Cataract Surgery Overview
Cataracts are a part of the natural age progression that occurs in the lens of your eyes. As the eyes get older, the lens becomes cloudy and dense, resulting in decreased quality of vision.
Cataracts can be permanently corrected through surgery. During the procedure, the dense and clouded lens is broken up and removed. In its place, Dr. Emmert-Buck will insert an intraocular lens (IOL) to allow you to see clearly. There are many different kinds of lenses from which to choose and you and the doctor will pick one that is best for your lifestyle and needs.
There are a variety of options for your cataract surgery. Outlined below are some of the choices available to give you the best possible vision following cataract surgery from Capstone Vision. Dr. Emmert-Buck will recommend options based on your eye measurements and lifestyle (occupation, hobbies, etc.).
How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?
Fortunately, we live in a time when options for cataract surgery are better than ever. At Capstone Vision, we offer traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery. Both are great options. We can customize your cataract surgery to best suit your needs. The basic procedure remains the same, but the steps can be customized to your specific situation. Dr. Emmert-Buck will discuss your lifestyle and vision needs to help determine the best solution for your eyes. See the chart below for more explanation about the difference between traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery.
| Traditional Cataract Surgery | Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Very small incisions are created in the cornea to reach the cataract. | A diamond blade is used to create the small incisions in the cornea. | A laser is used to create the incisions in the cornea. |
| Step 2: The surgeon will make a small opening in the outer cataract covering (capsule). | Fine microsurgical instruments are used to create an opening in the capsule. | A femtosecond laser is used to create an opening in the capsule. |
| Step 3: The surgeon will break up the cataract. | Fine microsurgical instruments are used to break up the cataract. | A femtosecond laser is used to partially break up and soften the cataract. |
| Step 4: The surgeon will remove the cataract. This is done using the same microsurgical instruments regardless of whether you choose traditional or laser-assisted cataract surgery. | No difference between procedures. | No difference between procedures. |
| Step 5: The surgeon will insert an intraocular lens (IOL) where the lens used to be. This procedure is the same with both surgeries but there are several different types of lenses to choose from. Learn more about your lens options below. | No difference between procedures. | No difference between procedures. |
| Step 6 (optional): The surgeon will correct any astigmatism. | A fine diamond blade is used to correct astigmatism. | A femtosecond laser is used to correct astigmatism. |
Your Lens Options
During both traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery, the surgeon will insert an intraocular lens (IOL) where the lens used to be. There are many different lens options to choose from. After learning more about your lifestyle, Dr. Emmert-Buck will help determine which lens is best for you. Learn more about your lens options below.
Accommodating IOLs
An accommodating IOL is a type of monofocal lens that allows you to focus at multiple distances by shifting its position in the eye.
Monofocal / Aspheric / Toric IOLs
Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at distance, intermediate or near ranges—but not all three at once. Toric IOLs to correct astigmatism are also classified as monofocal IOLs.
Multifocal and Extended Depth of Focus IOLs
A Multifocal or EDOF lens provides clear vision at multiple distances, including near and intermediate. They are also available as Toric Multifocals if you also have astigmatism that needs correcting.
FAQs
When is it time for surgery?
When your vision is causing you to experience difficulty performing your regular activities, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. It is time to talk with your doctor about cataract surgery when symptoms such trouble seeing at night, blurry vision, or colors seeming faded or yellow interfere with the things you want or need to do.
What should I expect?
Prior to surgery, Dr. Emmert-Buck will perform tests to determine the best lens power for your lens implant (IOL). We will discuss your medications and let you know which to take before surgery. You will be prescribed eyedrops to begin using before surgery to prevent infection.
On the day of surgery, you will be at the outpatient surgery center for around two hours. The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes and you will rest in a recovery area for about 30 minutes, where we will review your post-op instructions and make sure you are comfortable before going home. Here are some things to keep in mind during your surgery day:
- You may not eat any solid food for at least six hours prior to surgery
- You must arrive at the outpatient surgery center with a driver to take you home following the procedure
- Your eye will be numbed with eye drops and you may be given medication to help you relax
- Follow the post-operative instructions given to you by the office at your last visit
What happens after surgery?
After surgery, your vision will continue to improve over several weeks. Dr. Emmert-Buck will discuss how active you can be following surgery and when you can safely resume exercise, driving, and other activities. Please keep the following in mind after your surgery:
- Continue to use eye drops prescribed for you and follow the directions provided by the doctor
- Avoid rubbing your eye and wear your eye shield at night for a week following your procedure
- Return to the office for your post-operative visit per the schedule provided
Cost of Cataract Surgery
Capstone Vision does work with Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield for Cataract Surgery coverage.
At Capstone Vision, we believe in educating you on ALL of your cataract surgery options, some of which reach above and beyond what insurance will cover. We will explain what the different options are, and evaluate your lifestyle to help you make the decision that matches you with the clearest vision option for the rest of your life.
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