A cataract occurs when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy. Before cataracts, the
natural lens is transparent and easy to see through.
Because of cataracts, patients with the eye condition experience visual impairment as their
vision slowly and steadily worsens. Cataracts usually develop due to aging.
However, you may also develop cataracts because of things like genetics, trauma, or being
born with them. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time.
If you have cataracts, they may affect one or both of your eyes. As the natural lens becomes
harder to see through, it becomes more challenging for light to pass through.
As a result, you'll find it harder to see everyday items. Your vision may seem blurry,
foggy, or distorted.
It's common for patients with cataracts to feel like they are looking at the world
through a dirty, foggy, or out-of-focus window.
Patients with cataracts may experience common signs like:
There are many signs associated with having cataracts. If you think you could have cataracts, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist at Raleigh Ophthalmology to determine appropriate next steps.
An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens implanted in your eye to take over the job of your natural lens. Your IOL ensures you can see clearly after the procedure.
There are what can feel like seemingly endless IOLs available, which is why your ophthalmologist at Raleigh Ophthalmology is more than happy to help you choose the right one. Depending on which one you choose, you could achieve better vision than before having cataracts.
Your IOL choice will depend on several factors, including your lifestyle goals after cataract surgery, visual needs, and budgetary restrictions. Premium lenses require an out-of-pocket cost, but they provide patients with better vision, without being dependent on glasses for all tasks.
For many patients, this makes them more than worth the investment in better vision. Your Raleigh Ophthalmology ophthalmologist will review the available IOLs and recommend the best IOL based on these factors.
Call to Schedule (919) 782-5400Raleigh Ophthalmology offers our patients state-of-the-art intraocular lens options, including:
Monofocal lenses are the most common kind of intraocular lens. They will correct vision at one distance, either for seeing up close or at a distance.
Often, people who use monofocal IOLs get them for distance vision and use reading glasses for up-close tasks. Medicare and other insurance plans cover Monofocal IOLs.
Patients with astigmatism may do best with a toric lens. These IOLs are the only IOLs specifically designed to treat astigmatism.
Astigmatism is a refractive error occurring if your cornea is misshapen or is an irregular shape. When this happens, it makes vision blurry or warped.
A toric IOL would help a patient be less dependent on glasses, with the IOL correcting the astigmatism, instead. A patient who chooses toric IOL for distance would still need reading glasses for near tasks. The toric lens is a premium lens, not covered by insurance, and is an out-of-pocket cost to the patient.
Multifocal IOLs can improve vision up close and at a distance, with some able to correct intermediate vision. Multifocal IOLs can also correct presbyopia, reducing your dependence on reading glasses.
These are premium IOLs, meaning they have an out-of-pocket cost. Insurance does not cover the cost of the multifocal lens. You'll be able to see more clearly and enjoy the things you love with better vision.
The experienced team at Raleigh Ophthalmology offers laser-assisted cataract surgery using the LenSx laser. This is a computer-controlled eye surgery system that uses a femtosecond laser.
It’s important to note that like premium IOLs, laser-assisted cataract surgery also comes with out-of-pocket costs. Because it is considered an elective procedure, there are certain advantages to choosing laser-assisted cataract surgery over traditional cataract surgery.
Although not all patients need laser-assisted cataract surgery, this procedure provides incredible results that are unmatched in precision and accuracy. It’s essential to understand your budgetary needs before undergoing laser-assisted cataract surgery. Make sure to thoroughly discuss any questions or concerns you may have about laser-assisted cataract surgery with the staff at Raleigh Ophthalmology.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is a personalized, bladeless procedure that uses a laser to create incisions in the cornea, and then the laser breaks up the cataract. This contrasts with traditional cataract surgery, which uses a blade to make corneal incisions to remove the cataract.
The LenSx system uses a 3D surgical display system that measures the shape of the surface and the thickness of the cornea. This allows your cataract surgeon to make the most precise incisions possible since LenSx offers real-time images to guide the surgeon.
Cataract Surgery Cost
Laser cataract surgery uses state-of-the-art laser technology to create highly precise incisions. This technology also ensures more precise lens fragmentation and astigmatism correction in patients with this refractive error.
Using lasers during cataract removal provides optimal patient outcomes and ensures patients can achieve the best possible vision.
The signs of cataracts associated with the eye condition are not exclusive to it. That's why it's necessary to determine the root cause of your vision changes.
If your Raleigh Ophthalmology ophthalmologist diagnoses you with cataracts, they will monitor their progression. Cataracts typically take a long time to develop, so most patients do not need cataract surgery immediately.
Your cataract surgeon will likely only recommend the procedure once cataracts make it impossible to do basic tasks like cooking dinner, laundry, or dishes due to impaired vision. If your cataract surgeon determines it's time for cataract surgery, Raleigh Ophthalmology will discuss your options for surgery and help you to determine what lens and technique are best for you!
Cataract Surgery Cost
