Cataract Surgery Options

Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes the eye’s cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore vision. Modern cataract surgery also offers advanced lens options that can reduce dependence on glasses. These include multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses for both distance and near vision, and toric lenses to correct astigmatism. The right choice depends on lifestyle and visual needs, helping many patients achieve clearer vision with less reliance on corrective eyewear.

Manual Surgery with a Basic Monofocal Lens

  • Vision Correction: You’ll need glasses for all ranges—distance, computer work, and reading.

  • For Some Patients: If you have low astigmatism, you might get good distance vision without glasses, but you’ll still need reading glasses. Alternatively, the lens can be set for reading, which means you’d need a new glasses prescription for distance vision.

  • Best For: Patients looking to keep surgery costs down while still enhancing their vision with glasses.

  • Cost: Typically no extra out-of-pocket costs if your surgery is covered by insurance (unless your deductible isn’t met or you have a co-insurance fee).

Laser-Assisted Surgery (LENSX) with a Basic Monofocal Lens 

  • How It Works: A laser is used to perform parts of the surgery that are usually done by hand, increasing precision.

  • Safety: Although cataract surgery is generally safe, using a laser further reduces the risks, especially for more advanced cataracts.

  • Astigmatism: The laser also helps reduce mild astigmatism.

  • Best For: Patients who prefer the added reliability of laser-assisted surgery and have lower levels of astigmatism that don’t require a specialized (Toric) lens.

  • Cost: $1900 per eye, offering the precision of laser-assisted surgery at a competitive price.

Laser-Assisted Surgery with an Astigmatism-Correcting Lens (Toric) 

  • What It Is: A laser helps place a special lens called a Toric lens that corrects astigmatism.

  • Main Benefit: It aims to give you clear distance vision so you won't need glasses for driving or watching TV.

  • What to Expect: You might still need glasses for close-up tasks like reading or using a computer.

  • Who It’s For: This option is best for patients with a noticeable amount of astigmatism—if you have little or none, a basic lens might work just fine.

Laser-Assisted Surgery with Extended Range of Focus Lens (Vivity)

  • How It Works: A laser helps insert a special lens called Vivity, which extends your depth of focus.

  • What It Does: It improves your vision for both distance (like driving or watching TV) and intermediate tasks (such as using a computer or checking your car dashboard) without glasses.

  • Near Vision: Many people can read without glasses, but you might still need low-powered readers for very small print.

  • Extra Benefit: Unlike some multifocal lenses that can cause glare or halos around lights, Vivity is designed to minimize those issues, giving you more freedom from glasses.

Laser-Assisted Surgery with Trifocal Lens (PanOptix) 

  • How It Works: A laser helps place a special trifocal lens called PanOptix that extends your depth of focus.

  • Vision Benefits: It gives you clear vision at distance (for driving or watching TV), intermediate range (for using a computer or dashboard), and up close (for reading) without glasses.

  • Ideal For: This option works best if you want neat, clear vision—especially around 40 cm/16 inches, which is great for reading.

  • Side Note: Some patients notice glare or halos around lights, which can happen with multifocal lenses like this one.

  • Astigmatism Correction: It can also correct astigmatism if needed, as there’s a Toric version available.

  • Overall: A good choice if you want to reduce your need for glasses, though it might slightly lower your overall contrast.

Laser-Assisted Surgery with a Light-Adjustable Lens 

  • How It Works: A laser helps implant a special lens that you can adjust after surgery for the perfect prescription.

  • Unique Benefit: It’s the only lens in the world that can be customized to your specific eye even after the procedure.

  • What It Corrects: This lens fixes astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.

  • Follow-Up Treatments: You can get up to 3 touch-up treatments and then 2 “lock-in” sessions at our clinic.

  • Post-Surgery Care: You’ll need to wear the provided UV-protective glasses until your final lock-in treatment.

  • Vision Benefits: It delivers the best distance vision among all lens implants and can be adjusted for intermediate and reading vision if needed.

  • Overall: A great choice if you want the sharpest possible vision, though glasses might still be needed for some tasks.