Cataract Surgery

What Are The Types Of Cataracts?

There are several types of cataracts, each affecting different parts of the eye. The most common types include:

1. Nuclear cataracts: These form in the center of the lens and are associated with aging. They cause a gradual yellowing and hardening of the lens.

2. Cortical cataracts: These occur in the lens cortex, the outer edges of the lens. They have a wedge-like appearance and may cause visual disturbances, such as glare or blurred vision.

3. Subcapsular cataracts: These develop at the back of the lens, just beneath the lens capsule. They primarily affect people with diabetes or those taking high doses of steroid medications.

4. Congenital cataracts: These are present at birth or develop during childhood. They may be caused by genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or other conditions.

5. Traumatic cataracts: These result from an eye injury and can occur immediately or months after the injury.

If you are experiencing vision changes, consult with an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Discover Vision is accepting new patients and would be happy to see you.

Cataract vision typically manifests through the experience of blurred, foggy or decreased vision.  Cataracts are caused primarily through the normal aging process. That means, if you live long enough, you will get them. Risk factors include aging, heredity, sunlight exposure and general health; for example–diabetics tend to develop cataracts earlier than non-diabetics. They can also be the result of long term use of certain medications such as steroids.  Cataracts can also be congenital or the result of trauma to the eye. To some degree it may be possible to prevent or delay the need for surgery with good lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet and wearing UV protection sunglasses when spending time outdoors.

How Does Laser Cataract Surgery Procedure Work?

Lasers can be used for part of the modern cataract surgery.  A femtosecond laser is used to create the incisions for the surgeon to enter the eye with the phacoemulsification instrument.  The femtosecond laser also helps complete the next two steps of the cataract procedure.  It helps to open the lens capsule and to soften the crystalline lens for removal.

The first step in your process is cataract specialist doctors to complete ocular examination to confirm cataract is the cause of your vision decrease.  When this is determined several diagnostic tests are completed.  These include the Zeiss IOL master which measures the length of your eye, the curvature of your cornea, and several other anatomical measurements.  Corneal topography will be completed to assess additional aspects relating to astigmatism.   Retinal OCT will be completed to assess the health of the central part of your retina called the macula.

The refractive cataract surgeons at Discover Vision Centers utilize several categories of implants.  Silicone and acrylic monofocal IOLs are available.  Toric / astigmatism implants from Alcon, Bausch and Lomb and Johnson and Johnson vision are used.   Two trifocal implants are used ( Alcon Panoptix and Johnson and Johnson Synergy ).  Extended depth of focus lenses is also used for patients wanted distance, intermediate, and near vision ( Alcon Vivity and Johnson and Johnson Symfony ).   The RxSight Light Adjustable Lens is frequently used for patients that want to minimize or avoid glasses for most if not all activities.

What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts are a condition when the natural lens inside our eye becomes cloudy or opacified. This natural aging process can occur at any age, but most commonly presents in patients older than 50.  As the clarity of the lens changes, overall visual acuity may decline in addition to having more difficulty with glare from incoming light or requiring more light to perform tasks such as reading.  There are no preventive measures and the cure is removal with surgery.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

At Discover Vision Centers our Kansas City Eye Surgeons primarily do topical anesthesia but some patients may opt for block anesthesia.  With topical anesthesia patients should be able to see and function immediately after surgery is performed. For patients that undergo a block their vision should be functional the following day. The day of surgery all patients should arrange for someone to transport them home. Most patients will be on some form of eye drops after surgery so this should be expected. Most patients can return to work the following day after cataract surgery. Full physical activity can be resumed by one to two weeks for virtually all patients. Most patients it is even sooner.  You need to avoid rubbing your eyes and a protective eye shield will be worn over the eye for the first several nights.

Does Insurance Cover Cataract Eye Surgery?

Does medical insurance and medicare pay for laser cataract surgery?  Medical insurance plans including Medicare cover cataract surgery when the condition has reached a level of medical necessity.  Insurance and medicare do not pay for the laser assist component of laser cataract surgery.  Medical necessity is determined by examination of the eyes by your doctor in addition to visual symptoms you may be experiencing.  Your medical insurance will provide coverage for a standard lens implant to replace your clouded natural lens, but most will still require glasses for best vision.  If the goal is independence from glasses or contacts after surgery, there are premium implants that your doctor can discuss to achieve this.  These lenses are considered cosmetic by medical plans and there will be some out of pocket cost for the “upgraded” lens.  HSA and FSA plans can be utilized to help cover these expenses.