Newark Cataract Treatment – Lens Options
Eye Care of Delaware offers several types of cataract surgery for patients in Newark. With a long history of successful cataract treatments, Dr. Boyd treats vision problems with precision and care. Contact us for a consultation to identify the appropriate treatment to meet your individual needs.
Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses
Advanced technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) can give patients more independence from glasses or contacts after cataract surgery. A wide variety of IOLs are available.
The lens that’s right for you will depend on your ocular health, the anatomy of your eyes, occupational needs and lifestyle. During your evaluation a surgical counselor will answer your questions, assess your desired visual outcome and help you decide which cataract treatment option will most likely help you achieve your vision goals. Based on your unique eyes we will work with you to help you achieve your “personal best” vision.
An intraocular lens is a permanent replacement for your natural lens and is designed to last the rest of your life. It is important to consider the options carefully, as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to reset your vision!
How to Determine the Best Intraocular Lens
- What are your hobbies?
- Do you read for multiple hours a day?
- Do you work and what is your occupation?
- Do you drive a lot at night?
- Do you use computers frequently?
- What are your favorite outdoor activities?
Our Cataract Surgery Options
Thanks to advancements in the field of cataract treatments there are now several effective surgical options. The following cataract procedures and replacement lenses – also called intraocular lenses (IOL) – can restore vision and improve eye health.
Basic Cataract Surgery
With our “Basic Vision” Option, Dr. Boyd will help you achieve improved quality of vision. This option is for patients who don’t mind wearing glasses all the time for reading and to correct any residual nearsightness, farsightedness or astigmatism after cataract surgery for distance.
- Manual method to remove cataract
- A monofocal IOL which is chosen based on the shape of your eye and your desired focal point
- This option does not treat astigmatism or presbyopia
- Laser is not used
Basic Plus Plan
The Basic Plus option adds the safety and precision of our laser. The laser can reduce small amounts of astigmatism to enhance visual outcome. Other benefits of laser-assisted cataract surgery are: more gentle, better incisions, safer to the cornea and a quicker recovery.
- Laser-assisted surgery, which allows Dr. Boyd to achieve greater precision using less ultrasonic energy to remove the cataract
- Treatment of astigmatism with the femtosecond laser to enhance visual outcome
- This option does not treat presbyopia; patients will still need reading glasses
Toric Lens Plan
Toric IOLs are specifically designed to treat astigmatism. They are precisely aligned at the time of cataract surgery to correct any pre-existing corneal based astigmatism. This allows for improved quality of vision and decreases the need for glasses for distance. It is important to note that patients will still need reading glasses for both intermediate and near vision.
- Specialized implant for patients with higher amounts of astigmatism
- A Customized Aspheric IOL to further clarify your distance vision
- This option does not treat presbyopia; patients will still need reading glasses all the time
Expanded Range of Vision Cataract Surgery
With our “Expanded Range of Vision” Option, Dr. Boyd uses the latest ophthalmic technology to achieve your personal best vision and helps reduce or eliminate your dependency on glasses at most distances. This option provides patients with a more useful range of vision for everyday activities, such as driving, working on a computer or reading a text message. Reading glasses may still be needed in some situations.
- Customized surgical astigmatism management
- An expanded range of vision IOL
- Can create a mixed/blended strategy to optimize performance
Light Adjustable IOL
The Light Adjustable Lens™ is the only adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) available that allows optimization of your vision after lens implantation. What is unique about the Light Adjustable Lens™ is that once your eye has healed following cataract surgery, it can be adjusted to deliver the customized vision you desire.
You will be able to preview and compare possible vision outcomes based on your unique preferences and lifestyle requirements before selecting a prescription for your adjustable lens. Your doctor will then apply a proprietary light treatment that precisely reshapes your implanted lens based on the visual correction that is needed to target your custom prescription.
- Customized to your liking
- Astigmatism correction
- Can create a blended strategy to optimize performance
Insurance Considerations
Please be aware that Medicare and most insurances cover the surgical and facility components of Basic Cataract Surgery, but they do not cover the fees for the additional testing or the advanced technology IOLs used to reduce your dependence on glasses with the Custom Distance or Expanded Range of Vision. So, you would be financially responsible for the elective portion of the procedure along with any co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles. During your evaluation our staff will review this with you, verify your insurance coverage and offer flexible financing options to suit your budget and make seeing clearly more affordable.
Eye Medication Options for Cataract Surgery
Eye medication is vital – it helps reduce pain and inflammation and prevents infection. Here are the medication choices to ensure a safe and effective cataract procedure.
Less Drops vs Dropless
Eye medications are an essential part of your cataract surgery. They are used to prevent infections and to treat post-operative inflammation. The standard drop regimen is to use three separate drops in the operated eye throughout the day for a few weeks. As part of our commitment to enhance your surgical experience, Dr. Boyd offers patients two equally safe alternatives to using standard drops – “Less Drops” and “Dropless” Cataract Surgery which are designed to:
- Eliminate or greatly reduce the need for eye drops
- Reduce the stress of remembering to use multiple drops throughout the day
- Save money on the cost of prescription eye drops
Less Drops
We work with a compounding pharmacy who formulates the necessary drops into one bottle which reduces the cost and frequency of postoperative medication. For your convenience the drops are available at Eye Care of Delaware and can be purchased on the day of your surgery.
Dropless
A combination of antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory steroid, is placed in the eye during your cataract surgery. It is absorbed by the eye over the next month, giving you the protection needed throughout your healing process, without needing to apply multiple drops yourself. Drops are not needed before surgery and most patients will not need them after surgery. However, a small percentage will need an anti-inflammatory eye drop if inflammation develops after surgery. As with all medications, there are possible side effects and some patients are not good candidates for “Dropless Cataract Surgery”.
No matter which cataract surgery and drop option you select, you can trust Eye Care of Delaware to deliver safe, pain-free treatment. We are committed to providing patients with the leading surgical options and anti-inflammatory medication for long-lasting eye care.
Common Questions About the Different Types of Cataract Surgery
What activities should you avoid after cataract surgery?
Patients should avoid driving immediately after surgery. In addition, it is essential to avoid strenuous workouts, wearing makeup, swimming, rubbing your eyes and so on.
How are the eyes kept open during cataract surgery?
The eyes are kept open using a device called an eyelid speculum. As a result of the gentle numbing solution, patients won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Can my cataract come back?
Access the Leading Cataract Surgery Options in Newark
At Eye Care of Delaware, we provide patients with a range of cataract treatments and replacement lens options. Visit our Newark cataract and laser treatment center for expert cataract surgery with Dr. Boyd. Call (302) 454-8800 or request an appointment today.
