Discover Vision Centers has multiple clinics in the Kansas City metro with a long history of providing care for patients with cataracts. If you are looking for cataract surgery near me, Discover Vision Centers is here to help. Whether you are wanting the newest refractive lens implants to get rid of your bifocals and reading glasses or a standard single focus lens implant, we have all of your options covered.
Cataracts are a condition when the natural lens inside our eye becomes cloudy or opacified. We are born with a clear and flexible lens. Over decades, oxidative stress, or normal wear and tear, contributes to a dysfunctional lens. Our lenses typically lose the ability to focus throughout many years. The lens will continue to yellow and cloud, causing a decline in vision This natural aging process can occur at any age, but most commonly presents in patients older than 50. As the clarity of the lens changes, overall visual acuity may decline in addition to having more difficulty with glare from incoming light or requiring more light to perform tasks such as reading. As cataracts advance, they will result in eventual vision loss. There are no preventive measures and the cure is lens removal and intraocular lens replacement surgery.
What Are The Types Of Cataracts?
There are several types of cataracts, each affecting different parts of the eye. The most common types include:
1. Nuclear cataracts: These form in the center of the lens and are associated with aging. They cause a gradual yellowing and hardening of the lens.
2. Cortical cataracts: These occur in the lens cortex, the outer edges of the lens. They have a wedge-like appearance and may cause visual disturbances, such as glare or blurred vision.
3. Subcapsular cataracts: These develop at the back of the lens, just beneath the lens capsule. They primarily affect people with diabetes or those taking high doses of steroid medications.
4. Congenital cataracts: These are present at birth or develop during childhood. They may be caused by genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or other conditions.
5. Traumatic cataracts: These result from an eye injury and can occur immediately or months after the injury.
If you are experiencing vision changes, consult with an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Discover Vision is accepting new patients and would be happy to see you.
Cataract Symptoms & Signs
Vision changes can be broadly divided into two categories; refractive changes, which are correctable with a change in eyeglass prescription, and medical changes, which are not correctable with glasses but rather need medical or surgical intervention. One of the most common signs of cataract is experiencing a change in vision that does not improve with a new eyeglass prescription. With normal aging the lens inside the eye gradually becomes thicker and less flexible which drives the need for reading glasses or bifocals after age 40. Those same changes in the lens progress over a period of years and eventually the lens becomes yellow (nuclear sclerosis) or cloudy (cataract). Average age for cataract surgery is around 68-69, but can vary quite a bit depending on a multitude of variables such as heredity, sunlight exposure, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, and length of time on certain medications. You may be a candidate for surgery if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Blurry vision not improved with new glasses
Cloudy or foggy vision
Streaks or glare around lights at night
Inability to see in dim light
Feeling like you are looking through a film or smudge
Cataracts represent about 50% of worldwide blindness, and can be corrected with simple removal of the lens which is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed today.
Cataract vision typically manifests through the experience of blurred, foggy or decreased vision. Cataracts are caused primarily through the normal aging process. That means, if you live long enough, you will get them. Risk factors include aging, heredity, sunlight exposure and general health; for example–diabetics tend to develop cataracts earlier than non-diabetics. They can also be the result of long term use of certain medications such as steroids. Cataracts can also be congenital or the result of trauma to the eye. To some degree it may be possible to prevent or delay the need for surgery with good lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet and wearing UV protection sunglasses when spending time outdoors.
Cataract Surgery Intraocular Lens Implant Options
There is essentially one type of cataract surgery but several lens option choices patients can make for their surgery. Lifestyle and patient preferences will help direct recommendations for your lens implant. With modern cataract surgery, patients do receive an intraocular lens implant. If one were not placed the patient would need very thick glasses or contacts to see. Lens implants are made of plastic and should last the length of a patient’s life.
For patients that want to minimize if not eliminate need for glasses Full Focus Vision Correction implants are excellent options. The lens implants used for the Full Focus procedure are called trifocal implants and they provide vision at distance, intermediate and near points for each eye.
Monofocal Lens Implant
Monofocal or single focus implants correct the vision to a single focus point. The patient would need glasses for some aspect of their vision either distance or near.
Toric or astigmatism correcting IOL implants address astigmatism. About 30% of eyes have enough astigmatism that these implants can be considered. Astigmatism can be described as the eye or cornea surface being shaped more like an American football or the back of spoon. Ideally the shape would be more like that of a tennis ball with the same curve throughout. With a toric IOL the focus of the eye is created to be more like that of a tennis ball or perfectly round shape.
The Light Adjustable Lens as titled is just that ‘ adjustable’. The prescription for each eye of each patient can be customized to distance, intermediate, or near focal points. Astigmatism and be treated at the same time. Most patients will have one eye targeted for the best distance and the alternate to help with near task. With the LAL the alternate that sees up close typically still has legal distance driving vision.
