Refractive Cataract Surgery

Vision for the Way You Live www.tricountyeye.com

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy crystalline lens and replacement with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). Cataract surgery is performed at the Tri‐County Surgery Center, a state‐of‐the‐art, Pennsylvania‐licensed, Medicare‐approved, and Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Health Center certified out-patient surgical center. The exemplary facilities and caring professional staff provide all of the safety and peace of mind of a hospital. The painless procedure is performed using eye drop anesthesia with mild intravenous sedation and takes about 20‐30 minutes. Most patients notice an improvement in their vision within a few days following surgery!

Risks and Complications of Cataract Surgery

No surgery is risk free, but modern cataract surgery in uncomplicated cases has a success rate that approaches 99%. The information herein is intended to serve only as an introduction to modern, refractive cataract surgery treatment and options. It should not be used to determine whether or not you need the procedure performed. Some of the risks, although infrequent, include, but are not limited to, infection or the need for additional surgery. Your surgeon will counsel you with regard to specific risks, benefits, and alternatives to surgery, as well as additional considerations that might apply.

What is a Cataract?

The normally clear crystalline lens of the eye focuses incoming rays of light onto the retina, similar to the lens of a camera. A cataract develops when the crystalline lens is no longer transparent but cloudy. This can result from the normal aging process. There are many other risk factors that contribute to cataract formation, including diabetes mellitus, long‐term use of topical, systemic, or inhaled oral corticosteroids as well as prior intraocular surgery and ocular trauma, just to name a few. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Patients may experience symptoms of cataracts before they become visually significant and require treatment. Some early symptoms of cataracts include glare with oncoming headlights while driving at night, the need for brighter lights when reading fine print, and a dull or faded appearance of colors. A complete, dilated eye examination with your eye doctor will reveal when it is time for cataract surgery. Other ocular diseases must be ruled out to determine the potential for improving vision with cataract surgery alone. However, even in patients with other co‐existing ocular conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, cataract surgery has the potential to provide meaningful improvement in visual function.

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant Options

With modern day cataract surgery, there are more options for patients to obtain vision to fit their lifestyles than ever before. Monofocal IOLs

Standard, monofocal IOLs correct either for distance or near vision, but not both. Patients can obtain excellent vision with a monofocal IOL, but may require glasses or contacts after cataract surgery to obtain their best vision. Additionally, any astigmatism present pre‐ operatively is corrected with glasses or contact lenses after surgery. Monofocal IOLs are very frequently used and covered by your medical insurance, minus any co‐pays or deductibles. Toric, Astigmatism‐Correcting IOLs

Advanced‐technology IOLs are available to correct astigmatism (abnormal curvature of the eye). When toric IOLs are used, individuals may achieve excellent uncorrected vision for distance and only require magnifying eyeglasses for near visual tasks, such as computer work or reading. Multifocal and Presbyopia‐Correcting IOLs

Advanced‐technology IOLs are available to correct presbyopia, the condition in which the normal aging process results in the inability to focus at intermediate and near distances, usually commencing in the mid‐40s. Multifocal and presbyopia‐correcting IOLs provide a full range of quality vision – near, intermediate, and distance – greatly reducing the need for reading glasses, contact lenses, or bifocals.

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

For patients with a certain degree of astigmatism and for those who are candidates for advanced‐technology IOLs, we now offer laser‐assisted cataract surgery using a femtosecond laser (FLACS). FLACS is the latest advancement in cataract surgery. FLACS utilizes laser technology to create the most precise surgical incisions, which can allow for more accurate, predictable surgical results and faster recovery. Your surgeon will be able to determine if you are a candidate for a premium, advanced technology IOL and FLACS based on your goals and expectations for vision following surgery and the preoperative measurements of your eyes. No IOL can guarantee complete independence from glasses/contacts, but some of the advanced‐technology IOLs can greatly minimize your dependence on them. Toric IOLs, Multifocal IOLs, and FLACS are available at an additional out‐of‐pocket cost to patients who are candidates. Although the final cost will depend on the patient’s individual treatment plan, costs range from $1,250 to $2,750 for each eye. Financing options are available for interested patients that qualify.

“Clouded” dull image as seen through a cataract

Sharp, bright normal-vision image

If cataracts have caused your vision to fail, the opportunity to regain excellent quality vision and a more satisfying lifestyle is easily and safely within your reach. With modern, refractive cataract surgery, you can achieve

vision for the way you live!

Main Tel 215.355.4428 319 Second Street Pike Southampton, PA 18966 Fax 215.355.0790 352 E Butler Avenue New Britain, PA 18901 Fax 215.230.9994