LENS OPTIONS

Cataracts are clouding of our natural lens and are a normal part of the aging process.  As the cataract grows, it blurs our vision and/or creates glare that can impair nighttime driving.

Cataracts can only be treated by surgically removing the cataract and then replacing it with an intra-ocular lens (IOL).  There are many advanced technologies available to Kearney Eye Institute patients to reduce their dependence on glasses.  These technologies include the most advanced pre-operative testing and diagnostic modalities.  It also includes the most advanced intra-operative technologies such as ORA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis), the LensX femtosecond laser, astigmatism-correcting incisions, and the most advanced technology IOLs available.

CATARACT SURGERY PACKAGES

TRADITIONAL PACKAGE:

• Glasses commonly required for distance vision and will be required for intermediate and reading vision
• Standard monofocal intra-ocular lens (IOL)
• Covered by insurance*

ORA (OPTIWAVE REFRACTIVE ANALYSIS) PACKAGE:

• Intra-operative, computer-assisted guidance for optimal IOL choice and alignment
• Better visual outcome than traditional cataract surgery
• ORA can be added to Traditional Package (included in Best Distance-Vision and All-Vision packages)
• Strongly recommended for patients with prior refractive surgery (LASIK/PRK/RK)

BEST ONE DISTANCE-VISION PACKAGE:

• Reduced dependence on glasses for distance or near vision
• For patients with astigmatism, provides best opportunity to reduce dependence on glasses for one range of vision, either distance or near.  Glasses will be required for intermediate and either distance or near vision, depending on your visual goal
• Includes intra-operative ORA
• May include any of the following:  monofocal or toric IOL, LensX laser-assistance, or manual astigmatism-correcting incisions**

ALL-VISION PACKAGE:

• Reduced dependence on glasses for all ranges of vision, including near vision
• For patients with or without astigmatism
• Includes presbyopia-correcting (toric if indicated**) IOL and intra-operative ORA
• May include any of the following:  LensX laser-assistance or manual astigmatism-correcting incisions**
• Your best chance at freedom from glasses!

*Co-payments and deductibles will apply.  Financing available.

**Surgeon customizes the treatment plan for each patient.  Not covered by insurance.

CATARACTS AND GLAUCOMA

For patients with both a cataract and glaucoma, an additional intra-ocular pressure (IOP)-lowering surgery can be performed at the same time as cataract surgery.  The iStent is the smallest device every implanted into the human body.  It is placed into the eye’s internal drainage, bypassing fluid blockage and thereby reducing IOP.  The iStent is covered by insurance and typically results in patients being able to stop one of their eyedrops due to the successful decrease in IOP.

OTHER IMPORTANT CATARACT LENS REPLACEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

In some cases, after healing completely from the cataract lens surgery, some people may need further correction to achieve the best vision possible.  Their ophthalmologist may recommend additional surgery to exchange an IOL for another type, implant an additional IOL, or make limbal relaxing incisions in the cornea.  Other laser refractive surgery may be recommended in some cases.

People who have had refractive surgery such as LASIK need to be carefully evaluated before getting IOLs because the ability to calculate the correct IOL prescription may be affected by the previous refractive surgery.