Laser Cataract Surgery
All of us are born with a flexible, clear crystalline lens in our eyes that over time becomes cloudy and less flexible. “Cataract” is the term we use for these changes in the lens and results in blurry vision and problems with contrast and glare.
Cataract surgery involves replacing the cloudy lens with a clear, artificial lens (also called an intraocular lens, or IOL). There are different types of technologies available to remove the cataract, and there are different types of implants available that can give distance, intermediate, and near vision. We at Florida Medical Clinic Eye Specialists are pleased to offer our patients some of the most advanced technologies available for cataract surgery.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery is the procedure of choice for many patients
Historically, eye surgeons have used ultrasound energy solely through small incisions to remove the cataract. More recent technological advances utilizing femtosecond laser energy can perform several of the most critical steps of the surgical procedure. Dr. Arey was the first to bring femtosecond laser technology to North Tampa and is proud to offer the LenSx® femtosecond laser to his patients undergoing cataract surgery.
At FMC Eye Specialists, you have options!
Medicare and commercial insurances typically cover the costs of cataract surgery as a medically necessary procedure. However, if you choose to undergo surgery with the LenSx® laser and/or a specialized or premium IOL, Medicare and commercial insurances consider these to be “non-covered services,” resulting in additional out-of-pocket expense. Financing may be available for those patients desiring advanced cataract surgery.
Option 1: Standard Surgery
This option includes cataract surgery with a high-quality, standard implant that will improve your distance vision. Almost every patient will need reading glasses with the standard implant, and most patients will need bifocal glasses for optimal distance and near vision. There are no additional fees involved beyond the deductible and co-payments associated with surgery.
Option 2: Astigmatism Correction
This option uses a combination of the LenSx® laser and/or a toric IOL to reduce or eliminate your astigmatism and maximize your distance vision.
Most people have some astigmatism, meaning that the cornea, or clear “window” into the eye, is not perfectly round, but shaped more like an oval, similar to the difference between a soccer ball and a football.
By correcting the astigmatism, your distance vision without glasses will be maximized, though you will need reading glasses for near work. These can be prescription reading glasses or “over-the-counter” readers, depending on your preference. This option costs $2045 per eye beyond your deductible/ co-payments associated with cataract surgery.
Patients who choose this option are able to wear nonprescription sunglasses and enjoy many activities such as golf, tennis, swimming, and driving without the hassle of glasses.
Option 3
This option utilizes the LenSx® laser to assist in the performance of state-of the art cataract removal with implantation of either the PanOptix® trifocal intraocular lens or the Vivity® extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens.
PanOptix® is the first FDA-approved trifocal lens available in the United States and has been used by Dr. Arey since 2019 in patients striving for maximum glasses independence following cataract surgery. This lens is ideal for those with an active lifestyle wishing to achieve excellent vision at all ranges (distance/ intermediate/ near) with minimal dependence on reading glasses after surgery.As with all multifocal lenses, there is an increased chance of halos and/or glare with PanOptix® versus a conventional monofocal lens implant.
Vivity® was approved by the FDA in 2020 as the newest EDOF lens available for patients undergoing cataract surgery. Vivity® provides a range of vision from distance to intermediate without additional risk of halos and/or glare. Detailed near tasks such as reading fine print may require either reading glasses or an adjustment in the font size/ zoom on your smartphone or other device. Vivity® may also be an option for patients that have other pre-existing ocular conditions that would otherwise prevent them from receiving a premium intraocular lens implant.
Dr. Arey is pleased to have been among the first cataract surgeons in America and to implant both the PanOptix® and Vivity® lenses. This option costs $3245 per eye beyond the deductible/ co-pays associated with surgery.
To learn more about Dr. Arey and FMC Eye Specialists, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (813) 284-2323.
Cataract Surgery FAQs
What is a cataract?
Why do people get cataracts?
Will I be awake during surgery? Does cataract surgery hurt?
How do I know when my cataract is “ripe” or “ready”?
A cataract is considered “ready for surgery” when the patient has problems with common activities, such as reading, driving, or watching television. Normally, this correlates with an inability to read all of the lines on the eye chart. Some insurers, like Medicare, have rules about the number of lines a patient cannot read before they qualify for cataract surgery.
What is laser cataract surgery?
Many patients think that all cataracts are removed with a laser and that we have been doing surgery this way for the last twenty years. In actuality, surgeons have used ultrasound (not laser) energy to remove the cataract. However, we now have true laser technology to make incisions, correct astigmatism, and disassemble the cataract, increasing the precision and elegance of this remarkable surgical procedure!
Dr. Arey was the first to bring this exciting laser cataract surgery technology to North Tampa and utilizes the LenSx® femtosecond laser to perform the critical steps of the procedure.
Why doesn’t my insurance cover options #2 and #3?
Medicare and/or commercial insurances do not cover the treatment of astigmatism or presbyopia (the need to use reading glasses).
The use of the LenSx® or special IOL for the treatment of astigmatism and/or presbyopia is considered a “non-covered service,” and payment is the responsibility of the patient.
Before surgery, you will be made aware of your expected out-of-pockets costs. Additionally, financing may be available through Care Credit (www.carecredit.com).
Do I need to stop blood thinners prior to cataract surgery?
Common blood thinners include aspirin, Plavix®, Xaralto®, Pradaxa®, Eliquis®, and Coumadin®/ warfarin. We may ask your primary physician or cardiologist for permission to stop these blood thinners prior to cataract surgery, though most of the time we do not need you to discontinue, as there is minimal risk of bleeding with cataract surgery when performed with topical anesthesia.
How long do I need to take off from work? What are the limitations postoperatively?
Most patients take off of work the day of surgery, and the day afterwards. If you have a job that does not require much physical activity, you can go back to work within one to two days after the surgery. If your job is strenuous, requiring much physical exertion, we recommend at least a week off of work. If you are retired, we recommend two days of limited activity, and advise you to refrain from heavy exertion for one week after surgery. Most people can drive within one to two days after the surgery.
Do I have to use any drops after surgery?
Our patients are instructed to begin utilizing their eye drops three days before surgery and continue for three to four weeks post-operatively to treat expected inflammation, reduce the risk of retinal swelling, and minimize the risk of post-operative infection.
Can I get a cataract again if I’ve had cataract surgery?
A cataract occurs when the natural lens gets cloudy, and cataract surgery involves removal of this natural lens. Therefore, it is impossible to get another cataract if you had cataract surgery. Not uncommonly, however, an opacification or clouding of the lens capsule that supports the IOL does occur, and in these fairly common cases we perform a laser polishing procedure in the clinic. This procedure is typically covered by your medical insurance as a medically necessary procedure when it impacts your vision negatively.
What can I expect to experience after cataract surgery?
For most patients the vision will be a bit blurry on the day of and day after surgery, with clearing of the vision over the following several days. A more severe cataract will result in a slower recovery of vision after surgery. Many patients may also experience irritation, foreign body sensations, glare, and sensitivity to light. These symptoms are transient and quickly resolve.
To learn more about Dr. Arey and FMC Eye Specialists, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (813) 284-2323.
2 Locations
NORTH TAMPA
14014 North 46th Street, Suite A, Tampa, FL 33613
LAND O’ LAKES
2100 Via Bella Blvd, Suite 105
Search
Programming, Design and Hosting by PracticeDock, ©