What is a Cataract?

Loss of eye sight from cataracts is usually preventable!
With the formation of a cataract, activities like reading, bowling, or driving can be difficult. Fortunately, vision can be restored quickly, allowing the patient to return home within a few hours. With new advances in cataract surgery, vision improvement begins almost immediately.
WHAT IS A CATARACT?
WHAT IS A CATARACT?
 
A Cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye. Normally, light passes through the clear lens and is focused onto the Retina. However, the natural aging process can cause the lens to become cloudy. The Cataract or cloudy lens blocks the passage of light through the eye and causes distorted or blurred vision, glare, or difficulty seeing in poor lighting conditions.

Cataract surgery is the most common operation in the world. In the United States, millions procedures are performed annually. There are many millions of cases of early cataracts among Americans aged 40 and older, and 50 percent of people older than 65 have developed significant cataracts.


Cataract and Intra-ocular lens (IOL) Consultation

Your refractive consultation is an information session where we will discuss your vision issues and goals, your refractive options and what you can expect from surgery. We will review your contact lens and/or eyeglass history and run tests as needed to determine the uniformity of your cornea and recommend the best procedure for you. Your consultation may be covered by insurance.

This 2-2½ hour dilated consultation typically includes a complete review of overall eye and systemic health plus an assessment of other eye conditions and an evaluation of the retina.


The Cataract Procedure

Cataract surgery is performed on an out-patient basis. You will not need to be hospitalized for your doctor to perform your surgery. The procedure normally takes less than 30 minutes and you can return home shortly after your procedure. Most people will enjoy improved vision by the day after surgery or within a few days following the procedure.

Your Anesthesiologist will first administer a light sedative which will relax your nerves and keep you comfortable during the procedure. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to completely numb the eye. Your doctor will either use the latest technology LenSx bladeless laser assisted surgery or traditional cataract surgery to remove the cataract. The entire procedure is typically performed through an incision that is smaller than 1/8 of an inch and does not require stitches to heal.

Once the cataract is removed, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is placed where the cataract lens was removed, to restore your sight. Most patients will not have significant discomfort and can return to their normal daily routines, including reading, driving and walking.


What should I expect about my Cataract surgery?

Before deciding to have Cataract surgery, you will need an initial examination to make sure your eyes are suitable for surgery. Your doctor will take a complete history about your medical and eye health and perform a thorough examination of both eyes. The best lens implant available to accommodate each patient's individual situation. We will be certain that you receive professional and thorough education regarding lens implant options.
 
 
 
Cataract Surgery Financing

Cataract surgery and standard (monofocal) intraocular lenses (IOL) is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans, as this procedure is considered medically necessary. Upgrading cataract surgery to the Intra-ocular lens (IOL) to correct presbyopia or astigmatism, however, is only partially covered by Medicare or other insurance for the cataract portion of fees, as these IOLs are considered to be an up-grade and not a medical necessity.

The cost of surgery changes over time just as most products and services. Our surgery team will be happy to review all pricing and financing with you during your surgery consultation.

When diagnosed as needed due to its progressive stage, the surgery for cataracts and the placement of a Monofocal IOL is usually covered on approval by insurance (less deductibles and co-pays). If you choose to upgrade from a Monofocal IOL to a Multifocal, Accommodating, or Toric IOL, you will pay out-of-pocket for the cost of the intraocular lenses (IOL) and the additional testing and follow-up care needed.
 
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Ridge Eye Institute
5889 Clark Road
Paradise, CA 95969
(530) 877-2020
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Ridge Eye Institute 5889 Clark Road Paradise, CA 95969 Phone: (530) 877-2020 Fax: (530) 877-4641

Ridge Eye Institute serves Paradise, CA. and the sourrounding towns of Cottonwood, Corning, Red Bluff, Orland, Chester, Chico, Westwood, Willows, Greenville, Glenn, South Oroville, Colusa, Live Oak, Grass Valley, Downieville, Quincy, Portola, Foresthill and sourrounding areas.

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