Procedures

Vision Correction Technology includes:

• ORA Intraoperative Aberrometry
• Advanced Technology Lenses

Optiwave Refractive Analysis

The Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) system allows our surgeons to make sure that you have your best vision correction outcome.

This system uses three cameras on our viewing microscope and sophisticated computer software to take measurements of your eye during surgery. This lets our surgeons refine outcomes and guides them in tailoring treatment to your individual eye to ensure your best possible vision. This technology is available in all of our surgery center locations

Advanced Technology Lenses

Intraocular lens implants (IOLs) offer an enhanced range of vision for patients who need cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange.

Each type of lens has its own merits, so your surgeon can recommend the best lens implant for you, depending on your lifestyle needs. Please contact one of our clinics for an evaluation.

Single vision, or monofocal, lens implants offer a single fixed focal length. This means that a person can choose to have good distance vision and wear glasses for close vision and the computer; or can choose good close vision and wear glasses to see far distances. Most insurance covers these lenses.

Toric lens implants correct astigmatism, as well as distance or near vision. There is additional cost for these lenses not covered by insurance.

Presbyopia correcting lens implants have multiple or adjustable focal lengths. This means that a person can see better for both distance and near vision. There is additional cost for these lenses not covered by insurance.

Common Questions About Vision Correction

What is the difference between Cataract Surgery and Cataract Surgery with Vision Correction?

Cataract surgery is the removal of the cloudy lens and implantation of a clear lens, eliminating the haze and decreased vision associated with a cataract.

Cataract surgery with Vision Correction involves a personalized approach and advanced tools to not only remove your cataract, but to reduce dependence on glasses. Most people have certain activities for which they need perfect vision, and they will still use glasses for those activities. Our physicians will use advanced technologies and tools to determine the best surgical treatment based on your lifestyle, activity preferences and desired vision outcome.

You will discuss your needs with your surgeon to determine whether cataract surgery with Vision Correction is appropriate for you.

Will my insurance pay for Cataract Surgery with Vision Correction?

No, the technology used in cataract surgery with Vision Correction to reduce your dependence on glasses is considered “not medically necessary,” and is not covered by insurance. Insurance will pay for medically necessary cataract surgery, to replace the cloudy lens, so you can see better with new glasses. You are responsible for paying copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and the cost of the additional technology used in cataract surgery with Vision Correction.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common condition that causes blurred vision due to either the irregular shape of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, or the lens inside the eye. The irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the back surface of the eye. This results in blurred vision at any distance. Astigmatism can be reduced with surgery using Vision Correction technologies.

I do not wear glasses now. Will I need to wear glasses after cataract surgery?

Even if you did not wear glasses before cataract surgery, there is a possibility that you will need glasses after cataract surgery.

The natural lens balances vision of the eye so you see well. Since the cataract is in the lens, the clouded lens must be removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant during cataract surgery. This may leave unbalanced astigmatism or other conditions that are not corrected by the insurance-covered artificial lens implant, and that will require you to wear glasses to see well after surgery.

Cataract surgery with Vision Correction uses additional technology and services to correct this imbalance, and reduce your need for glasses after surgery.

How soon after Cataract Surgery with Vision Correction will I be able to see well?

Everyone heals differently after surgery. Most healthy eyes begin to recover vision during the first week after surgery. Please discuss the specifics of your procedure with your surgeon. In general, vision is usually very good by the time you finish using the postoperative drops, or in about a month.

Depending on the decisions about Vision Correction made by you and your surgeon, your near vision may continue to improve for 3-6 months after surgery. The quality of near vision will depend on your working every day to see at near, and resisting the use of reading glasses. Sometimes after surgery, patients see rings, haloes, or starbursts around lights. Not everyone sees this phenomena, but if you do, it’s expected to gradually diminish over 6-12 months after surgery.

Why might the costs of Cataract Surgery with Vision Correction differ between me and my friend?

Depending on lifestyle and vision preferences, a person might request a greater amount of Vision Correction to reduce dependence on glasses for a greater range of activities. The additional cost of providing this extra level of Vision Correction is reflected in the higher price. Also, depending on insurance coverage for surgical procedures, co-insurance and co-pays, patients may pay different amounts for the surgery portion of cataract surgery, in addition to the cost of Vision Correction technologies.

What if my vision isn’t what I expected after cataract surgery?

If your vision is not as clear as expected by the time you finish using your postoperative eye drops, please contact your surgeon.

Your eye doctor managing your postoperative care will inform you if there is any condition during recovery that requires additional treatment. Certain conditions that affect vision may commonly arise after cataract surgery, and require additional treatment that is considered medically necessary and covered by insurance.

Some patients who choose cataract surgery with Vision Correction will require additional enhancement procedures or additional laser vision correction to achieve their best vision result. However, the recommendation for enhancement is based on the surgeon’s discretion and the patient’s individual needs. The cost of these additional Vision Correction procedures is included in the initial cost of cataract surgery with Vision Correction.