Am I a candidate for laser cataract surgery?

Most people with cataracts are candidates for laser surgery. Your doctor will examine your eyes and discuss your options more in-depth during your cataract exam.

What should I expect on the day of surgery?

You will receive information and instructions prior to the procedure. When you arrive, your eye will be properly marked and dilated—one eye is operated on at a time—and you will receive medication to help you relax. You will be given anesthesia and your eye will be numbed making this a painless procedure. Some patients describe seeing a kaleidoscope of lights while other patients do not have any memory of the procedure whatsoever . The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes. A protective shield will be placed over your eye and you will be given post-operative instructions following your procedure. Being an outpatient surgery, patients go home very quickly following the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

You can expect to spend about two to three hours at the surgical facility. Most patients are in the surgery room for 30 minutes or less, and the 3D imaging and laser portion of the procedure only takes a few minutes.

What should I expect for recovery?

It is normal to have blurry vision for a day or two after surgery, but some patients have improved vision immediately after surgery. There aren’t many changes you have to make to your daily activities after surgery, but it is important that you do not bend forward, lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activity, in order to avoid increasing the pressure in your eyes.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which fluid can build up in the front of your eye, increasing pressure and damaging the optic nerve. It is a leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60 in the United States. The most common form of glaucoma, called open-angle glaucoma, is when there is undrained fluid in the eye. A less common type is angle-closure glaucoma, in which your iris is close enough to the drainage angle that it partially or completely blocks it.

Intraocular Lens Options for Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery IOL Options

Surgery to treat cataracts is an outpatient procedure where an eye surgeon removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens (IOL). The technology for cataract surgery is constantly improving with new intraocular lens options and the introduction of the femtosecond laser. These options can do more than just cure cataracts, they can dramatically improve vision making you less dependent on glasses or contacts.

Certain cataract intraocular lenses are not right for everyone so our team of ophthalmologists in Flint, MI and other areas such as Fenton, Lapeer, Lake Orion, Grand Blanc, and Rochester will help guide you to find the best option that fits your individual needs.

What is an Intraocular Lens (IOL)?

An intraocular lens implant is an artificial, acrylic replacement for the natural lens in your eye. Just like the natural lens, an IOL implant bends or refracts light rays inside the eye and takes over the image-focusing function in your eye.

IOL implants can be used to correct a wide range of vision problems, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but they are most commonly used to correct vision during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery.

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Intraocular Lenses For Cataract Surgery

Monofocal IOLs

A monofocal IOL has one focal point and can be set to focus on close, medium, or distance vision based on your preferences. Distance vision is the most common selection. In this case, reading glasses are used for reading or seeing close up.

Multifocal or trifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs help you see better close up (reading distance), medium (computer distance), and in the distance. Unlike bifocals, where you have to look down to see up close, multifocal IOLs allow you to see both near and distant when looking in any direction.

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs are used if your eye has significant astigmatism, which affects your vision at all distances, and they can be monofocal or trifocal. Prior to surgery, your surgeon will measure your eyes to determine the most beneficial toric IOL power and the specific orientation needed to correct the astigmatism.

Depth-of-Focus IOLs

Depth-of-Focus IOLs offer active individuals a seamless range of functional, high-quality vision, spanning from distant to near distances, with the aim of reducing reliance on glasses.

What Conditions Can Intraocular Lenses Treat?

Cataracts

Myopia or nearsightedness

Hyperopia or farsightedness

Astigmatism, when the cornea is shaped irregularly

Presbyopia or difficulty focusing up close that starts around age 40

Why Should I Consider IOL Implants?

There are multiple reasons why you may consider getting an IOL implant. If you have cataracts that are clouding your vision and making it difficult to go about your daily life, you may be considering IOL implants to remove them. During cataract surgery, the diseased lens or lenses are removed and replaced with intraocular lenses. There are a variety of cataract lenses to suit your specific needs.

IOL’s also offers an alternative for people who are not candidates for LASIK surgery.

Premium IOLs With Cataract Surgery

An IOL is primarily used during cataract surgery. Cataracts can develop in patients of any age, but they are most likely to occur in patients over the age of 60. There is a wide range of premium intraocular lenses that can be used during cataract surgery, including trifocal, multifocal, toric, and more. A Medicare ruling on lens implants allows beneficiaries to upgrade to these advanced lenses. This means Medicare covers the traditional costs associated with cataract surgery, and patients have the option to pay additional charges associated with receiving a premium lens. When deemed medically necessary, IOLs for cataract surgery can be covered by insurance minus copay, deductibles or co-insurance. However, some specialty IOL’s are considered refractive and incur an out of pocket charge.

Intraocular lens options for cataract surgery

Discuss Cataract Lens Options With a Michigan Eye Surgeon

If you’re considering IOL’s to correct myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, or cataracts, consult with a trusted eye doctor at Michigan Eye Institute to find the best surgical option and type of intraocular lens for your specific needs. You can contact us online or call us at 810-484-0550 for more information, or schedule your appointment today.

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Concerned about how laser-assisted cataract surgery works? The eye experts at Michigan Eye Institute can help you maintain your lifestyle and sustain your vision. Come see how we can improve your life.