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Cataract Program

More and more patients are electing to choose an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) implant to correct their vision after cataract surgery. We educate all patients on IOL options including monofocal IOL, toric monofocal implants for astigmatism correction, light adjustable lenses, and presbyopia-correcting implants that provide favorable distance, intermediate, and near vision.

Pre-Operative Evaluation Resources

The cataract evaluation is a comprehensive ocular evaluation, which includes

Anterior segment slit lamp examination
Dilated posterior segment examination
Dry eye testing
Corneal topography and advanced corneal imaging to quantify irregularities present in the cornea
Biometry Measurements to determine IOL power
Posterior segment photography/OCT

This comprehensive approach aims to determine each patient's candidacy for IOL options and guide the discussion with the patient. Patients also receive
comprehensive education on cataract surgery risks/benefits/alternatives, education on post-operative recovery and expectations, and the expected cost. In addition to the above, the pre-operative evaluation includes an extensive discussion of the IOL options, for each patient to make the best IOL choice for their lifestyle.

Expectations

Expectations of patients undergoing cataract surgery have evolved owing to advances in vision-correcting technology.

The patients that choose an advanced implants have a desire for reduced spectacle dependence, similar to a younger patient presenting for LASIK. They want to be able to experience life without glasses or contacts as much as possible. They are fine having a pair of glasses for certain activities, but they have a great desire to function throughout the day without optical devices. We offer the full array of advanced implants to meet the needs or expectations of patients and maximize the chance of delivering an excellent outcome.

Informed Consent

Educating the patient on the risks of cataract surgery through an adequate informed consent procedure is paramount. At the pre-operative evaluation, the doctor explains the major steps of the procedure, alternative treatments and options, and a thorough list of potential risks, which include blindness, infection, bleeding, pain, and the need for an additional surgery. Once all of the patient's questions are answered, they sign a written informed consent document which contains all of this information available for their review.

Surgery

Cataract surgery is a convenient, same-day procedure for patients and is safely performed by each of our surgeons in less than 10 minutes on average. Patients receive a pill under-the-tongue which helps them relax as well as topical anesthetic just prior to surgery. While intravenous (IV) sedation is available for patients who may need it, most feel comfortable without it and prefer to avoid the extra needlestick. Our pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care team are world-class and take the utmost care to ensure the safety and comfort of each patient.

Post-Op Exam

Patients are seen at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery*
*Patients implanted with the Light Adjustable Lens will follow a postoperative schedule tailored to the patient. Light Adjustable Lens post op schedule can be found here.

The one-week post-operative exam includes measuring the uncorrected and best-corrected vision with manifest refraction, slit lamp exam, and intraocular pressure (IOP). Throughout the post-operative visits, patients are reminded that refractive cataract surgery is a process and may require additional steps (eg, laser refractive enhancement) to maximize their visual outcome.

Post-op Medications

Unless contraindicated due to allergy, all patients receive an intraoperative injection of antibiotic, steroid, and an NSAID at the end of their cataract surgery. Most patients are eligible for Drop-A-Day Cataract surgery, where they receive a single bottle with a combination of an antibiotic, steroid, and NSAID which they use once daily for 4 weeks. This eye drop may be picked up at our office prior to surgery, and this greatly simplifies the process for patients and providers. Otherwise, patients may elect the traditional post-operative regimen of all three drops in separate bottles. Regardless of the patient’s drop regimen choice, each patient is provided with a printable drop schedule as a visual aid for daily tracking.