For many adults, one of the natural by-products of aging is cataracts. We understand how this age-related hardening of the lens of the eye impacts our patients – both physically and emotionally. For many of our patients this natural clouding of the lens of the eye not only causes cloudy or distorted vision but it is an unsettling reminder of age and physical vulnerabilities.
At Center for Sight, we pride ourselves in CUSTOM CATARACT SURGERY – an individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. The path from removal of the cataract to lens implant replacement may have similarities, however no two patients share the same sets of needs and expectations. That’s why our process is truly customized.
Cataract Overview
Option 1
Enhanced Distance Package
High priority on freedom from distance glasses. Will need readers for near work. Additional fee not covered by insurance.
Option 2
MonoVision Package
High priority on freedom from distance and reading glasses. Might need glasses for night driving or specific tasks requiring better depth perception. Additional fee not covered by insurance.
Option 3
Multifocal Package
High priority in freedom from any glasses. Might need readers in low light, will have some halo at night. Additional fee not covered by insurance.
Option 4
Light Adjustable Lens Package
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) with RxSight. This lens allows Dr. Behforouz to precisely fine-tune your chosen visual distance AFTER surgery to provide you with the visual system of your choice. Additional fee not covered by insurance. Learn more about the Light Adjustable Lens here.
Cataract Options
Option 2 Testimonial
Option 3 Testimonial
Option 3 Testimonial
For more information on our Cataract Options, see below.
Cataract Options
Standard Monofocal Package
A monofocal or standard lens implant is inserted once the cataract is removed. This option is best for patients who do not desire freedom from glasses. No astigmatism management is done and both eyes are targeted for the same endpoint. Most patients will still wear full time bifocal glasses with this option. This is fully billed to medical insurance.
What patients who choose this option might say:
- “I want to wear glasses full time.”
- “I feel naked without my glasses.”
- “My glasses cover up the bags under my eyes.”
- “I cannot afford anything more than what my insurance will cover.”
Option 1: Enhanced Distance Package
Once the cataract is removed a specific power and style of implant is inserted to maximize distance vision in each eye, so that the patient can see clearly in the distance (anything further than 5 feet) without the aid of glasses. This option includes correction of astigmatism, intraoperative aberrometry (measuring the eye during surgery once the cataract is removed), and any necessary postoperative laser enhancement (LASIK or PRK) to correct any residual prescription in the eye which prevents adequate distance vision without glasses. This option is not fully covered by insurance and costs an additional amount that is not covered by any insurance.
People who choose this option will still need glasses for near activities (anything inside of 3 feet). This includes computer and reading (books). These glasses are most often over the counter glasses.
People who choose this option might say:
- “I hate wearing glasses to play golf or exercise.”
- “I don’t mind wearing readers but do not want to wear glasses to drive or watch TV.”
- “I wear contacts and do not want distance glasses.”
- “I had LASIK done years ago and now I need glasses full time again. I want to get back to just readers.”
Option 2: MonoVision Package
Once the cataracts are removed, a lens implant is placed in each eye so that one eye sees clearly in the distance without correction and the other sees clearly at near without correction. This option works well for patients who have a history of successful monovision contact lens wear. This package includes correction of astigmatism, intraoperative aberrometry (measuring the eye during surgery once the cataract is removed), and any necessary postoperative laser enhancement (LASIK or PRK) to correct any residual prescription in the eye which prevents adequate distance or near vision without glasses. This option is not fully covered by insurance and costs an additional amount that is not covered by any insurance.
People who chose this option desire freedom from glasses for most activities. Some monovision patients will wear glasses for night driving to enhance their distance vision (correct the reading eye). This decreases glare as well.
People who choose this option might say:
- “I have been doing monovision with my contacts for 25 years and it works well for me.”
- “I do not like reading glasses and have no depth perception issues with monovision.”
- “If I have to wear glasses 5% of the time for my best distance vision, that is ok.” (large arenas or night driving)
Some patients who choose monovision with implants can and choose to wear a distance contact lens in their reading eye when doing activities that warrant better distance vision or depth perception (e.g. playing tennis or going to a football game).
Option 3: Visual Freedom Package
Once the cataracts are removed, a lens implant is inserted that provides vision at multiple distances in each eye. Patients who choose this option have a high priority on being glasses independent after surgery. This package includes correction of astigmatism, intraoperative aberrometry (measuring the eye during surgery once the cataract is removed), and any necessary postoperative laser enhancement (LASIK or PRK) to correct any residual prescription in the eye which prevents adequate distance or near vision without glasses. This option is not fully covered by insurance and costs an additional amount that is not covered by any insurance. People who chose this option desire the most glasses independence after surgery.
People who opt for this package might say things like:
- “I hate glasses!”
- “I have done multifocal contacts and love them.”
- “I don’t want to have to wear glasses for distance or computer vision.”
- “I want to put on makeup without glasses.”
- “I tried monovision and it didn’t work for me.”
Patients who choose these styles of implants usually notice some degree of halos around lights at night. These are most prominent the smaller, brighter, and further the light source. These halos are from the reading rings in these lenses.
Option 4: Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) Package
Once the cataracts are removed, a lens implant is inserted that will provide vision at your chosen visual distance in each eye. This package allows us to customize your vision after your cataract surgery. You will have the unique ability to preview your vision and it can be adjusted in office after surgery to meet your personal preference and lifestyle requirements. This option is not fully covered by insurance and costs an additional amount that is not covered by any insurance. People who choose this option desire the ability to fine-tune their vision after surgery. People who opt for this package might say things like:
- “I have had Lasik, PRK, or RK.”
- “I want the ability to choose a distance that is right for me.”
- “I don’t like the idea of halos and have never done monovision.”
People who choose this style of implant will be required to wear a special pair of UV-protecting glasses for approximately 4-6 weeks after their cataract surgery.
For more information on Cataracts click here.