Cataract Surgery

There are different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) available for cataract surgery:

• Standard Monofocal IOL (single focus): Patients can have an IOL implanted for distance and wear separate reading glasses, or have the IOL implanted for near vision and wear separate glasses for distance.
• Monovision: Patients can have an IOL implanted for near vision in one eye and distance vision in the other eye. This takes some adaptation, and is usually reserved for patients who already do monovision contact lenses.
• Multifocal IOL (Premium): Provides distance vision and restores some or all of the focusing ability of the eye. This lens corrects for both distance vision and other ranges, such as near or intermediate.
• Crystalens (accommodating IOL) (Premium): The accommodating lens is flexible and works with the focusing muscles of the eye to provide the patient with a full range of vision (near, far and everywhere in between). The advantage of Crystalens is it provides better quality of vision than multifocal IOLs; and attempts to provide clear vision at all ranges (near, midrange, and distance).

The natural lens in the eye will be removed by a type of surgery called phacoemulsification, which is easily performed in about 10 minutes. Phacoemulsification involves a tiny incision (2.4 mm) which self-seals and usually doesn’t require a suture.  After the natural lens is removed, an IOL is placed inside the eye.  Patients generally see immediately after surgery, usually well enough to read the clock in our surgical suite.

The patient is encouraged to rest during the first 24 hours after surgery. Patients can usually resume their normal activity the next day. There are minor restrictions (i.e. avoid swimming for 2 weeks, as well as smoky or dusty environments for a couple of days).

Price depends on the lens selected and somewhat on the patient’s insurance. Please call the office for details on specific lens choices, and consult with Dr. Feinerman to determine which lens option is the best for your particular eyes.

Dr. Feinerman completed his refractive surgery fellowship, and has been in practice since 1999.  He immediately received his ophthalmology board certification in 2000. After working in a group practice for 2 years, he decided to open up his own practice, Feinerman Vision Center, in 2001.

Cataract surgery is usually quite comfortable and the patient generally does not feel any significant pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort for first 24 hours is not uncommon, which can include slight scratchiness and some tearing.

Patients generally see immediately after surgery. However, the vision may fluctuate a little, and may take 3 to 4 weeks to stabilize.

The patient will be on a tapered eye drop regimen for 3-4 weeks. Patients should avoid swimming for 2 weeks.  Smoky and dusty environments should be avoided for a few days.