Choosing an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL)

If you are considering have a Cataract removed, then it is also time to think about the selection of an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL). Cataract Surgery today is almost always accompanied by implanting an artificial lens, or IOL to correct your vision. Your Cataract Surgeon may offer you some options regarding Lens Implants depending on your lifestyle. It may be sufficient to simply have only distance vision correction. But, if you have a daily routine that involves looking at a computer screen or playing cards-activities that require an arms length vision correction, be sure to mention this to your eye surgeon as there are a number of IOLs that can afford you this vision correction after Cataract Surgery. These near vision, or presbyopia correcting IOLs, although more complex in optical design, do not result in greater complexity or more complications with Cataract Surgery, but do require careful measurements and of course picking the right lens from those different types of IOLs that are available. Learn as much as you can about Cataracts, Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implants before your Cataract examination and consultation.

What is a Toric Lens Implant (IOL)?

For patients who have astigmatism, a toric lens implant can correct astigmatism after cataract surgery. The toric lens implant is used to correct astigmatism that existed before cataract surgery. It is used to help patients with a considerable amount of astigmatism fully correct their distance vision after cataract surgery without being dependent on eyeglasses. Toric lens implants however do not correct near vision-only astigmatism and distance vision.

Are there different Types of Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL)?

Until about 5 years ago there was really only one type of intraocular lens implant (IOL) used to correct vision after cataract surgery. This type of lens is called a monofocal lens implant (IOL) and as the name implies it only focuses or corrects vision at one distance-and that distance if for correcting far away vision. Monofocal Lens Implants are still the most common type of lens implant at this time but this is beginning to change with the availability of advanced technology IOLs. Today there are IOLs for correcting astigmatism, called toric lens implants and lens implants for giving sharper vision in dim illumination called aspheric lens implants. In addition, for people who wish to be less dependent on reading glasses,bifocals who want to read without glasses after cataract surgery there are near vision presbyopia correcting multifocal lens implants.

Nashville Cataract Surgery Jeffrey D. Horn, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

Jeffrey D. Horn, M.D. of Vision for Life in Nashville, Tennessee has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Nashville will be pleased that Dr. Horn at Vision for Life has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

Boston Cataract Surgery C. Douglas Evans, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

C. Douglas Evans, M.D. of North Suburban Eye Associates in Boston Massachusetts has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Boston will be pleased that Dr. Evans at North Suburban Eye Associates has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

What is an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL)?

An Intraocular Lens Implant or IOL is a type of artificial lens that can be used to correct vision after Cataract Surgery. During a Cataract operation the clouded Crystalline Lens is carefully removed. In order to see clearly after the surgery, the optical power of the removed lens must be replaced. An intraocular lens implant or IOL is a permanent clear plastic lens that provides the necessary optical power to see clearly. Today, IOLs are fabricated from flexible materials that allow the lens implant to inserted into the proper position through the same small incision that the Cataract is removed through.

Boston Cataract Surgery Francis D'Ambrosio, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

Francis D'Ambrosio, M.D. of D'Ambrosio Eye Care in Boston Massachusetts has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Boston will be pleased that Dr. D'Ambrosio at D'Ambrosio Eye Care has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

Baltimore Cataract Surgery Arturo E. Betancourt, M.D., and Brad V. Spagnolo, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

Arturo E. Betancourt, M.D., and Brad V. Spagnolo, M.D. of Baltimore Washington Eye Center in Baltimore Maryland has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Baltimore will be pleased that Arturo E. Betancourt, M.D., and Brad V. Spagnolo, M.D. at Baltimore Washington Eye Center has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

Cataract Surgery Question of the Day:

I am 58 years old and I notice that my night driving is difficult because headlights give me glare and make things blurry-do I have a cataract?

If you are experience difficulty seeing at night it is important to get a comprehensive eye examination. There are may possible causes of night glare and driving difficulty. A cataract may cause night glare but there are other possible reasons as well. The only way to tell is to have an eye examination at which time the doctor will certainly evaluate you for cataracts as well as other eye problems. If you wish to learn more about other symptoms of cataracts you can visit http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com/ for information about cataracts and cataract surgery.

