If you are finding it more difficult to read fine print than you used to…
If you are experiencing cloudiness or blurriness in your vision…
If you are struggling to see well enough to drive comfortably at night…
If colors are duller than they used to be when you were younger…
…you may be experiencing the beginning stages of cataracts. It’s definitely worth looking into because who would want to spend their prime years with less than prime vision? Not you! You have plans. Plans to travel, to play with grandchildren. You have projects to complete and milestones to celebrate… you have life to live!
Center For Sight Las Vegas — a leader in the treatment of cataracts — wants to help you live it complete with better vision.
Want to learn more? Keep reading…
Ready to have vision that is 20/Happy?
What is a Cataract?
As you age, a cloudiness can develop on the natural lens of your eye, causing your vision to blur. This lens must be clear in order to focus light properly onto the retina, which is the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes too thick and cloudy, it is called a cataract.Today, cataracts affect more than 22 million American age 50 and older and, as the U.S. population ages, more than 30 million Americans are expected to have cataracts by the year 2020.*
*Prevent Blindness America
As cataracts progress, traditional contact lenses and glasses will be unable to fully correct your vision and surgery is necessary to replace the natural lens of the eye. Exciting advances in medicine and technology have been game changers in the treatment of cataracts. Many patients now report having visual acuity (clarity) that is even better than what they experienced before cataracts.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Because vision tends to weaken as part of the natural aging process, distinguishing the symptoms of naturally aging eyes from the symptoms of the onset of cataracts can be somewhat challenging.
Clear lens
Cloudy lens
The ideal way to address this challenge is with regular eye exams, especially if you are over the age of 55. Center For Sight can provide a complete and thorough cataract evaluation which will include a series of computer-aided and traditional tests administered by a skilled technician. Vision prescriptions, topography of your eye and overall eye health will be evaluated, among other factors.
As your cataracts progress, you may experience symptoms such as:
Cloudy, blurry or dim vision
More difficulty seeing at night or in low light
Sensitivity to light and glare
Seeing halos around lights
Faded or yellowish colors
The need for brighter light for reading and other activities
Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
Double vision within one eye
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call Center For Sight today to schedule a comprehensive cataract evaluation and learn more about your options. It is the first step in restoring your vision and living a life that is 20/Happy.
How are Cataracts Treated?
This is important for you to know: cataracts cannot be treated with medication, eye drops, or lifestyle changes and they will not heal on their own. Cataracts must be surgically removed in order for vision to be restored.
“Am I ready for cataract surgery?” may be a question you’re asking yourself. The answer to when is the right time for cataract surgery is a very individual one. Most experts agree that when a cataract begins to negatively affect your life and your daily activities, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.
During cataract surgery, your Center For Sight cataract surgeon will make a tiny incision in your eye to gently remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. The new lens can’t be seen or felt and stays inside the eye permanently.
The incision is tiny and stitches are not required. It will heal completely by itself. Recovery time is impressively fast, thanks to advances in technology. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours of their procedure.
While all surgeries come with risks, the success rate for cataract surgery is extremely high. Most patients describe the procedure as very comfortable, with minimal to no discomfort. In fact, more than 3 million men and women undergo cataract surgery every year, making the procedure one of the most common and most successful medical procedures in the U.S. today.*
*American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Laser vs. Basic Surgery
If you are planning to have cataract surgery, there are two surgical options: laser-assisted cataract surgery or basic cataract surgery.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
The most recent breakthrough in cataract surgery is the introduction of the cataract laser. At Center For Sight, we offer FDA-approved laser cataract technology. And in the opinion of our experienced surgeons, this adds to the safety, precision and accuracy of the procedure.
With the introduction of the FDA-approved femtosecond cataract laser, we have the ability to create a precise laser-guided incision and reduce astigmatism during the cataract surgery procedure.
This amazing femtosecond laser uses a range of advanced technologies to capture highly accurate, detailed and high-resolution images of your eyes. These images, and the measurements and data they provide, give your Center For Sight cataract surgeon the ability to customize the cataract procedure to the unique characteristics of your eye.
When in the hands of an expert surgeon, the laser assists in key steps of the cataract surgery process. Its software system analyzes your eye, assisting the surgeon in designing and carrying out a customized procedure. To further enhance accuracy, a patient interface connects your eye to the image-guided surgical unit, so both the computer and the surgeon operating it have precise, real-time images, throughout the procedure.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery at Center For Sight is a simple procedure in which your eye’s cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens implant. The implant is called an intraocular lens, or IOL. It is an outpatient procedure and does not require a hospital stay.
Basic Cataract Surgery
With basic cataract surgery, a basic intraocular lens is still inserted once the cataract is removed. The difference lies in how the cataract is accessed. In conventional surgery, the surgeon accomplishes these tasks by making a tiny incision in the eye (by hand, with a blade) and then using an instrument about the size of a pen tip to remove the cataract.
While both methods are safe and patients enjoy a very high success rate, it is the opinion of our experienced Center For Sight cataract surgeons that the safety, precision and accuracy of the procedure are enhanced with the selection of our FDA-approved laser technology.
To learn about how to be free of your glasses (even those pesky readers!!) after cataract surgery, read on.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
That, friend, is completely up to you. Before advanced technology IOLs were developed, people had to wear very thick eyeglasses or special contact lenses to be able to see after cataract surgery. But now, with so many advancements in the field of cataract surgery, several types of IOL implants are available to help people enjoy greatly improved vision.
Today, you have more choices than ever when it comes to the opportunity to no longer have to wear glasses or bifocals after cataract surgery.
