Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
A cataract is the term for when the clear natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy, usually due to age or injury. Cataracts are a natural part of aging, and almost everyone will get cataracts if they live long enough. Cataracts cause blurry vision and glare. When the cloudiness in the lens reaches a point where it impairs a person’s ability to see well for driving, reading and other daily activities, surgery is necessary.
During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed, and a clear artificial lens (an implant lens) is inserted. Advances in cataract surgery, such as the new Light Adjustable Lens, can be an opportunity to achieve excellent vision and reduce the need for glasses.
Fixed Implant Lenses
Most implant lenses that are used in cataract surgery are fixed implant lenses. Every implant lens has a built-in prescription that is selected prior to surgery using pre-op measurements. After cataract surgery and the healing process, many patients with fixed implant lenses have improved vision and come close to the target of clear vision without glasses, but many patients still need glasses to see clearly at a distance.
Adjustable Implant Lens
The Light Adjustable Lens is a state-of-the-art implant lens that allows ophthalmologists to customize a patient’s vision after cataract surgery. The cataract removal and implant lens insertion are the same with either a fixed lens or an adjustable lens. The main difference is that the Light Adjustable Lens is fine-tuned after the eye has had a chance to heal for about three weeks. The adjustment can be done in an ophthalmologist’s office, and no additional surgery is needed.
The adjustment is made using a device that delivers ultraviolet light to the implant lens to adjust the power of the lens. Between three and five total light treatments are used to adjust the lens. Each treatment lasts approximately one to two minutes. With the use of the light adjustable lens, patients are more likely to achieve 20/20 vision without glasses compared to cataract patients who have fixed implant lenses.
For most patients, health insurance or Medicare covers the surgeon’s fee for cataract surgery, the surgery center fee, and anesthesia fee (deductibles and copays may be required). There is an out-of-pocket expense for the Light Adjustable Lens that is not covered by health insurance or Medicare. The lens has an additional out-of-pocket expense because the special implant lens is more costly, and more doctor/patient time is needed in the post-op period to measure and adjust the lens for your best possible vision.
If you have a cataract and are considering surgery, there are a number of options for implant lenses used in cataract surgery. Dr. Rutzen is happy to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various options to you.
Dr. Rutzen is an ophthalmologist who specializes in state-of-the-art cataract surgery and has practiced in the area for 28 years. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Rutzen Eye Specialists & Laser Center at 410-975-0090. The office is located at 489 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. Visit www.rutzeneye.com for more information.
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