5 Questions About Cataract Surgery Answered

Middle-Aged Couple Happy after Cataract Surgery

If you or someone you know has cataracts, you’ve heard of cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is an elective procedure and the only way to treat cataracts.

Any surgery can feel daunting, cataract surgery included. You may have lots of questions and no answers about the procedure. Keep reading for 5 common questions asked about cataract surgery!

Do I Need Cataract Surgery If I Have Cataracts?

Not always. The answer to this question depends on if your cataract is affecting your life. It is possible to have a cataract and not experience any vision loss at all.

Cataract surgery only becomes necessary if your vision deteriorates because of a cataract. A cataract that isn’t bothering you now could over time worsen as well.

How Serious is Cataract Surgery?

Any surgery, including cataract surgery, should be something you take seriously. Although cataract surgery is effective and reliable, it still comes with its own set of risks.

As a whole, cataract surgery is a low-risk procedure. In fact, it’s actually the procedure performed most in the country.

Surgeons who perform cataract surgery perform it on a regular basis. This makes it one of the safest procedures to undergo!

How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery involves removing the cataract and the natural lens. Once these have been removed, they are then replaced with an IOL.

To remove the cataract and lens, the surgeon makes a small incision into your eye. Then, the lens and cataract get broken up using an ultrasonic device.

The broken pieces of the lens and cataract get sucked out of the eye using a small vacuum. The final step is inserting the IOL.

Patients remain awake during cataract surgery but under mild sedation. The eyes are also completely numbed, so there’s no pain felt during the procedure!

After Surgery, Will I Still Need Glasses?

In the past, cataract surgery involved only removing the lens. There was no artificial intraocular lens inserted to replace the lens. As a result, after cataract surgery patients had to wear thick glasses to see.

Nowadays, patients receive an artificial implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs allow patients to see, although they may still need reading glasses.

When picking an IOL, it’s important to make the choice based on your lifestyle. Depending on the IOL you choose, you may be able to live without wearing any glasses!

Make sure to talk to your cataract surgeon about what kinds of IOLs there are. You should also discuss if a premium IOL would be right for you.

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

While cataract surgery is elective, it’s almost always covered by insurance. This is because it’s usually performed to prevent or reverse blindness.

But insurance only tends to cover the cost of surgery and a standard IOL. If you want a premium IOL, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Premium IOLs can get a little price and often cost a few thousand dollars per eye. The IOL is permanent and never needs replacing, making the cost reasonable. But many people are happy sticking with standard IOLs.

Considering cataract surgery for yourself or a loved one? Schedule a cataract screening at Berg-Feinfield in Beverly Hills today!