Cataract surgery is almost always highly successful. Over 90% of patients who have the surgery enjoy improved vision. Many patients find that their vision improvement begins immediately and they can often resume normal activities within hours after surgery. Some find their vision better than ever after the procedure, while others may need to wear glasses for reading (known as Presbyopia) and other activities. During the initial healing period there may be a few limitations on strenuous activities, but most people can return to normal life quickly. They are surprised to find that they can also engage in activities that were once off-limits due to cataracts, such as reading and social activities.
If you choose to have the new lifestyle lens implanted, you will have the benefit of improved distance and near vision. This lens will further reduce your dependency on glasses. Your doctor can help you determine if you are a candidate for this lens. Of course, there is some risk with any surgery and a perfect result, no matter how likely, cannot be guaranteed. Make sure you discuss the surgery in detail with your doctor and get all of your questions answered. At Thomas Eye Group, we welcome and encourage our patients' questions.
Thomas Eye Group offers several options for cataract surgery. Our doctors and surgery counselors will work with you to help you understand your options and choose the option that best fits your needs.
Astigmatic Evaluation: Recommended for all patients considering cataract surgery. This evaluation, which is not covered by Medicare or private insurance, helps us determine your surgical options, including the type of lens implants that could be offered to you.
Standard Vision Package: Designed for individuals who want to achieve good distance and near vision with the aid of glasses. Includes standard testing, standard monofocal lens, and standard cataract follow-up regimen.
Vision Plus Package - Monovision: Designed for individuals who desire to limit the use of glasses the majority of the time for distance and near. May still need glasses in certain settings such as poor light, fine print, or at night. Includes special testing and astigmatic evaluation; contact lens trial, standard IOL and standard cataract follow-up regimen.
Vision Plus Package: Designed for individuals with mild astigmatism who desire to perform tasks such as driving without the aid of glasses. Glasses may be needed for intermediate and near activities. Includes monovision if desired. Includes special testing and astigmatic evaluation; standard IOL with astigmatism correction using the Femtosecond cataract laser; and standard cataract follow-up regimen.
Custom Vision Package: Designed for individuals with astigmatism who desire to perform tasks such as driving without the aid of glasses. Glasses may still be needed for intermediate and near activities. Includes special testing with Astigmatic evaluation; Femtosecond cataract laser surgery with astigmatic correction using a Toric lens and standard cataract follow-up regimen. LASIK touch up included if necessary.
Advanced Vision Package: Designed for individuals that want the best possible expanded range of near and distance without the aid of glasses the majority of the time. Includes special testing with Astigmatic evaluation; Femtosecond laser cataract surgery using an advanced multifocal lens or extended vision lens implant may include astigmatism correction. LASIK touch up included if necessary.
Please note that the package options above are subject to change and options #2-5 are services that are not covered by insurance. These options are considered an upgrade and an additional cost to the standard vision package. Please see your surgery counselor at Thomas Eye Group for the latest pricing.
The modern-day cataract surgery technique is routinely performed with small incision micro-surgery through a process known as phacoemulsification. The cataract removal and surgical processes are actually done using the smallest possible incision and removal of the lens material is accomplished using an ultrasonic probe. Before a new man-made intraocular lens can be implanted, the hardened cataract needs to be removed. After the eye is cleaned and proper dilation of the pupil has been achieved the surgeon is ready to make the incision. A micro-incision about the size of 3 millimeters is created at the junction of the cornea and the white part of the eye known as the sclera. The lens capsule is then opened and the ultrasonic probe is inserted so that the cataract can be removed. The ultrasonic probe pulverizes the cataract and suctions out the cataract material.
After the cataract is removed, the surgeon is ready to implant a man-made intraocular lens. This is a crucial point of understanding for patients. Patients have two lens options; a monofocal or premium lens. Monofocal will only correct for one distance where the premium lens implant can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after cataract surgery. There is an additional cost to upgrade to premium IOLs, while traditional monofocal lenses are covered by Medicare.
Patients are typically concerned about the cataract surgery recovery process. The eye doctors at Thomas Eye Group provide the best quality care and thoroughly explain what you can expect after cataract surgery. Recovery from cataract surgery is generally very quick. Most patients obtain better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. 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, any moderate discomfort should disappear.
There might be some minor physical restrictions after surgery. Be sure to check with your surgeon or surgery scheduler prior to having cataract surgery to verify these restrictions. These may include no strenuous physical activities or lifting anything over 10 pounds for up to 2 weeks, no swimming for up to a week after your surgery, do not rub or get your eye wet for the first week following surgery (OK to shower/bathe 24 hours after surgery with operative eye closed), no makeup for 1 week after your surgery. Other restrictions may include wearing dark sunglasses for 24-48 hours and no driving for 24 hours after surgery.
For a few days after surgery, your doctor will ask you to use eye drops to help to heal and decrease the risk of infection. Ask your doctor or cataract surgeon about how to use your eye drops, how often to use them, and what effects they can have. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your progress. Each person heals differently so it is important to discuss the cataract surgery recovery with your eye doctor.
Thomas Eye Group has highly experienced cataract surgeons in Atlanta, Lilburn, Lithonia, Newnan, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, and Woodstock. Click HERE to schedule an appointment with one of our cataract surgeons.
Thomas Eye Group in Atlanta is proud to offer the FDA-approved CATALYS™ Precision Laser System which represents a breakthrough in cataract surgery in Georgia and beyond. For the past several decades, cataract surgeons have used handheld instruments to perform some of the most challenging parts of the procedure. Today, the new technology offered by CATALYS™ combines a femtosecond laser, 3D imaging, sophisticated software and a number of other innovative features that make the cataract procedure highly customized, gentle and more precise than manual surgery.
Every eye has a unique size and shape. The CATALYS™ advanced 3D imaging technology builds a 3D map of each eye and tailors the treatment to that map. This enables the Thomas Eye Group surgeons to create a customized treatment plan that matches the uniqueness of each eye.
Next, Thomas Eye Group surgeons use CATALYS™ to create a circular opening for accessing and removing the cataract. Clinical studies have shown that this opening is approximately 10 times more accurate when performed with CATALYS™ than what is achievable by hand. CATALYS™ then softens and breaks up the hard cataract into tiny pieces, allowing for gentler, easier cataract removal. These steps set the stage for positioning of the replacement lens.
