Cataract Surgery
What is a Cataract?
Cataracts are a condition where the usually clear lens of the eye, located behind the iris and pupil, becomes cloudy or opaque. This clear lens focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, which then sends information to the brain to create the images we see. When the natural lens clouds over, it reduces or obstructs the passage of light to the retina, making vision appear as though one is looking through a frosted or "fogged" windshield. Colors may seem dull, and glare and halos around headlights can increase, making night driving more difficult. Cataracts progress slowly and you might not notice any differences in your vision at first. As the cataracts continue to develop, they will impact your vision more and more, and you’ll notice the following symptoms:
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Sensitivity to light
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Light seems too bright or glaring
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Visual halos around bright lights
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Double vision
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Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
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Blurry, hazy, or reduced vision
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Colors appear less vibrant
What does Cataract surgery entail?
Originally, the procedure to remove a cataract involved using a diamond blade to make a small incision in the cornea, the clear outer coating of the eye. The surgeon would then insert a small, ultrasound wave-emitting probe to soften the cataract enough to be suctioned out of the cornea. Once the cataract was cleared, only the thin outer membrane of the cornea—the lens capsule—remained. During your cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens, or IOL. These lenses can restore or even enhance your eyesight, reducing or eliminating the need for eyewear after your surgery. Our team offers a range of IOLs that are personalized to match your vision’s specific needs.
Choosing a Lens Replacement
You will rely on your improved vision every waking moment for the rest of your life. Our cataract surgeon, Dr. Jabin Krassin will personally meet with you to discuss the best lens options for your lifestyle.
Please take as much time as needed to consult with us, as well as your family. Our surgeons, technicians, and surgical scheduling team are available to help you make the best decision.
Choosing the right lens implant is crucial for your visual outcome. We’ve developed a system of additional measurements to enhance accuracy and give you the best chance of achieving good vision without glasses. These specialized eye measurements provide the necessary data for your surgeon to determine the appropriate implant power. Based on your eye history and current medical condition, we will recommend a specific lens.
What does surgery day look like?
BEFORE
As with any major surgery, meticulous planning must be done beforehand. Using the 3-D image technology, Dr. Krassin will create a detailed map of your eye to assess thickness of the cornea and depth of the anterior chamber, the fluid-filled space between the cornea and the lens. He will also measure pupil diameter and determine parameters for the incisions made during the procedure. On the day of surgery, you will remain awake, but your eye area will be numbed and your eye will be stabilized in a laser platform.
DURING
The 15- to 20-minute procedure, your surgeon will use the information gathered from the 3D images and maps to obtain greater accuracy and precision. The procedure itself is not painful, but you may experience slight tugging or pressure. You will be sedated for relaxation and lying under bright lights so you will not feel any discomfort.
AFTER
Once vitals are normal, most patients can leave within an hour after the surgery is completed. You will most likely feel slight discomfort, itching, and blurred vision for a few days while your eye heals. Resist the temptation to rub your eyes, lift heavy objects, or perform any other strenuous tasks. Follow-ups are usually scheduled within a few days and over the next few months to ensure the eye is healing properly and no complications have arisen.
Are there risks?
Most post-surgery complications are low-risk and easily treatable. If a complication does arise, it is most commonly a posterior capsule opacification (PCO), or the slight thickening of the lens capsule due to a regrowth of the cells. This is not a new cataract because cataracts cannot grow back. However, this thickening can cause slight blurriness and sensitivity to bright lights. The cloudiness can be corrected with a procedure called a YAG Laser capsulotomy, where the surgeon uses a laser to make a small hole... in the back of the lens, allowing light to pass through to the retina. PCO is relatively uncommon, affecting only about 20% of laser cataract surgery patients.
What is the cost?
The cost of cataract surgery varies based on specific eye-correction options and insurance plan coverage. Even if a portion of the surgery is covered, there may be additional out-of-pocket deductibles or copayments that will need to be met. With so many variables, it is best if you consult with our office and your insurance company to determine cost and benefits specific to you.
Financing with Care Credit is Easy
We’re pleased to accept the CareCredit credit card, North America’s leading patient healthcare financing program. CareCredit lets you begin your procedure immediately — then pay for it over time with monthly payments that fit easily into your monthly budget.
The CareCredit health, wellness, and personal care credit card gives you a convenient, flexible way to pay for care.
