CATARACTS

SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR CATARACTS

What Are Cataracts?

• Cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens. When we look at something, light rays travel into our eye through the pupil and are focused through the lens onto the retina, a layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye. The lens must be clear in order to focus light properly onto the retina. If the lens has become cloudy, this is called a cataract.

What Are Cataracts?

Surgery Options – Basic Lens

• MONOFOCIAL LENSES• Can correct cataracts• Can be satisfactory for cataract patients who

don’t mind wearing glasses or contacts for everyday activities• Medicare and private insurance typically cover

monofocal lens and implantation costs; there will be a co-pay expense for monofocal lenses

Surgery Options - Advanced

• MULTIFOCAL LENSES• Can correct cataracts• Ideal for cataract patients who want the

opportunity for spectacle independence for activities at all distances – near, far and everything in between• Medicare and private insurance typically cover

the cost of basic cataract surgery; there will be an out-of-pocket expense for multifocal lenses

Surgery Options - Advanced

• ASTIGMATISM-CORRECTING LENSES• Can correct cataracts• Ideal for cataract patients who wish to reduce

the need for glasses and contacts for distance vision• Medicare and private insurance typically cover

the cost of basic cataract surgery; there will be an out-of-pocket expense for astigmatism-correcting lenses

Surgery Options - Laser

• LASER ASSISTED CATARACT SURGERY• With a higher level of accuracy than manual

cataract surgery, the Laser System can provide a surgical experience customized for your eye during procedures involving any of the advanced technology lenses• Medicare and private insurance typically cover

some of the cost of laser-assisted cataract surgery; there may be out-of-pocket expenses, including imaging associated with advanced technology lenses

Should You Have Surgery?

• Your eye care specialist will let you know when it’s time for cataract surgery. Depending on your cataract symptoms, your eye care specialist may recommend managing the condition with an updated prescription to your glasses or contact lenses. But as your cataracts develop, they may interfere with your freedom to engage in your favorite activities. Let your eye care specialist know if you experience any changes in your vision.