Cataracts

How Cataracts Are Treated

Cataracts can be cured. The typical treatment for cataracts is to surgically remove and replace the clouded-over lens. Most patients opt for cataract surgery when their prescription glasses are no longer able to improve their vision.

Advances in medical technology have made cataract surgery one of the most successful and life-changing surgical procedures around. Most cataract surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, without needles, injections or stitches. At Scott Eye Care, we replace cataracts – often correcting refractory errors at the same time – using clear, artificial, high quality intraocular lenses (IOL).

Femto Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)

Once the doctor has determined that the cataracts are affecting your vision and daily life he/she will recommend surgery. Cataract surgery can be performed in two ways: traditional manual cataract surgery and femtosecond laser cataract surgery.

Like traditional cataract surgery, laser-assisted cataract surgery has the goal of removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens implant. However, laser-assisted surgery utilizes bladeless, computer-controlled precision in performing key steps in cataract removal. 

Advantages of Femto Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery:

• Improved wound structure, which decreases the risk for infection and wound leakage.
• Decrease in the amount of energy usage within the eye, which may reduce complications and allow for faster healing.
• A circular (as opposed to an irregularly shaped) opening to place the new IOL. This leads to more predictable outcomes.
• Correction of mild to moderate amounts of astigmatism, which may make you less dependent on glasses following the surgery.
• Laser technology combines precision performance and computer-guided accuracy to complement your surgeon’s skills.

Not everyone is a candidate for laser-assisted cataract surgery. Your surgeon will evaluate your eyes and discuss all of your options with you.

Cost for Traditional Cataract Surgery vs. Femto laser-assisted Cataract Surgery: 

Generally, insurances cover the cost for traditional cataract surgery with a standard intraocular lens (IOL). The use of the Femto laser in cataract surgery or premium IOLs  are not covered by insurances and would require an out-of-pocket cost.

Scott Eye Care is committed to helping patients achieve clear eyesight and optimal visual health. We are pleased to offer INTEREST FREE (0 %) financing with CareCredit healthcare payment program that allows patients to make affordable monthly payments tailored to their budget. Please speak to a member of our team today to learn more about financing your laser assisted premium cataract surgery.

Standard and Premium IOLs

There are different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) that differ based on how they focus on objects within your sight. IOLs are considered premium when they correct refractory errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. The three most common IOLs are monofocal, multifocal, and toric.

• Monofocal IOLs – this type of lens focuses at one specific distance. It can either focus on objects that are close-up, at medium range, or at a distance. With this type of single focus IOL, many patients opt to have it provide distance vision and continue to use reading glasses for up close tasks.
• Multifocal IOLs – this type of premium lens corrects your vision at multiple distances, such as providing accurate near and distance vision.
• Toric IOLs – these premium lenses can correct astigmatism in addition to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Additional types of IOLs can enhance your depth perception by offering a single, elongated point of focus (extended depth-of-focus, or EDF IOLs) or use your own eye muscles to change the point of focus (accommodating IOL).