| What is a cataract? |
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| A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens focuses light rays on the retina at the back of the eye. When a cataract forms, the light rays cannot pass easily through it, and the image becomes blurry. |
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| What are the symptoms of cataracts? |
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Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or out of focus vision |
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Glares or halo-like effect at night |
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Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription |
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Double vision |
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| What is involved in cataract surgery? |
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If surgery is recommended, your physician will discuss your options with you and explain the procedures.
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens. Once the cataract is removed, a plastic replacement lens implant will be inserted inside the eye. Your surgeon usually performs “no stitch surgery” as the incision is made in such a way that the eye’s internal pressure actually seals the incision. The healing time is faster with fewer restrictions. |
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| How long is the recovery period after cataract surgery? |
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| Most people do not need to stay overnight in a hospital to have cataract surgery. You will go to the hospital as an outpatient, have the surgery, and leave the same day. You will need a friend or family member to take you home and someone to stay with you for at least a day. You may return to most physical activities almost immediately. |
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| Intraocular Lens Options |
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| What is an intraocular lens? |
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| An intraocular lens (IOL) is usually implanted during cataract surgery to replace the clouded lens being removed. A comprehensive eye examination prior to surgery will determine what type, size and power of IOL is needed. The prescription lens implants are made from a flexible plastic that can be folded and inserted into the same small incision used to remove the cataract. The IOL is held in place inside the eye by tiny wires attached to the implant. Once the lens is implanted, it functions similarly to a natural lens and usually is not detectible to the patient. |
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“What Is The Difference In Cost Between A Traditional Monofocal Lens And
Premium IOL?" |
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| Insurance policies vary, but Medicare supplemental insurance and private insurance will typically still cover the basic cataract surgery procedure with a conventional intraocular lens. However, if you decide to have a premium lens implanted, there will be an additional cost that is not covered by insurance or Medicare. You can elect to pay the difference for the added benefit of the premium lens. |
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| “What Does Medicare Cover?” |
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In May of 2005, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a ruling allowing Medicare beneficiaries undergoing cataract surgery to choose, at an added fee, a presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens that provides distance, intermediate and near vision with reduced spectacle dependence. The new premium intraocular lens qualifies under this ruling.
Under the new policy, Medicare will continue existing reimbursement amounts for cataract surgery, and patients may elect to pay additional charges for advanced technology lenses such as the premium intraocular lens. Talk to one of our insurance specialists to discuss your Medicare options. |
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| “How Do I Find Out More?” |
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Call our office at 309-243-2400 today for more information.
Facts About Cataract. National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. June 2004. |