PROCEDURES:

CATARACTS

A cataract is usually the result of a natural aging process in the lens of your eye. The lens focuses light to produce clear, sharp images. As we age, proteins cloud the natural lens causing the light rays to scatter instead of focusing sharply. This cloudiness is the cataract and the result is a gradual dimming of vision. Many people with cataracts experience halos around lights, blurry or fuzzy vision, distorted color perception and difficulty driving at night.

There is no treatment to slow the development of a cataract or to reverse it. However, at the Alexander Eye Institute we can remove the cataract and restore your vision!

There are different techniques for cataract removal, but with today’s modern surgical techniques and scientific advancements in technology, cataract surgery has become easier on the patient with less pain and better results. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and at the Alexander Surgery Center, both eyes are frequently completed in the same week. Our patients are usually able to return to regular activities within a day or two.

With the advancements in lens design, patients now have an opportunity to experience an excellent quality of vision after cataract surgery, even patients with astigmatism. At the Alexander Eye Institute, we have combined advanced cataract technology and our expertise in refractive vision correction to provide you with the best vision possible; vision that may be superior to what you have experienced, even before developing cataracts.

Standard Lens Procedure

All cataract surgery is generally performed in the same manner. The differences are in the lens implant that replaces your natural lens once it is removed and the expertise of the surgeon.

A basic monofocal lens implant is usually covered by insurance or Medicare. It provides good vision but only at one focus area, i.e. distance, arms length (intermediate) or reading. Patients will still require glasses for those activities requiring vision in other focus areas

Premium Lens Opportunities

No single lens performs equally well for every individual. That is why cataract care at the Alexander Eye Institute is a process, not merely a procedure.

Our cataract care process begins with a thorough examination – the first step in determining the appropriate procedure and lens type for you. While the characteristics of your eyes play a role in this decision, it is also important to consider your lifestyle and your personal goals. After your cataract removal procedure, we continue to enhance your vision if needed using a full spectrum of advanced refractive techniques to achieve your best possible vision. This is our promise to you.

With our premium lens packages, you are no longer required to purchase drops* saving money and a trip to the pharmacy.

Instead of a standard monofocal lens, today’s cataract patients are able to upgrade to premium multi-focal lenses designed to help reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts.

Dr. Alexander has performed thousands of cataract and lens replacement surgeries and he has extensive experience with placing premium lenses to achieve the best results for his patients.

*Less than 10% of patients need a brief post operative anti-inflammatory.

Full Range Vision

Reduce your dependence on glasses to see distance and up close. Full Range Vision with PermaClear® is used by Dr. Alexander at the Alexander Eye Institute to replace your eye’s aging, cataract-clouded lens with a premium multifocal lens. This procedure is perfect for today’s seniors, as most patients are able to eliminate the need for bifocals and trifocals. If necessary, following the cataract procedure, Dr. Alexander will optimize your vision though refractive enhancements.

We want to provide you with a permanent solution to your vision goals and needs and will review the benefits, limitations and risks of the procedure so you can make the decision that is right for you. Schedule a free consultation to determine if this option is right for you.

Pure Distance Vision

Using a monofocal lens implant, this choice gives our patients high quality distance vision and reduces glare and haloing, especially while driving at night. It is designed for people who want excellent distance vision and are comfortable with reading glasses.

Pure Distance – Astigmatism Correcting
Recent advances in lens technology now provide an effective solution for patients with high or moderate amounts of astigmatism. A customized Toric lens is implanted, which is designed to correct the astigmatism. This can result in greater long-term refractive stability and can provide high quality distance vision for those comfortable with reading glasses.

Blended Vision

Blended vision is a fantastic intermediate step that allows patients to see both distance and near. Known as monovision, each eye is adjusted for a different range of vision. The procedure uses a special HD lens, monofocal or toric, which can give those patients who are comfortable with this approach, a greater depth of field and a blend of vision for a lifetime of active pursuits.

Medicare / Insurance

Cataract removal surgery with a basic monofocal lens implant is usually covered by Medicare and/or insurance, however you must satisfy the plan’s deductibles and co-payments. We work with you to help review the costs covered by your plan prior to surgery.

If you decide to upgrade the lens implant with a premium lens, we go far beyond the basic surgery to ensure that you achieve the best vision possible. We include ongoing assessments and refractive enhancements, such as LASIK or PRK. These enhancements and the additional cost of premium lenses are NOT covered by Medicare or insurance companies. This “out of pocket” expense is above what your insurance covers for basic cataract surgery.

Disclaimer
With any surgical procedure, the results for an individual patient will vary. All surgical procedures carry certain risks.
At the Alexander Eye Institute, we will discuss your options and their risks and benefits so that you can weigh them based on your own personal value system and can make the best choice to achieve your best vision.