Advanced Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens that interferes with light passing through to the retina. Sufferers usually describe the condition as being similar to looking through a waterfall, or a piece of wax paper, with a gradual blurring or dimming of vision.

Reading may become more difficult and driving a car can actually become dangerous. Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. As the cataract becomes worse, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions may become necessary.

Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from the eye and insert a clear artificial lens. Today, this condition can be corrected surgically on an outpatient basis.

Cataract development is usually a very gradual process but can occasionally occur rapidly. Many people are unaware that they have cataracts because the changes in their vision are very gradual. Cataracts are very common, affecting roughly 60% of people over the age of 60, and over 1.5 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States each year.

At Advanced Eye Care in Bel Air, Dr. Lisa Feulner performs a state-of-the-art procedure that promotes fast recovery and has restored functional vision to thousands of patients.

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Before your cataract surgery your eye must be properly cleaned and dilated. A topical anesthetic is used before the small incision is made. An ultrasonic device will be inserted into the small incision to gently break up the hard yellow proteins that form the cataract, and remove them from the eye.

A folded intraocular lens will be inserted through the original incision. This lens will replace your natural lens and stay in place inside your eye, providing you with clear vision after the procedure. You will not be able to feel or sense the implanted lens in any way. The small incision will then self-seal itself without the need for stitches.

It is important that you discuss your vision expectations with your eye surgeon to determine the right premium lens implant for you. 

Recovering from cataract surgery is fast and relatively easy! Most patients will notice improved vision with their new lens within the first 24 hours. It is important that you follow the postoperative instructions provided by your cataract surgeon. It is important that you refrain from strenuous physical activity and from rubbing your eyes during the first few weeks after surgery.

Removal of cataracts is crucial to prevent severe loss of vision. The surgical treatment for cataracts has dramatically evolved over the years. Recent innovations in cataract surgery now make it possible for cataracts to be removed with greater precision and accuracy.

Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

Traditional cataract surgery involves the use of a surgical blade to perform corneal incisions and anterior capsulotomies of the eye, ultimately making it possible to remove the cataract. The CATALYS Precision Laser System is designed specifically for laser cataract surgery.  The CATALYS system offers:

• Liquid Optics Interface, gentle docking with minimal intraocular pressure rise and clear optics for excellent imaging and laser delivery
• Integral Guidance System- proprietary 3D Full Volume Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and automated surface mapping algorithms that guide laser delivery
• Precise capsulotomies within 30um
• Complete segmentation and softening of the cataract with adjustable grid sizing
• Multiple corneal incision centration options that are based on anatomical landmarks

Advanced Technology Lens Options

Cataract Surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgeries in the U.S.: 98% of all cataract surgeries are performed each year without serious complications being reported.  What’s more, cataract surgery gives you the potential to treat cataracts, astigmatism and presbyopia at the same time ( if desired), which may reduce the need for glasses.

The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® +2.5 D multifocal lens

Go the distance — and everywhere in between.  Have your cataracts made you lose focus on activities you love? Ask our eye care surgeon if the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® +2.5 D multifocal lens, with its groundbreaking ACTIVEFOCUS™ optical design,1 is a good fit for you and your active lifestyle. ACTIVEFOCUS™ channels light to the part of your eye that processes distance vision. Additionally, it’s designed to provide balanced intermediate and distance vision to help you see clearly at a wide range with less need for glasses. Investing in quality vision – Your eyesight is priceless. It plays a huge role in how you experience the world — and how you create memories with your family, your friends, your community and beyond. Medicare or private health insurance will typically cover the costs of cataract surgery and basic replacement lenses — or monofocals — but there are usually out-of-pocket costs for multifocal IOLs.

Tecnis Symfony Toric IOL

Offers seamless brilliance for patients with presbyopia and astigmatism.  Designed to give you vivid, seamless vision, the TECNIS Symfony Toric Extended Depth of Focus IOL addresses both presbyopia and astigmatism while delivering a full range of continuous vision.  The TECNIS Symfony IOL is the first lens of its kind to combine two unique technologies for outstanding visual performance.  It elongates the focus of the eye to provide continuous, high- quality vision.  It corrects chromatic aberration (color distortion) to provide sharp vision in all lighting conditions.  Your ability to see in dim light can define when, where and how you’re able to spend your independent time.  With the TECNIS Symfony IOL you may be able to comfortable enjoy low-light activities such as taking a walk at dusk, going to the movies or even driving at night.