Introducing Advanced Technology Cataract Lenses
Although basic cataract surgery is highly successful at removing the cataract and replacing the eye’s natural lens with a clear lens, many patients still need glasses or bifocals to achieve optimal vision. Compared to basic intraocular lenses (IOLs), advanced technology lens options eliminate or greatly reduce the need or dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
While both methods are safe and patients enjoy a very high success rate, it is the opinion of our experienced Center For Sight cataract surgeons that the safety, precision and accuracy of the procedure are enhanced with the selection of our FDA-approved laser technology.
Today’s advanced technology lenses are designed to help you live your life…the way you want to live it. Specifically, Multifocal lenses are created to improve distance and near focus, while Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism.
While none of today’s lens options can definitively promise 20/20 vision at all distances, most patients who choose an advanced technology lens are glasses-free for most of their daily activities and are thrilled with their vision after cataract surgery.
So, whether you love to play golf, swim, hike, knit or even enjoy a great book, we have a procedure tailor-made to give you the opportunity to have vision that is 20/Happy.
At Center For Sight, we offer several advanced technology lens options, all of which can focus at multiple distances but each with its own distinct advantages. Based on your vision needs and lifestyle, we will help you choose the advanced technology lens best suited for you.
Light Adjustable Lens™
The Light Adjustable Lens is the first and only IOL that allows your physician to customize your vision following cataract surgery. You will be able to preview and compare possible vision outcomes with your doctor based on your personal desires and lifestyle requirements.
Crystalens®
This advanced technology lifestyle lens corrects presbyopia (over-40 vision) as well as common refractive errors, providing an expanded range of clear vision and a decreased need for eyeglasses after cataract surgery.
Tecnis® Extended Range of Focus Lens
The Tecnis Symfony, extended range of vision lens is an excellent option if you deal with presbyopia (over-40 vision). This lens minimizes dependence on reading glasses and provides good contrast, even in low light conditions. The Symfony IOL also reduces the effects of halos and glare. It is the only implant to provide a continuous, full range of vision at all distances.
Toric Lens
Astigmatic patients typically need additional correction beyond basic cataract replacement surgery in order to see clearly. This lens is designed to provide you with the ability to see objects at a distance, while correcting your astigmatism at the same time.
Tecnis® Multifocal Lens
A multifocal lens implant designed to provide you with the ability to focus on objects at multiple distances in any lighting condition — near, intermediate and far. In most cases, your dependence on glasses will be reduced; however, some people may still need them for reading small print. Nearly 9 out of 10 people who choose Tecnis Multifocal IOLs enjoy freedom from eyeglasses after cataract surgery, according to the manufacturer.
Trulign® Toric Lens
An advanced technology IOL that enhances visual acuity and can reduce the need for glasses in day-to-day activities. Trulign is the first Toric IOL that corrects astigmatism and has the additional capacity to deliver improved vision across a natural range of focus, including uncorrected near, intermediate and distance vision. Glasses may still be needed for small print.
Monofocal Lens
A monofocal lens can be chosen in place of a advanced technology lens and is designed to provide you with high-quality vision at only one focal point, typically distance vision. You will still need glasses for viewing objects up close.
Not sure which advanced technology lens is best for you? No worries. We can help.
Important to note, unlike traditional cataract technology and lens options, Advanced Technology Lens Packages are not covered by Medicare and insurance payers. The additional fee involved for these advanced lenses will be further explained during your cataract consultation at Center For Sight.
Advanced Accuracy and Optimal Outcomes with the ORA™ System
The ORA System, featuring VerifEye+™ Technology, is an amazing advancement in cataract surgery that allows for continuous assessment of your eye throughout your cataract procedure, ensuring the most precise lens placement possible and allowing for the most accurate results. The system provides highly detailed guidance and verification every step of the way.
The ORA System, featuring VerifEye+ technology, is included with the selection of an Advanced Technology Lens Package at Center For Sight. It is also available as an added option with the selection of a standard monofocal lens.
What Should I Expect After Cataract Surgery?
In the vast majority of cataract surgeries performed at Center For Sight Las Vegas, vision is significantly improved immediately following the procedure and continues to improve over the next few days and weeks. In most cases, patients are able to resume normal activities (including work) the very next day!
If you experience any discomfort in the days following your procedure, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin).
Your vision may be slightly blurred for up to four weeks following the procedure (as your eye recovers) and you may experience some redness. This redness will gradually clear during the first few days after your procedure. You may also notice that your pupil (the black part of your eye) is larger or smaller than the pupil of the other eye. Please don’t worry! This is normal. The pupil will slowly return to its normal size within two days after the procedure.
It is important to keep all of your appointments following your cataract surgery and to adhere to the prescription drop schedule closely.
Paying for Cataract Surgery
The cost of basic cataract surgery is generally covered by Medicare, as well as by most private insurance providers. In some cases, your insurance or Medicare provider may require you to test at a certain level of vision acuity, or clarity, to determine if you are eligible for coverage.
Although Medicare or private insurance covers your basic cataract surgery, there may be some costs not covered by your insurance. Examples of out-of-pocket expenses include the selection of an advanced technology lens instead of a standard lens and the selection of laser-assisted cataract surgery versus basic cataract surgery.
The experienced team at Center For Sight can help you maximize your benefits and select an affordable financing plan for any portion of your procedure not covered by Medicare and private insurance.
Ask us about Care Credit!
Cataract Patient Testimonials
Call to schedule your cataract evaluation or contact us online to learn more about your cataract surgery options at Center For Sight Las Vegas.