Today’s Cataract Surgery

If you are over the age of 60, chances are that you have some clouding of the eye’s natural lens – also known as a cataract. Early changes may not disturb vision, but over time cataracts typically result in blurred or fuzzy vision and sensitivity to light. People with severe cataracts often say they feel as if they're looking through a waterfall or a piece of wax paper. There is no medical treatment that can prevent a cataract or reverse its development. Glasses may improve the vision and the prescription should be checked.  Once vision can no longer be improved with glasses, then surgery is the only effective treatment. The good news is that cataract surgery has made extraordinary advances over the past 30 years, resulting in a safe and effective procedure that returns good vision to millions of Americans each year. The procedure includes state-of-the-art microsurgery techniques and foldable, intraocular lenses, and with the new lens options you could be leaving your glasses and contact lenses behind.  Dr. Palmon and Dr. Glasser have over 15 years of experience in southwest Florida.  They specialize in no stitch, no patch, no needle cataract surgery.

New Lens Options for Better Vision

Most patients who undergo cataract surgery receive a single-focus intraocular lens, one which typically requires the use of reading glasses for such tasks as reading a newspaper or menu, or for close work such as threading a needle. Now patients can choose lenses with advanced optic designs that for most patients eliminate, or greatly reduce, their dependence on reading glasses. These FDA approved lenses include the ReSTOR® lens, the Cystalens, and the Tecnis Multifocal lens.  Each uses a slightly different optic technology to correct vision. Southwest Florida Eye Care surgeons will determine the best lens for your lifestyle.  This may involve a different lens in each eye to provide you with a customized treatment that gives you the best vision possible.

Because of the success of these new lenses, this procedure is also becoming widely used for younger patients who want to decrease their dependence on reading glasses.

How do I know which lens is right for me?

You’ll receive a comprehensive examination and a customized treatment plan that thoroughly explains your options. These new, advanced lenses do cost more than the traditional intraocular lens used for cataract surgery, but Medicare will reimburse the costs equal to that of the traditional lens. For more information, please contact our office to schedule a vision evaluation.