Cataract Care

What is a Cataract?

Just like the lens of a camera focuses light on the film, the lens of your eye focuses light on the back part of the eye, or retina. If the front of your camera's lens becomes dirty or fogged, then the picture taken will be hazy or blurred.

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. This clouding, usually due to a natural aging of the lens, prevents light from passing clearly through the lens to the retina.

If you've noticed blurring and haziness in your vision, you may be developing cataracts. Other common symptoms of cataracts are dimming of near and/or distant vision as well as glare, yellowish discoloration of vision, and haloes. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss for older Americans.

Low-Stress Cataract Treatment

To restore clear vision for someone with a cataract,  the natural lens, which has clouded, needs to be replaced.  At the Cataract & Lasik Center of Utah, the technique used is called phacoemulsification, an advanced and painless method of cataract removal.

During cataract surgery, a tiny ultrasonic probe breaks up the cataract and draws it away. Because the incision required is only about an eighth of an inch, this technique is often called "small-incision" surgery. It encourages rapid healing, less astigmatism, and a fast return to full activity.

The new lens (commonly called an implant) remains permanently in place and is neither seen or felt by the patient. The lens restores the most natural vision available as well as good depth perception and full peripheral vision.

For those who are candidates, the Cataract & Lasik Center of Utah offers multifocal lens implantation with FDA-approved ReStor or ReZOOM implants.  These lenses can provide a full range of vision - near, far, and in-between - and allow most people to function comfortably with minimal dependence on glasses.

For patients who have astigmatism, the Acrysof Toric intraocular lens may dramatically improve your distance vision.  You can enjoy freedom to drive, golf, or swim without glasses.  You would wear glasses for near tasks.  Please ask about these options which are available for a fee beyond insurance coverage.

The entire procedure is performed on an "outpatient" basis (no hospitalization required). A topical anesthetic is given to make the procedure painless. The surgery is done in a fully-equipped surgical suite with sophisticated emergency monitors and supplies, back-up power and state-of-the art ophthalmic equipment. The Cataract & Lasik Center of Utah was the first facility in Utah County to perform small-incision cataract surgery, and the first Medicare-certified eye surgical center in the state.

Cataracts should be removed when your vision has worsened to the point that they interfere with your lifestyle and you are no longer able to comfortably do the things you enjoy such as reading, working, or driving. Ultimately, the final decision to have surgery must be yours, based on the information you receive and the impediments you experience from your cataract.

The YAG Laser

One important instrument in providing modern after cataract care is the YAG Laser. Although lasers cannot be used to treat cataracts, they are helpful when secondary cataracts develop. In these cases, the clear capsule within the eye which holds the new artificial lens becomes cloudy. The Cataract & Lasik Center of Utah's YAG Laser uses light rays to make a small opening in this capsule (or membrane) right in the office, painlessly and without traditional surgery. This opening restores good vision by allowing the light rays to focus clearly on the retina again. The procedure is required in about 20% of prior cataract patients, is only performed once, and takes only a few minutes with no restrictions afterwards.

Preparing for Surgery

On the morning of surgery take your usual medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Upon arrival at the Cataract Center, you and your family will be greeted by the same familiar staff that helped you with your examination.

You will not need to change clothes for surgery, so we ask that you wear something that is comfortable, clean, and loose around the neck. A gown, cap, and shoe covers will be placed over your clothing. Drops will be administered to the operative eye to dilate the pupil. You will receive some medication from the anesthetist that will help you to relax and be comfortable. Your eye will also be numbed with anesthetic drops.

During Surgery

Your family and friends may watch your surgery through closed-circuit TV if you wish. You may be awake during the surgery and be able to talk to the doctor and staff; however, you will not be able to see the details of the procedure. Our special contoured surgical chair makes your visit so comfortable that some patients prefer to take a short nap. You'll receive something to drink at the conclusion of the procedure. We'll take a photograph to provide you with a memory of your experience at our center.

 Recovering at Home

With small-incision surgery, it is not necessary for the operated eye to be patched. However, there will be a shield in your post-op kit to use when sleeping. The shield or eye glasses may be worn during the day when engaging in activities which may bump the eye. You will be given written instructions and eye drops to apply. DO NOT RUB the eye. You should be able to resume your normal activities the day after surgery EXCEPT for strenuous exercise or any activity that may bump your eye.

Medicare and Insurance

There may be times when you have questions about your insurance coverage. We have a full-time insurance specialist who is always available to answer your questions.  All your forms are always completed and submitted for you.

When surgery is scheduled, you will be informed of what charges to expect, what Medicare usually allows, and what out-of-pocket costs (if any) to expect.  We participate in Medicare, Medicaid, and some preferred provider organizations. We ask that you please bring your card with you to make sure you get the full claim that you are entitled to receive.