We all have a natural lens inside our eye that allows us to see colors and focus on objects up close and at a distance. As we age, this lens can become cloudy. This cloudy lens is called a cataract, and it can have a negative impact on your vision and daily life.
According to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
Cataracts are incredibly common and cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgeries performed in the United States each year. In addition, technology is quickly progressing with both cataract surgery and the lens options available.
We want to help you understand all of your options before going into cataract surgery.
The symptoms of a cataract can include the following:
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective outpatient procedure for patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts.
At the time of your cataract evaluation, our experienced ophthalmic staff will perform a thorough examination of your eyes and take precise measurements to determine the type of Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) that is the best fit for your individual vision goals. You will also have the opportunity to ask your physician any questions you may have about cataracts or cataract surgery.
During cataract surgery, the natural lens is broken up and removed from the eye through a process called phacoemulsification, which uses sound waves to break up the cloudy natural lens. The surgeon then replaces that lens with a new, permanent prescription lens.
The skilled surgeons at McFarland Eye Care use a procedure called “No-Stitch” cataract surgery, which was developed by Dr. Mike McFarland and is now the global standard for cataract surgery. “No-Stitch” cataract surgery allows the eye to naturally heal itself without the use of suture.
Traditional Cataract Surgery is a safe and effective option for patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts and who are comfortable with continued use of glasses following surgery. In traditional cataract surgery, the blurry natural lens is extracted by the surgeon and replaced with a clear IntraOcular Lens, or IOL. This lens is permanent, and is a great choice for patients who want to see well at a distance and who don’t mind wearing glasses for near and medium distances.
Astigmatism is the misshaping of the cornea or lens, and is a common cause for poor or blurred vision for many patients. Typically, this is corrected through prescription glasses or contact lenses. When patients are diagnosed with cataracts as well as astigmatism, they have the opportunity to correct both during cataract surgery by having cataract surgery with Corneal Relaxing Incisions (or CRI). CRI is a great option for patients who are going to have Traditional Cataract Surgery and want to be less dependent on prescription glasses after surgery.
Laser cataract surgery utilizes the most advanced technology available to provide an unprecedented degree of precision and accuracy during cataract surgery. It is available for those who have been diagnosed with cataracts and astigmatism, or those who are candidates for advanced refractive lenses. The most complex parts of the surgery are performed with the precision of our LenSx laser. The laser also performs astigmatism correcting incisions (CRI) with that same degree of laser accuracy. For patients receiving an advanced refractive lens, the laser also provides the ability to precisely place the lens in the best position for optimal visual results.
In addition to the single focus IOL, McFarland’s offers a full suite of advanced refractive lenses for patients who prefer to reduce their dependence on glasses in their daily lives.
Once you have cataract surgery, you cannot upgrade to an advanced refractive lens. That’s why it is so important to really think about this decision ahead of time. We always strive to answer your questions and help you through this decision process. We understand that your lifetime of good vision depends on it.
In most cases, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts is covered under your health insurance. McFarland Eye Care is a provider for most health insurance networks in the area. Some state-of-the-art technologies now available include an out-of-pocket portion. Our Billing Department will work with your insurance to ensure that any questions you have about coverage or payment are answered.
McFarland’s accepts most major credit and debit cards, as well as cash or checks.
For patients who would like to finance their procedure, we offer zero percent interest for 18 months through CareCredit, one of the largest medical credit providers in America.
