Cataracts are a normal part of our ever-changing bodies. Cataracts are caused when the lens material become less clear, making it more difficult for light to pass through this important structure of the eye. Cataracts can also cause scattering of light which produces the symptoms of glare. Many times patients complain that nighttime driving no longer feels safe or that glare from lights becomes very bothersome. When this occurs cataracts may be mature enough to consider removal.

Currently cataract surgery is one of the most common out-patient procedures performed in the United States. Surgery is performed in a surgical suite and generally last only a few minutes. After surgery, patients return home to relax for the remainder of the day. Normally, the only medications necessary before and after surgery are eye drops. The drops are a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to ensure a quick recovery.

Normally, when the cataract is removed it is replaced with an artificial lens that corrects the patient�s vision at distance. Once both eyes have had the surgery performed a patient generally only requires glasses for reading. One option for decreasing dependence on reading glasses is to modify the power of the implanted lens of one eye; setting it for a near focal length. This is a common adjustment done routinely for contact lens wearers as well as cataract surgery patients, and is termed �monovision.� Monovision is a wonderful method for decreasing glasses dependence, but requires the visual system to adapt to this new way of seeing. Occasionally patients complain of a "soft" focus of their vision, stating vision is not as crisp with both eyes open as it is with one eye by itself.

To correct this �soft� focus there are premium implantable lenses that more naturally mimic our natural vision:

Crystalens is a premium implantable lens that focuses very similarly to our natural lens. It attempts to provide clear distance vision while gradually focusing for nearer objects.

Restor is a premium implantable lens that uses new optical technology to provide both distance and near vision. This technology is shared with soft bifocal contact lenses and has been very successful at providing clear distance and near vision.

Toric implantable lenses are another premium lens, but only focus for one desired distance and are different from the Crystalens and Restor. They are highly recommended for specific patients that have astigmatism (an optical distortion).

Only your doctor can determine which lens is best. Please discuss any hobbies or special needs that you may have when discussing lens options. All of these lenses are not available to each patient. Premium lenses give the best possibility of having well corrected vision that most naturally mimics our normal vision.

There is an additional cost for each of these premium lenses. Medicare and other insurance carriers only cover the costs associated with standard lenses. Please discuss individual cost with your doctor.