Cataracts are a normal part of aging. The older you get, the more likely you are to develop a cataract. Although cataracts may seem frightening, advancements in technology have made cataract surgery one of the safest and most successful surgeries in the United States today.
A cataract is a clouding of all or part of the normally clear lens within your eye. This causes blurred or distorted vision. Specific diets or laser treatments will not lessen the effect of cataracts. Cataract surgery can restore your vision long before you experience a loss of vision that interferes with your daily activities.
The Laurel Eye Clinic offers the most advanced options to customize your vision after cataract surgery. Proudly serving the Dubois, Altoona and greater Brookville areas, we offer customization that is based on your individual lifestyle. Our team of premier cataract surgeons currently offer five options:
- Traditional Option
- Distance Option (Low Astigmatism)
- Distance/Monovision Option (Moderate Astigmatism)
- Distance/Monovision Option (High Astigmatism)
- Distance & Near Option
The surgeons will help you decide which lens option is best for you. The following page provides more information on the various options.
Traditional Option
The Traditional option includes a monofocal lens implant that has a single, fixed focus. After surgery, depending upon several factors such as your astigmatism, you will likely need eyeglasses for most activities. In some cases, the traditional monofocal lens implant may lessen your dependence on eyeglasses, but will not eliminate the need for them. Typically, Medicare and most private insurance carriers will pay for 80% of your cataract surgery and the traditional monofocal lens. This is considered basic or standard coverage. Please check with your insurance company to verify your coverage.
Distance Option (Low Astigmatism)
The Distance option is for the patient with a low degree of astigmatism and who desires advanced testing to assist in the calculation of the implant process while aiming for Distance vision in both eyes. Patients who have had LASIK/PRK in the past can also be good candidates for this option.
Distance/Monovision Option (Moderate Astigmatism)
The distance/monovision option is for the patient with a moderate degree of astigmatism that will need corrected either during the cataract surgery or afterwards, and who desires advanced testing during the pre-operative appointment to assist in the calculation of the lens. Patients who are interested in monovision (One eye for distance and one for near) or who have had LASIK/PRK in the past can be good candidates for the option.
Distance/Monovision Option (High Astigmatism)
The distance/monovision option is for the patient with a moderate to high degree of astigmatism that will need corrected either during the cataract surgery or afterwards, and who desires advanced testing during the pre-operative appointment to assist in the calculation of the lens. Patients who are interested in monovision (One eye for distance and one for near) or who have had Lasik/PRK in the past can be good candidates for the option.
Distance & Near Option
The distance and near option is for the patient who desires an outcome with little to no spectacle use. Either an accommodating lens implant or multifocal lens implant is used to achieve this outcome.
Dropless Cataract Surgery:
Proudly serving cataract treatments to our clients throughout the Dubois, Altoona and greater Brookville areas, we do our best to improve our patients’ experience with cataract surgery, we offer patients the option of having cataract surgery performed in such a way that most patients no longer need to take eye drops before or after surgery.
This procedure is called “Dropless Cataract Surgery.” In Dropless Cataract Surgery, a medicine called Tri-Moxi is placed in the eye at the time of surgery. Tri-Moxi is a combination of antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory which is absorbed by the eye over the next month, providing patients the benefit of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines without needing drops.
Benefits of Dropless Cataract Surgery
- Is low risk.
- Eliminates drops for most patients.
- Has a low rate of infection and retinal swelling (similar to drops).
- Dramatically simplifies the postoperative regimen.
- Reduces the chance of side effects from eye drops.
- Can save patients hundreds of dollars in eye drop expenses.
Should you and your surgeon decide to proceed with Dropless Cataract Surgery, drops will not be needed before surgery. Most patients will also not need drops after surgery; however, a small percentage will need an anti-inflammatory eye drop if inflammation develops after surgery.
With our offices located throughout the greater Altoona area, make an appointment with our team of premier cataract surgeons today!
