What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye, making it difficult to read, drive and perform many daily functions. Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process, developing slowly and usually without causing problems in the early stages. However, as the cataract matures the cloudiness increases resulting in significant loss of sight and even blindness. 

Cataract Symptoms

• Cloudiness or blurry vision
• Poor night vision
• Double vision
• Colors seem faded
• Glare or halos
• Light sensitivity 

Cataract Treatment

Cataract surgery is necessary to remove the cloudy lens which is then replaced by an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Your cataract surgeon will consult with you to understand your vision goals and determine which surgical approach is better suited for your needs; the standard manual technique or Laser Cataract Surgery.

Laser Cataract Surgery

On August 8, 2012, Center For Sight earned the distinction of being among the first in the nation to perform Laser Cataract Surgery using the LensAR Laser System. The LensAR Laser is unique in that it is specifically designed for cataract surgery. It combines a proprietary high resolution 3-D CSI imaging device that gives your cataract surgeon a fully automated analysis of the cornea and lens surfaces, along with an advanced femtosecond laser. These systems work together to deliver precise laser pulse placement and surgical incisions. With Laser Cataract Surgery, your surgeon can create an opening to the lens capsule that is perfectly round and centered. More precise openings can mean better positioning of the IOL resulting in a better visual outcome.  Click here to view ABC news coverage of this breakthrough technology.

Revolutionary Advanced Lenses

Center For Sight surgeons are recognized internationally as leaders in cataract surgery and lens replacement. Until recently all IOL’s were fixed for one distance; therefore most patients were required to wear glasses after surgery. We refer to IOL’s with a fixed distance or single focus as “Standard Lenses.”  Standard lenses can be aspheric or non-aspheric. 

Today, there are exciting new lens options that provide improved vision at all distances. We refer to these multifocal or accommodating IOLs as “Advanced Lenses”—and Center For Sight is at the nation’s forefront for advanced lenses. You can choose to have your natural lens replaced with andvanced lens, and aspheric lens or a non-aspheric lens. You and your surgeon will determine which lens is best suited for you based on your individual lifestyle and desired vision goals.

An advanced lens provides all distance vision, allowing clear vision at all distances-near, intermediate and at a distance. While no visual outcome is guaranteed, 95% of our advanced lens patients find that they rarely need glasses again after implanting an advanced lens. Occasionally, although rare, some patients may continue wearing glasses to help them perform specific tasks or to see certain objects. The results achieved after the advanced lens procedures are truly life changing. In FDA studies, nearly 84% of patients see 20/40 or better.

Your Cataract Treatment Options

Center For Sight offers a range of treatment options to suit your vision goals.  Your eyes are unique.  Based on the distinctive anatomy of your eyes, we will work with you to help you achieve your "personal best" vision.  While no two patients are the same, our surgeons will evaluate your eyes to determine if you are a candidate for Laser Cataract Surgery, assess your desired vision outcome and help you decide which Intraocular Lens (IOL) will most likely help you achieve your vision goals.  We offer three cataract surgery options.  Your surgeon may use a combination of the procedures and IOL's below:

• Advanced Vision (for minimal, if any, dependence on eyeglasses for all distance vision)
  • Corneal topography
  • Laser cataract surgery
  • Advanced IOL
  • Astigmatism treatment
  • LASIK enhancement (if necessary)
• Custom Vision (improved distance vision, eyeglasses required for close up tasks)
  • Corneal topography
  • Laser cataract surgery
  • Aspheric IOL
  • Astigmatism treatment
  • LASIK enhancement (if necessary)
• Basic+ Vision (will likely require eyeglasses after surgery)
  • Corneal topography
  • Manual cataract surgery
  • Aspheric IOL

What Does Insurance Cover?

Medicare and other third parties typically cover the cost to of cataract surgery and the replacement of the natural cloudy lens with a standard lens; providing you with Basic Vision. However, Medicare and other third party insurances typically do not cover the cost the diagnostic testing (corneal topography) or the treatment of astigmatism to reduce your dependence on glasses. When you choose to achieve Advanced Vision with an advanced lens or your Custom Vision with an aspheric lens, there is an additional out of pocket fee. At the time of your eye exam or cataract consultation, one of our Patient Care Counselors will discuss, in detail, your insurance coverage and out of pocket fees associated with your surgery and vision correction.

Intraocular Lenses (IOL’s) Used at Center For Sight

Advanced Lenses

The AcrySof ReSTOR multi-focal lens provides good vision at all distances. Alcon’s patented technology combines the strengths of apodized diffractive and refractive technologies which are similar to the technologies used in microscopes and telescopes, allowing for good vision near and far. Some advanced lens patients who elect a multi-focal lens may experience visual disturbances such as halos and rings around lights; however, in most cases these visual disturbances will decrease over a period of time due to neuro-adaptation.

Bausch + Lomb's Crystalens AO is the only FDA approved accommodating intraocular lens which provides enhanced depth of focus. This lens is designed to improve near vision without compromising intermediate and distance vision.

Aspheric Lenses

If you are having cataract surgery and elect not to have the Advanced Vision or Custom Vision, rest assured that Center For Sight uses the highest quality single-focus lens available for Basic+ Vision. The SofPort Advanced Optics Aspheric Lens, which is manufactured by Bausch + Lomb, is a single-focus IOL that is designed to deliver improved vision at one distance. It is also intended to improve vision in low-light situations. The SofPort lens provides distinct advantages over other single-focus lenses and provides exceptional vision quality for those who don’t mind needing glasses for close-up tasks or for driving. When combined with astigmatism treatment to achieve Custom Vision, an aspheric lens may reduce your dependence on glasses for day-to-day activities such as driving.

Make The Clear Choice

Schedule a consultation at Center For Sight so you can personally meet with our board-certified cataract surgeons. To speak with a counselor, or to schedule your appointment by phone, please call 941-925-2020 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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