Your preoperative consultation is the ideal time to sit with your surgeon and address any questions or concerns you may have. Your vision is incredibly important, educating yourself about the operation beforehand can ease any anxiety you may have. Don’t know where to start? Here are 7 questions to ask your surgeon before your cataract surgery.

What’s the difference between laser and traditional surgery? Which is best for me?

Traditionally, cataracts were removed by making a small incision in the eye to remove the cloudy lens. In some cases traditional surgery is still needed, but most cataract surgeries today are performed with lasers. This allows the cloudy lens to be removed without cutting the eye. In the last 60 years, cataract surgery technology has advanced significantly, becoming one of the safest procedures in the world.

What type of lenses is best for me?

There are several types of lenses that can be implanted after the cloudy lens is removed. These lenses are referred to as Intraocular Lenses, or IOLs. There are three main types of IOL that are used with cataract surgery: Monofocal, Multifocal, and Accommodative.

• Monofocal is the most common. These lenses allow you to improve vision at a set distance- near, intermediate, or far. Most patients choose monofocal lenses to improve sight at far distances, and use eye glasses or contacts to read or drive.
  
• Multifocal lenses allows you to see at any distance. These lenses are best used when both eyes are receiving surgery, and are generally only used in that scenario. Patients with this type of lens may experience more glare and halos around lights at night than those with monofocal lenses.
  
• Accommodative Lenses are the newest type to be introduced. They work with the eye to help you see as clearly as possible at all distances, but near sight is lacking when compared to other lenses.

Will I need glasses after surgery?

After cataract surgery some patients require glasses or contact lenses. This depends largely on your vision prior to cataracts and the type of lens implanted during surgery. If you have monofocal or accommodative lenses, you are more likely to need glasses. Before the surgery ask your doctor if you’ll need glasses.

Meet your surgeon before the operation for peace of mind. Some eye clinics have several surgeons who perform the operations. While you’re at your consultation, clarify who will be performing the surgery and learn their qualifications.

At Vision Quest Medical Center, our highly trained staff has over 60 years of combined experience. Our board certified physicians have attended notable schools such as Duke University, Michigan State University, and University of California San Diego.

How much is cataract surgery, and how much will my insurance cover?

The cost of cataract surgery is largely dependant on your operation, lens choice, and insurance provider. The typical cataract surgery ranges from $3,500 to $6,000 without insurance. Even if you don’t have private medical insurance, medicare can cover a large portion of your operations. If you require more advanced surgeries or are currently being treated for other eye ailments, you may face additional out of pocket costs if you have insurance. Generally monofocal lenses are covered by your insurance while multifocal and accommodative lenses are not.

Before your surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon about costs for surgery and the ens you want. Next contact your insurance provider to see what’s covered. Even if your insurance provider isn’t willing to cover the entire operation, financial resources are available to ensure you receive the care you need.

Preparing for cataract surgery is simple. A week before your surgery your doctor will perform a painless test to determine the shape of your eye. This determines the correct IOL size for your eye. Your doctor may also tell you to stop taking certain medications before your surgery to reduce the risk of complications. You may be instructed to fast for 12 hours before surgery, or to take eye drops to reduce risk of infection.

The most important preparation is arranging a ride home, and having someone stay with you for at least a few hours after surgery. Your doctor will advise you against lifting or bending over for the first few days to prevent increased pressure in the eye.

Most patients are able to see an improvement in their vision a few hours after surgery. Recoveryis generally painless, with vision improving more and more each day. It’s normal to experience some redness or irritation the same day of the surgery. If this discomfort continues inform your doctor at your follow up appointment.

It is extremely rare to see any significant side effects following cataract surgery. The most common is dry eye, which can be easily treated with over the counter or prescription eye drops. More serious complications can include infection, bleeding, or a change in eye pressure that can lead to glaucoma. During your follow up appointments, your doctor will check for and treat side effects immediately if they should arise.

Even though cataract surgery is a relatively safe and common procedure, it’s still important to educate yourself about the operation. Not only will this give you substantial peace of mind, it will also give you a better idea of what to look for when selecting lens types and surgical centers.

In the video below, Dr. Mong describes the importance of understanding your operation.