Absorbing IOLs
Toric lenses share some similarities with monofocal lenses, but they are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. This allows patients with astigmatism to see well at a distance or far away.
They will then need to wear glasses to compensate for the distance that the lens didn’t correct for. Insurance, Medicare, and secondary insurances do not cover this lens, so there is an out-of-pocket expense. Many advanced lens implants will have a toric component. This enables an extended range of vision as well as astigmatism correction.
Tecnis Toric, Staar C2 Aspheric Optic
The trifocal lens provides clear vision up-close, far away, and at intermediate distances. Intermediate tasks include things like shaving, applying makeup, and working on a computer. Up-close tasks include sewing, writing, and reading.
This lens provides patients with good distance, computer, and reading vision. Some patients may see halos or starbursts in certain light conditions. There is an out-of-pocket expense for this premium lens.
Panoptix, Panoptix Toric
Accommodating IOLs are unique because they move inside your eye to accommodate focusing at different distances. They are designed to change shape like the eye’s natural lens, explains the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
With an accommodating IOL, most people find that they do not need glasses or contact lenses after having cataract surgery. Some people prefer to wear glasses for extended periods of reading or other close-up activities.
Crystalens by Bausch and Lomb
RxSight’s Light Adjustable Lens™ is the first intraocular lens that allows you and your physician to optimize your vision after cataract surgery. This lens gives you the unique ability to adjust and preview your vision until it meets your personal desires and lifestyle requirements.
This optimization is done by your eye doctor after lens implantation during a series of light-treatment procedures. The light-treatment procedures only take a few minutes each at your eye doctor’s office.
RxSight’s Light Adjustable Lens™
Medicare and most other insurances pay for basic cataract surgery if it’s considered medically necessary. It’s important to contact your insurance company before scheduling surgery. Your doctor may need to submit certain vision measurements to prove medical need before your insurance will approve paying for the surgery. Also, it’s good to understand what co-pays and deductibles you may be responsible for.
Basic cataract surgery involves implanting a standard monofocal intraocular lens, which is usually covered. But there are new types of lenses available called “premium” intraocular lenses (IOLs).
Premium lenses are beneficial for many patients, but unfortunately, they are not covered by insurance. Your insurance should pay for the basic surgery, but you would have to pay for the cost of the premium lens yourself. You should discuss the cost and benefits of premium IOLs with your Joshi Eye Institute eye surgeon.
Many ophthalmologists prefer to use a laser-assisted method of cataract surgery when inserting a premium lens. There is usually an extra charge for this technique which is not covered by Medicare.
Concerned that you or a loved one may need cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract screening at Joshi Eye Institute in Boynton Beach, FL!
At Joshi Eye Institute we would be very happy to get started with a cataract consultation to set you on a path for your personal best vision. Typically, cataract evaluations are covered by the insurance coverage so your out of pocket costs to get started will be minimal. The cataract consultations involve a series of tests and eye health diagnostics. Our cataract eye doctors will personally consult you on the best options for a superior outcome. Fortunately, Dr. Melissa Iglesias, is highly experienced and was even trained by the US military.
Call us today! Your Boynton Beach cataract surgeons!
Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most commonly performed surgical procedures. There is a risk of complication for any type of surgery, including cataract surgery, even when performed by the most skilled and competent surgeon.
Retinal detachment, which occurs more commonly in patients with severe myopia, can develop at any time after surgery, including several years after cataracts were removed.
Early detection and treatment is important in reducing the side effects and risks of permanent damage. The doctor will thoroughly evaluate any retinal abnormalities to determine the most appropriate form of treatment.
