If you’ve been told you have cataracts, you may not need surgery immediately. But over time your cataracts will cause loss of vision. The decision for cataract surgery is based on when your vision difficulties start to interfere with your normal activities, like driving, reading, work, or hobbies. Symptoms of cataracts include dim, blurry, or yellowed vision. Poor vision due to cataracts can be a serious health risk.

Many studies have found that cataract surgery can improve the quality of life, reduce the risk of falling, and result in fewer car crashes. In addition, one study found that those who had cataract surgery had a 40 percent lower long-term mortality risk than those who did not.

Cataracts are part of the natural aging process. And yes, most people eventually do get cataracts. In fact, according to American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), close to 25.7 million Americans over age 40 have cataracts and the number is projected to increase to 45.6 million by 2050. Cataract surgery is the most common elective surgical procedure among patients over the age of 65 in North America.

Wearing ultraviolet (UV) protecting sunglasses may help reduce the progression of cataracts. In addition, a balanced diet containing a reasonable amount of antioxidant vitamins may help slow the progression of cataracts, while supporting overall health.

Generally, cataracts progress at about the same rate in both eyes; however, many people seem to notice cataract symptoms in one eye first.

There are three types of cataracts:

• A nuclear cataract forms in the lens. Those over the age of 65 often develop this type of cataract. More than half of all Americans over the age of 65 will develop this type of cataract.
• A cortical cataract forms in the lens, then grows from the outside to the center of the lens. Diabetics seem to develop this type of cataract more often.
• A subcapsular cataract forms in the back of the lens. Those with diabetes, far-sightedness, or retinitis pigmentosa may be at a higher risk to develop this type of cataract.

Because aging and vision problems go hand in hand, if you’re over 50 you’re at greater risk of suffering from night blindness. Cataracts—where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, resulting in blurry or distorted vision—could be the cause. If you were happily driving at night 10 to 12 years ago and avoid it now, the most common cause is cataracts.

At Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region, our cataract surgeons work closely with you in customizing a cataract surgery plan that works for your lifestyle, vision needs, AND your budget. We customize a cataract surgery plan for each patient depending on their budget, vision goals, and individual needs.

Once you’ve received a cataract diagnosis, you’ll meet with one of our cataract surgeons to discuss a custom treatment plan. A member of our staff will then go over the total estimated costs and your insurance. Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region works with CareCredit^® to provide flexible and affordable payment options to qualified applicants.

The total cost of cataract surgery is dependent on a number of factors and varies from patient to patient. Some of the factors that affect final cost are:

• Your insurance plan coverage (deductible, co-pay)
• The technology used during surgery (specialized, custom cataract surgery or traditional cataract surgery)
• The type of intraocular lens (IOLs) that the doctor recommends for placement once the cataracts are removed (standard monofocal IOL or premium IOL)
• Surgeon’s fees
• Facility, anesthesia, and equipment fees
• Pre-operative exams and post-surgical care including prescriptions needed after surgery

Traditional cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision for many patients. In fact, it is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States; more than 3 million cataract surgeries are done each year. Traditional cataract surgery is dependent on a surgeon’s skill, volume, and experience.

For decades, we’ve performed traditional cataract surgery, performing thousands upon thousands of procedures with great success. But now there is a new tool in the cataract surgery arsenal—the femtosecond laser system. Evidence has shown that there is NO increase in accuracy and precision over expertly performed traditional cataract surgery.

So, is the extra money for laser-assisted cataract surgery worth it? Not usually. What is most important is that you work with a board-certified ophthalmologist who is skilled and experienced in cataract surgery. Discuss your vision goals with your physician, as well as what type of intraocular lens (IOLs) would benefit you the most. Some patients choose monofocal IOLs and don’t mind having to use glasses after surgery. Other patients may choose to go with a premium IOL, such as a multifocal or accommodating lens designed to be less dependent on glasses. Be mindful that not all surgeons have implanted specialized, premium IOLs, and they may not discuss the benefits of these lenses with their patients. Typically, we recommend any out-of-pocket cost associated with cataract surgery be used on specialized premium IOLs.

Cataract surgery takes about 10 minutes in the operating room. Most people are in our surgery center for about 90 minutes, including pre- and post-operative time.

Why would a glaucoma specialist do my cataract surgery?