Lens Implant Options

Standard lens implants are effective and inexpensive, however, they have no ability to focus or provide vision at more than one distance. You would need to wear glasses to drive and/or to read most of the time with a standard lens implant.

Aspheric Lens Implants:

An Aspheric lens implant is specially designed to reduce glare and visual disturbances occasionally seen with standard lens implants. These typically cost slightly more than a standard lens implant, so your insurance may not cover the entire cost of this lens. If you are more demanding of your vision after surgery and want the best possible far vision, talk to your surgeon about this type of lens.

Accommodating Lens Implants:

An accommodating lens implant is one that couples with the eye muscles to help focus the light. Just as a natural lens focused when we are young, an accommodating lens has the ability to shift position in the eye and change focus points. This often allows for very good distance AND near vision WITHOUT GLASSES. Because of the nature of this lens implant, there is an additional cost to you beyond what your insurance would normally pay. If you are interested in a lens implant that will minimize your need for glasses after surgery, ask Dr. Schneider about the options available to you.

Multifocal Lens Implants:

A multifocal lens is just what it says, multifocal. This means that the lens itself has more than one focus point in it. This allows for vision at all distances, with less need for eyeglasses. These work much like bifocal contact lenses do. Again, due to the sophisticated design of these lenses, they are usually not fully covered by your insurance and will cost extra. If you would like to reduce your need for glasses after cataract surgery, a multifocal lens may be your best option.

Is cataract surgery effective?

Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In more than 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. If you are considering cataract surgery, your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before you schedule your surgery. In addition, you will be given a list of risks and benefits of cataract surgery to review.

What happens before surgery?

A week or two before surgery, your doctor will do some tests. These tests may include measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps your doctor choose the right type of lens implant. You will start using eye medications 2 days prior to your surgery. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.

What happens during surgery?

At the out-pateint surgery center drops will be put into your eye to dilate the pupil. The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed. The operation usually lasts less than a half hour and is almost painless. Many people choose to stay awake during surgery. Others may need to be put to sleep for a short time. If you are awake, you will have an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around your eye. After the operation, a patch may be placed over your eye. You will rest for a while. Your medical team will watch for any problems, such as bleeding. Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.

What happens after surgery?

Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear. For a few weeks after surgery, your doctor will ask you to use eyedrops to help healing and decrease the risk of infection. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye. When you are home, do not lift any heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores. In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your progress.

When will my vision be normal again?

You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye needs time to adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye has a cataract. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving.

Financing is available to most patients; please ask for details. Should you require financing, please remember that authorization of financing must be received in the office one day prior to your surgery.