Cataracts are treated by removing the eye’s cloudy natural lens and surgically replacing it with an intraocular lens or IOL. Although cataract surgery is considered “successful” in 98% of cases, the definition of success has evolved over the last 25 years. Dramatic improvements in IOL technology now give patients a wide range of surgical options making expectation are higher than ever.
Prior to these innovations, many patients undergoing cataract surgery would still need to wear glasses or contact lenses to correct vision problems. These problems are related to astigmatism and/or presbyopia. Astigmatism is an abnormal shape of the cornea (front of eye) and, if left untreated, can cause blurry vision at all distances.
Presbyopia is an eye condition that occurs as part of natural aging. It involves the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects, such as books, menus, computers, or smartphones. Advances in astigmatism-correcting and presbyopia-correcting IOLs offer reduced dependence on glasses to a larger number of patients. This new technology comes with obvious benefits, but not everyone is a good candidate. There are many underlying eye diseases, like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, that exclude patients from these implants.
Currently, insurance will pay for the surgery, but not the new premium lens. Premium lens fees ranges from $1200 to $1800 per eye. Anyone interested in more details can make an appointment with my office at North Alabama EyeCare by calling 256-233-2914.
You can also find more information on our website at www.northalabmaeyecare.com.
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