So, how do you and your doctor decide which type of IOL is best suited for your needs?

While the characteristics of your eyes certainly play a critical role in lens selection, it’s just as important to consider your lifestyle and the role vision plays in the activities you enjoy. Here are a few important things to think about:

• How important is night vision to your lifestyle?
• Do you have astigmatism?
• What kind of cost and insurance considerations do you have?
• Would you like the chance to be glasses-free after surgery?

Talk to your doctor, consider the options and select wisely — you have one chance to choose the IOL that will change the very way you see the world!

One of the most common problems after cataract surgery is clouding of the membrane around the lens. The membrane is referred to as the posterior capsule, and once the membrane becomes opacified, the condition is termed posterior capsule opacification. A cloudy posterior capsule causes blurry vision, but this condition can be treated easily and safely with a laser treatment in the office or outpatient center.

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Laser capsulotomy does not require going to the operating room and nor does it involve any incisions into the eye. It only takes a few minutes and is painless.

• Dilation of the eye is done with eye drops.
• A laser removes the hazy posterior capsule from your line of sight without making an incision or touching the eye.
• Drops may be given after the procedure to reduce inflammation.

Your vision will improve very quickly after the procedure. You do not have to alter your usual activities. The procedure is extremely safe. Very rarely complications do occur and they will be discussed with Dr. Feulner before undergoing the procedure.

Medicare and most insurance plans cover the costs for cataract surgery with a single focus lens and traditional (manual) surgery, with additional out-of-pocket charges for multifocal and toric lenses and bladeless laser cataract surgery. With this one-time opportunity, many patients find the extra expense well worth the exchange for freedom from glasses or contacts.

Financing is also available for a portion of the premium lens charge. Our staff will review all of this information with you before your surgery.

We offer several payment options to suit your needs:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): You can save up to 30% by using tax-free dollars to pay for your cataract surgery. Many employers offer an FSA or Health Savings Account.
• Financing: Advanced Eye Care & Aesthetics is pleased to offer 12-month interest-free and extended payment plans through ALPHAEON CREDIT or up to 24 months interest-free through CareCredit. 
• Credit Cards: Many patients opt to pay for their procedure using a personal credit card. This may be a good option, especially if you have a card that carries a low interest rate or offers points and other rewards.

Contact our staff today to review the best financing options for you.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding that develops in the eye’s crystalline lens. As the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 60 or older, cataracts impair vision, making everyday activities increasingly difficult. 

What Causes a Cataract?

The most common factor for developing a cataract is age. Other contributing factors may include increased exposure to sunlight, diabetes, ocular inflammation, ocular trauma and family history. Certain medications can also promote cataract formation.

What are the Symptoms?

Cataracts may cause a decrease in vision, glare or poor night vision. Some people experience double vision or muted colors. Patients may not notice a cataract has formed, as a cataract typically forms in one eye first and the other eye compensates for any visual loss. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years for a cataract to fully develop.

Is Cataract Surgery Effective?

Yes! Many patients report vision that is even better than before they developed cataracts. Modern cataract surgery is considered one of the most effective medical procedures used today. 

Over time, the lens implant can develop a "film" behind it, which can again cause symptoms of blurred vision. A simple laser YAG capsulotomy procedure can be performed to create an opening in the film in order to restore normal vision. Laser capsulotomy does not require going to the operating room nor does it involve any incision into the eye. It only takes a few minutes and is painless. 

Where is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Your cataract procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than 15 minutes. In most cases patients can resume daily activities such as driving or reading, almost immediately.

Does Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?

Yes. Medicare and most insurance plans cover approved cataract surgeries. There is an additional charge for advanced technology lenses and laser surgery. Our staff will review all of this information with you.

It is an exciting time for cataract patients who want to improve their full range of vision, regain their quality of life and minimize or eliminate their dependence on glasses. Call us today at 410-569-7173 or click here to schedule a cataract consultation.