5 Important Things to Know BEFORE Cataract Surgery

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1. Will Insurance Pay for My Cataract Surgery?

If you have a cataract and meet your insurance company’s criteria for cataract surgery, then they usually cover the cost of a standard single-focus cataract surgery, minus your policy deductibles and co-payments. If you decide that you want to be less dependent on eyeglasses, and choose to upgrade your lens implant choice, then it will require additional ‘out of pocket’ costs. Most surgeons want to make sure that their patients have access to the best technology available, so they often offer zero-interest financing plans as well as accept credit cards.

2. Does the Surgeon Matter?

Research shows that surgeons who perform a large number of cataract surgeries on a regular basis have better outcomes and fewer complications. Even though we now have bladeless laser technology to assist in the surgery, it is still your surgeon that will make critical decisions such as which implant would best meet your needs, which medications will keep your eye the safest, and the surgeon still manually places the lens implant in the eye.

3. Will I Have to Wear Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

Every individual and every eye is different. If you are a candidate for the upgraded high-tech lens implants, then you may be less dependent on glasses There are even some upgraded patients that don’t need glasses at all after cataract surgery. If you choose to get the standard single-focus lens implant during cataract surgery, then you will most likely need to wear glasses after surgery. Your surgeon will evaluate your eyes and help you decide which lens will satisfy your visual needs.

4. Why Should I Get Cataract Surgery Sooner Than Later?

Here are concerns that people with cataract should consider:

  • Maintaining your driving privileges – People don’t want to lose their driving privileges, and no one wants a person with impaired vision behind the wheel. Also, studies show that people with cataracts have more traffic accidents.
  • Medication mix-ups – Medication details can be small and hard to read. This can be a real safety concern when you can’t read your medication details such as name and dosage.
  • Falls -Studies show that people with cataracts and other eye diseases have a greater risk of fall and fractures. They are simply unable to see the obstacles that cause the fall.
  • Uncomfortable or unable to read – Besides losing the pleasure of reading, it is also important that people clearly see and understand documents they are signing.
  • Loss of independence – This is a big fear. Simply put, if people can’t see, then you can’t take care of yourself.
  • Can’t see the golf ball (tennis ball, pickle ball, fishhook, sewing, etc.) – This may sound silly but the loss of a cherished activity is an important to your quality of life and a major reason to get have good vision.

5. Can Cataracts Come Back?

No, a cataract cannot come back, however, sometimes after successful cataract surgery the natural capsule in the eye can cloud and cause the vision to become blurry again. This is NOT a complication of cataract surgery and happens in 30-40% of cataract surgery patients. It can happen soon after surgery or sometimes years later. The good news is that a simple laser procedure will quickly provide clear vision. Most people return to normal activity the same day.

The Eye Associates

The Eye Associates has been a leader in cataract care for over 40 years. Our skilled surgeons, Dr. Robert Friedman, Dr. Cathleen McCabe, Dr. Brian Foster, and Dr. Seth Oppenheim have collectively performed an amazing 60,000+ cataract surgeries. We have offices in Bradenton, Sarasota, Ellenton, Sun City Center and Venice, Florida. We accept Medicare and most insurance. Want to find out if you have a cataract? Call 1-866-865-2020 for a cataract consultation. Cataract consultations are usually covered by most insurance policies. For more information about cataracts, visit https://www.theeyeassociates.com/services/cataracts-sarasota/.