Portland Cataract Surgeons Join Cataract Education Website

Portland Cataract Surgery Bruce R. Cassidy, M.D., Robert W. Daly, M.D., William S. Holt, M.D., Elizabeth G. Serrage, M.D., Samuel P. Solish, M.D., Jordan E. Sterrer, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

Bruce R. Cassidy, M.D., Robert W. Daly, M.D., William S. Holt, M.D., Elizabeth G. Serrage, M.D., Samuel P. Solish, M.D., Jordan E. Sterrer, M.D. of EyeCare Medical Group in Portland Maine has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Portland will be pleased that Bruce R. Cassidy, M.D., Robert W. Daly, M.D., William S. Holt, M.D., Elizabeth G. Serrage, M.D., Samuel P. Solish, M.D., Jordan E. Sterrer, M.D. at EyeCare Medical Group has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

Washington D.C. Cataract Surgery Rajesh Rajpal, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

Rajesh Rajpal, M.D. of Cornea Consultants - SeeClearly Vision in Washington D.C. has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Washington D.C. will be pleased that Dr. Rajpal at Cornea Consultants - SeeClearly Vision has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

Cataract Surgery Question of the Day: Can I Have Cataract Surgery if I have Macular Degeneration?

Having Cataract Surgery is a decision that is made in concert with the recommendations of your Cataract Surgeon. Macular Degeneration can cause a range of loss of your central vision. It can be mild and only cause a minimal dimming or blurring of your vision-or Macular Degeneration can cause central scarring of the Retina and a profound loss of central vision. Cataracts cause less light to reach the Retina. Now-if you have both Macular Degeneration AND a Cataract, it really depends on the severity of the Macular Degeneration as to whether removing the cataract will improve your vision. In some cases it may-in others Cataract Surgery may allow more light in to the Retina but will not restore central vision because there is too much damage. Your Cataract Surgeon will do specialized testing to determine whether Cataract Surgery can improve your vision when you have Macular Degeneration.

Cataracts: Question of the Day: What causes Cataracts?

A Cataract is a clouding or opacification of the Crystalline Lens within your eye. As the name implies the Crystalline Lens is crystal clear in its normal state.The Crystalline Lens is composed of clear protein much like the white of an egg. As protein denatures and decomposes it changes its structure and in doing so changes its optical clarity. This is the formation of a Cataract. The Crystalline Lens proteins can change due to exposure to radiation-sunlight is UV radiation, so protect your eyes from the sun as excessive sun exposure may accelerate the formation of a Cataract. Certain medications such as cortisone and steroids used to treat asthma can cause Cataracts to form as can having Diabetes. Or as is the most common cause of Cataracts-they can form due to absolutely no reason, just simply age. Age Related Cataracts are the most common types of Cataracts.

Fairfield Cataract Surgery Leslie Doctor, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Connecticut has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Fairfield County will be pleased that Dr. Doctor at Doctor & Associates has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

Cataract Surgery Cost Details

The cost of cataract surgery is usually well covered by insurance or Medicare depending on your age. However it is important to fully understand what portion of the charges for cataract surgery costs you might actually have to cover out of pocket. Generally, while your preoperative cataract evaluation and measurements might be covered by insurance or Medicare, it is possible that you will need to pay a co-pay or a deductible depending on your policy and coverage. If you need to have a physical examination with your personal physician before your cataract procedure, you may have to pay a co-pay or a deductible for this visit. If you require ordinary anesthesia rather than eye drop anesthesia for your cataract removal, their may be a co-pay or deductible for this as well. Last, insurance companies and Medicare ask your Cataract Surgeon to bill you separately for the more advanced technology Lens Implants used to correct astigmatism or to correct near vision after cataract surgery. The cost of astigmatism correcting lens implants can range from $900-$1200 per eye and the cost of the near vision presbyopia correcting lens implants can range from $1500-$300 per eye as the cost that the manufacturers charge for these lens implants is $600-1200 more per eye and they require more extensive measurements as part of your cataract consultation.

Bridgeport Cataract Surgery Brian DeBroff, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

Brian DeBroff, M.D. of Eye Surgery Associates, LLC in Bridgeport Connecticut has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Bridgeport will be pleased that Dr. DeBroff at Eye Surgery Associates, LLC has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

Denver Cataract Surgery Jason Jacobs, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

Jason Jacobs, M.D. of Premier Eye Care & Surgery P.C. in Denver Colorado has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Denver will be pleased that Dr. Jacobs at Premier Eye Care & Surgery P.C. has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

Birmingham Cataract Surgery Marc Michelson, M.D. joins Cataract Education Website

Marc Michelson, M.D. of Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, P.C. in Birmingham Alabama has joined the cataract, cataract surgery and lens implant patient education website http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site offers patient up to date facts and information about symptoms of cataracts, the cataract surgery procedure, lens implants and detailed patient friendly information about the cataract surgery experience, types of lens implants to consider, how to prepare for cataract surgery, cataracts and astigmatism and complications of cataract surgery. It is designed to help patients with cataracts understand their condition and provide them with questions to discuss with their cataract surgeon in order to help them make the best eye care choices. Patients considering cataract surgery in Birmingham will be pleased that Dr. Michelson at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, P.C. has joined this site to help give patients access to the things they need know.

