Cataract surgery is a scary thought for most patients but, with the advanced developments in both the surgical procedure and the options in cataract replacement lenses, it has become an “opportunity” for patients to improve their function and quality of vision. Many patients now have the choice to be less dependent on and, in many cases, free from glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery. In just one step, conditions such as “astigmatism” (uneven curvature of the cornea) and “presbyopia” (losing the ability to focus at near) can be corrected at the same time the cataract is removed. A Toric intraocular lens (IOL) will correct the astigmatism that cataract surgery alone cannot, giving the patient better quality distance vision. A Multifocal IOL will correct the presbyopia that cataract surgery alone will not, improving vision not only for distance, but also for in-between and near ranges. It’s important to understand that not everyone is a good candidate for these premium lenses, there are pros and cons to them, and patients need to have realistic expectations. Also, there is an out-of-pocket fee that insurances will not cover. The surgeons here at Northeastern Eye Institute have implanted hundreds of advanced technology IOLs in their cataract patients in the year 2012 alone!
Patient Donna Tezzano states “My husband Ron and I underwent cataract surgery over the last year and had the multifocal lens implanted bilaterally by Dr. William Jordan, Jr. We just wanted to let you know how wonderful the outcome has been. Prior to the surgery, Ron had to wear glasses for distance only and due to the bilateral cataracts that had developed over time, his vision had progressively worsened. I was a contact lens wearer for approximately 30 years prior to my surgery and had to use cheaters all the time to read. I had been living with bilateral cataracts for approximately 8 years and it had gotten to the point where I couldn’t drive at night at all. We both decided on the multifocal lens implants because we didn’t want to have to wear glasses any longer. We definitely made the right decision! We couldn’t be happier. No longer do we need glasses and everything is so much clearer. There are a few nuisances with the multifocal lenses like halos around certain objects such as headlights or streetlights at night, but as Dr. Jordan informed us, we would adjust to it, and we did. Couldn’t be happier!”
Submitted by: Marlene Gerrity, COT, ROUB, Supervisor
Department: Dr. William Jordan, Jr. / Scranton