Premium Cataract Surgery

Best option for the individual who desires clear distance and near vision without glasses after cataract surgery.

Surgical procedure includes:

• Insertion of a Multifocal or Accommodating near far focusing implant
• Astigmatism correction surgical procedure(s) if appropriate

Pre-operative testing includes:

• Measurement of the curvature of the eye
• Measurement of the length of the eye
• Orb-scan measurement of the shape of the cornea
• Ultrasound measurement of thickness of the cornea
• Measurement of the size of the pupil in normal and dim light
• WaveScan evaluation with calculation of the eye's higher order aberrations as needed
• Ocular Dominance Testing
• Tests to determine the eye's tear production if needed

Post-operative care includes:

• Multiple post-op refractions
• Further astigmatism correction procedure(s) if appropriate
• Laser vision correction if needed – NO CHARGE (normally $2,500 per eye)

The cataract procedure itself is a covered service under most insurance plans.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (Multifocal IOL’s) are advanced technology lenses designed to allow patients to see at all distances: near, far, and all distances in between, following cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery.  These lenses offer many advantages over single focus (Monofocal) IOL’s.  In Clinical studies the vast majority of patients who received Multifocal lenses were able to see clearly without glasses at all distances.

There are different types of Multifocal IOLs, but in general, each works by focusing light rays that pass through the lens to different focal points on the Retina.  Focusing the light rays to different points on the Retina allows images that are at multiple distances from the eye to be seen clearly without requiring glasses.  Conversely, Single focus IOLs (Monofocal IOLs) focus light rays on only one point on the Retina and are not capable of providing clear vision at multiple distances without the use of glasses or contact lenses.

In Clinical Studies approximately 85% to 90% of patients who received Multifocal IOLs did NOT need glasses for most tasks.  A small percentage find that they still need glasses for certain tasks, such as extended reading or computer usage, particularly in low light or dimly lit settings.  That being said, thousands of patients attest to the beneficial effects of multifocal lenses and were so satisfied with their results that approximately 94% of them would have Multifocal Lenses implanted again. 

There are three different multifocal IOL designs that are approved for implantation at the time of cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery in the United States.  Our surgeons have extensive experience implanting each of the available design lenses and will help you choose which lens is best for your individual visual needs.  Below is a brief description of FDA approved lenses we prefer our patients who choose Multifocal IOLs.

The IQ ReSTOR® IOL is an acrylic, aspheric, single piece diffractive lens based on the proven AcrySof® technology.  It utilizes apodized diffractive lens technology to provide clear vision at a wide range of distances.  Apodization is a technology used in many high quality telescopes. This technology provides high quality vision at all distances. 

 

The Tecnis Multifocal IOL is an acrylic, aspheric, three-piece designed diffractive lens based on the successful Tecnis platform.  It utilizes a proprietary non-apodized surface that has concentric focus rings throughout the entire posterior surface of the lens.  This technology enables high quality vision at all distances in all lighting conditions.

One of the natural consequences of all multifocal lenses, including the IQ ReSTOR® and Tecnis Multifocal, is that they may produce some glare and halos around lights.  The amount of light phenomenon varies from person to person, but in general most people adapt to Multifocal IOLs very well and enjoy high quality glasses free vision for most activities.  Be sure to discuss your individual visual needs with one of our doctors so we can help you choose which lens technology is best for you.

Click below for more information on the ReSTOR® Multifocal lens

Click below for more information on the Tecnis Multifocal lens

Accommodating IOL - Crystalens®

Crystalens® is an advanced technology Accommodating IOL designed to mimic the youthful natural lens.  In young, healthy eyes, the natural lens is attached to muscles that move the lens inside the eye.  This lens movement, called "accommodation", allows the eye to change focus from distant to near objects.  (As the eye ages, the natural lens loses it's flexibility and no longer moves enough to focus clearly on near objects without the use of glasses.  This loss of ability to see up close with aging is called Presbyopia).

The Crystalens® accommodating IOL is flexible and works much in the same way the youthful lens of the eye works.  The eye's natural muscles flex the Crystalens® inside the eye and allow patients to focus on objects at various distances, providing a continuous range of vision at distance, intermediate, and even close up.  Standard Monofocal IOLs do not flex and cannot provide a range of vision.  In fact, more than twice the number of people implanted with the “Crystalens®” could see better at all distances compared to a Standard Monofocal IOL.    

Crystalens® is the only accommodating IOL approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. The clinical trial results of the Crystalens® are impressive with approximately 85% of patients able to see all distances without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.  Those who still used glasses usually needed them for small print and reading, though typically not for day to day visual tasks.  (link the Crystalens® study info here),  Because the lens is NOT a Multifocal IOL, Crystalens® is NOT prone to side effects such as glare and halos.

When considering the Crystalens®, it is important to note that full range of vision takes time.  Results aren't immediate since the eye muscles need to be retrained to flex the Crystalens®.  Distance vision is typically good almost immediately, but it may take up to a year before the full range of near vision is achieved without glasses.  Most patients need reading glasses for some near tasks until the eye muscles are trained.  The vast majority of patients enjoy dramatically reduced dependence on glasses with Crystalens® as compared to standard monofocal IOLs, but not everyone is able to achieve complete glasses independence.  It may also be necessary to fine tune the lens after surgery to provide optimal results. 

The surgeons at Nevada Eye Consultants are the only surgeons in Northern Nevada awarded the Crystalens® Center of Excellence

Click below for more information on the Crystalens® lens

 

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an eye condition where the eye loses its ability to focus on near objects. Presbyopia is a normal symptom of aging.  Symptoms of presbiopia are often noticed between the ages of 40-50 as near images become more difficult to see.  Eventually, reading glasses are necessary to see objects up close.  Presbyopia's exact mechanisms are not known with certainty; research evidence most strongly supports a loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens.

The first symptoms most people notice are difficulty reading fine print, particularly in low light conditions, eyestrain when reading for long periods, blur at near or momentarily blurred vision when transitioning between viewing distances. Many presbyopes complain that their arms have become "too short" to hold reading material at a comfortable distance.

Presbyopia, like other focus defects, becomes much less noticeable in bright sunlight. This is a result of the pupil closing to a smaller diameter.

Presbyopia is not corrected by standard cataract surgery. Presbyopia correcting Premium IOLs are available for patients who wish to have presbyopia corrected.

 

Lens Options