Cataract, Cataract Surgery & Cataract Surgeon Directory Enrollment

Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C., managers of the LASIK patient education web site and LASIK surgeon directory www.seewithlasik.com, is now accepting enrollment requests from cataract surgeons throughout the United States for inclusion in the patient education cataract resource directory www.aboutcataractsurgery.com. The site contains useful patient education information about cataracts, cataract surgery, lens implants of all types including astigmatism correcting lens implants and near vision correcting presbyopia lens implants as well offering patients a directory of cataract surgeons. Content is reviewed by a board of Editorial Advisors who are well respected Cataract & Refractive Surgeons and the site is certified by the Health on the Net Foundation an independent health care web site agency. Enrollment of cataract surgeons is assigned on a geographically exclusive or semi-exclusive basis based on the type of cataract surgery performed and the availability of premium lens implants in their practice in order to be sure they can address the full range of patient needs and questions regarding cataracts.

Cataract Surgery Cost

If you have a cataract you may be putting off having cataract surgery because you are concerned about the cost of cataract surgery. For the vast majority of patients cataract surgery is a covered expense under health insurance and or Medicare. These plans typically cover the cataract surgery costs of the cataract surgeons fee, the surgery center fee, a basic monofocal lens implant and the follow up care for three months after cataract surgery. These plans typically do not cover the cost of premium lens implants that astigmatism and cataracts at the same time or the cost of near vision presbyopia correcting lens implants. The cataract surgeon is instructed to bill you separately for these advanced technology vision correction lens implants after cataract surgery. Of course you will also be responsible for any co pays or deductibles under your health insurance coverage or Medicare. Most cataract surgeons have a staff member who can explain the benefits you have and what you might need to pay out of pocket. But-don't let cataract surgery costs deter you from making the right decision about improving your lifestyle and daily living-vision is too important to your comfortable and safe activities each and every day.

Cataracts and Near Vision

Cataracts can affect your vision in many ways. The most obvious is by causing a blurring or a clouding of your vision. Usually this is noticed for seeing distant objects and especially in dim illumination light such as for night driving or at dusk. But cataracts can also affect your near vision. Cataracts can cause that same type of overall blurriness for your near vision as for your far vision. But certain types of Cataracts can make your near vision appear to improve rather than get worse. Nuclear sclerotic Cataracts can cause the Crystalline Lens of your eye to change shape in such a way that you actually become more nearsighted. As the term implies, "nearsightedness" means you can actually see well at near for up close objects such as reading. This can give the impression that by simply changing your eyeglasses you have eliminated the problem. However, this is not the case because as the Cataract progresses your vision will no longer be correctable with eyeglasses or contacts and will require Cataract Surgery to correct your vision. A feeling that you need a change in eyeglass prescription may be a sign of Cataracts. To find out for sure, consult a Cataract Surgeon for a thorough evaluation.

When Should I Have Cataract Surgery?

Many patients often wonder about their cataracts and when the right time to have cataract surgery is. The answer is...there is no correct answer! Years ago, before the use of modern cataract surgery techniques that are used today, cataract surgeons often counseled patients to wait until the cataract was "ripe". This was a common language term that describes the fact that the cataract had become firm enough to be easily removed by the surgeon. Today, the technology and the techniques of cataract surgery are advanced so that a patient can actually ask to have cataract surgery when their vision is interfering with their ability to perform their everyday task comfortably. Even though your vision may have only dropped to day the 20/40 or 20/50 Snellin Eye Chart Acuity level, if the cataract is causing substantial glare or haloes and resulting in difficulty with night driving or walking across a sun filled room, it may be time for cataract surgery. The decision about when to have cataract surgery is one to be made after a discussion with your cataract surgeon about how the cataract is affecting your everyday life. If the impairment to your daily living tasks is at a point where you are unable to do the things needed to maintain your quality of life-then tell this to your eye surgeon. You, along with your cataract surgeon, can make the decision together about the right time for cataract surgery -however at the end of the day it is YOUR choice-as they are YOUR eyes.

other links of interest:
Cataract Symptoms

Cataract Surgery Considerations

With the "greying" of America causing a demographic shift in our population, more and more people will come of the age where learning about Cataract Surgery is important. The number of "baby boomers" who have entered and will enter the 55+ group is creating a need for for people to become aware of the inpact of cataracts of how modern cataract surgery can help them retain and enjoy the lifestyle they have become used to. While cataracts can affect vision as we get older, catatact surgery and advanced technology lens implants can help to preserve and maintain access to the daily activities and freedom that good vision provides. Take time to learn about cataracts and cataract surgery by visiting http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com/ or if you are considering other types of Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK to help correct your vision, visit http://www.seewithlasik.com/ to learn about Laser Vision Correction.