Over one million cataract operations are performed in our country each year. Advanced techniques have resulted in restored vision in nearly 99% of routine cases.

Many tests will be performed to determine not only if you have cataracts, but also if we can improve your vision, and how much we will be able to improve your vision.  As with any surgery, the potential for complications exists. Fortunately, cataract and lens implant surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed today. Using our modern methods, poor vision from cataracts can be improved in nearly 99% of patients. With cataract surgery, complications such as hemorrhage, infection, etc. exist, but are rare, and can usually be corrected.

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism causes blurry or double vision and often occurs with nearsightedness and farsightedness. It occurs when your cornea (clear window of the eye), which is usually perfectly round, is shaped more like a football rather than a basketball.

Astigmatism can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. It can also be treated at the time of your cataract surgery with a toric intraocular lens to reduce your need for glasses.

What Is Presbyopia?

Most people begin to experience presbyopia after the age of 40. Presbyopia causes difficulty seeing up-close and can be treated with bifocals, trifocals or reading glasses. It is believed to be caused by a hardening of the natural lens inside the eye, making it difficult for the eye’s muscles to change its focus. Many people realize they have developed presbyopia when they find themselves having to push reading materials further and further away.

Presbyopia can be treated at the time of your cataract surgery with a presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens. This can decrease the need for glasses for most activities.

Choosing A Lens

There are multiple lens options for your cataract surgery. Regardless of which lens you choose, you may require glasses or contacts for your best vision. No two eyes are alike, and the unique characteristics of your eye will impact which lens will work best for you. Your “best” vision will also depend on your eye health, preferences, needs and lifestyle.

IOL Simulator

Lens Options

Standard Monofocal IOL

Monofocal IOLs are designed to provide clearer distance vision

Expected Results:

  • Glasses required for all distances for fine focusing
  • If your are able to read up-close without glasses now, you will no longer be able to with a Monofocal IOL
  • Astigmatism treatment not included

Considerations:

  • The cost for this lens is covered by insurance

Glasses for all distances

Toric IOL

This lens is similar to a standard monofocal lens, but also treats astigmatism

Expected Results:

  • Better distance vision without glasses
  • Reading glasses required for near and intermediate vision

Requirements:

  • Only appropriate for patients with significant astigmatism
  • Requires additional out-of-pocket expense not covered by insurance

Reading glasses for near & intermediate vision

Presbyopia-Correcting IOL

These multiple-focus lenses are designed to help you see clearly at all distances

Expected Results:

  • Most patients do most activities without glasses
  • Astigmatism treatment included

Requirements:

  • Only appropriate for patients with healthy eyes
  • Requires additional out-of-pocket expense not covered by insurance
  • May require additional touch-up surgery to fine-tune vision

No glasses most of the time

These images are intended to simulate post-operative vision and are not a guarantee of individual visual outcomes.


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