Vivity Extended Depth of Focus Implant
The Vivity implant is considered an extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens implant. It provides focus at two focal points. For example distance and intermediate vision would be clear in a single eye. One may still need glasses for reading small print. This option is a great option for those patients that want to reduce their need for glasses after cataract surgery compared to a monofocal lens implant. This lens can also be an option for patients who for various reasons are not considered acceptable candidates for a multifocal lens implant. Insurance does not cover the cost of this implant and an additional fee is paid by the patient.
PanOptix Trifocal
The Panoptix multifocal implant is considered a trifocal implant and is designed to focus light at distance, intermediate and near. The Panoptix IOL is a great option for patients who want to minimize glasses after cataract surgery at all distances. Patients will note more halo formation with multifocal implants compared to other implants. Insurance does not cover the cost of this implant and an additional fee is paid by the patient.
CrystaLens Accommodating IOL
Accommodating IOL implants would be considered the “Holy Grail“ if they performed perfectly for all patients. The only version currently available is the CrystaLens implant. Surgeons at Discover Vision Centers were involved in the FDA trials of this lens. At present, other lens options are performing better than current accommodative technologies.
Non-Surgical Cataract Treatment
Early symptoms of cataract included changing or decreased distance and / or near vision, blurry or clouded vision, poor night vision, light sensitivity, glare and halo symptoms. Non-cataract surgery options are possible. New eye glasses can help but they are not a curative treatment for cataracts. Antireflective and tint coatings and sunglasses can help one function better as well. Eventually, these changes may not help enough and cataract removal surgery vision correction is recommended as the ultimate cataract treatment.
Lasers can be used for part of the modern cataract surgery. A femtosecond laser is used to create the incisions for the surgeon to enter the eye with the phacoemulsification instrument. The femtosecond laser also helps complete the next two steps of the cataract procedure. It helps to open the lens capsule and to soften the crystalline lens for removal.
The first step in your process is cataract specialist doctors to complete ocular examination to confirm cataract is the cause of your vision decrease. When this is determined several diagnostic tests are completed. These include the Zeiss IOL master which measures the length of your eye, the curvature of your cornea, and several other anatomical measurements. Corneal topography will be completed to assess additional aspects relating to astigmatism. Retinal OCT will be completed to assess the health of the central part of your retina called the macula.
The refractive cataract surgeons at Discover Vision Centers utilize several categories of implants. Silicone and acrylic monofocal IOLs are available. Toric / astigmatism implants from Alcon, Bausch and Lomb and Johnson and Johnson vision are used. Two trifocal implants are used ( Alcon Panoptix and Johnson and Johnson Synergy ). Extended depth of focus lenses is also used for patients wanted distance, intermediate, and near vision ( Alcon Vivity and Johnson and Johnson Symfony ). The RxSight Light Adjustable Lens is frequently used for patients that want to minimize or avoid glasses for most if not all activities.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts are a condition when the natural lens inside our eye becomes cloudy or opacified. This natural aging process can occur at any age, but most commonly presents in patients older than 50. As the clarity of the lens changes, overall visual acuity may decline in addition to having more difficulty with glare from incoming light or requiring more light to perform tasks such as reading. There are no preventive measures and the cure is removal with surgery.
Cataract Surgery Recovery
At Discover Vision Centers our Kansas City Eye Surgeons primarily do topical anesthesia but some patients may opt for block anesthesia. With topical anesthesia patients should be able to see and function immediately after surgery is performed. For patients that undergo a block their vision should be functional the following day. The day of surgery all patients should arrange for someone to transport them home. Most patients will be on some form of eye drops after surgery so this should be expected. Most patients can return to work the following day after cataract surgery. Full physical activity can be resumed by one to two weeks for virtually all patients. Most patients it is even sooner. You need to avoid rubbing your eyes and a protective eye shield will be worn over the eye for the first several nights.
Why Choose Discover Vision for Cataract Treatment?
Technology
Modern refractive cataract surgery requires the state-of-the-art technology of intraocular lens implants and in some cases laser vision correction following cataract surgery to optimize the end visual result.
Expertise
Expertise in refractive cataract surgery requires training and experience with the latest technology. Discover Vision Centers surgeons are considered at the top of the field and some of the best cataract surgeons in the Kansas City area and the US for their reputation in providing excellent patient care.
Results
Our goal at Discover Vision Centers is to tailor the care of each patient to meet or exceed their preoperative goals. With this as our guide our team will assist each patient in achieving exceptional vision.
Does Insurance Cover Cataract Eye Surgery?
Does medical insurance and medicare pay for laser cataract surgery? Medical insurance plans including Medicare cover cataract surgery when the condition has reached a level of medical necessity. Insurance and medicare do not pay for the laser assist component of laser cataract surgery. Medical necessity is determined by examination of the eyes by your doctor in addition to visual symptoms you may be experiencing. Your medical insurance will provide coverage for a standard lens implant to replace your clouded natural lens, but most will still require glasses for best vision. If the goal is independence from glasses or contacts after surgery, there are premium implants that your doctor can discuss to achieve this. These lenses are considered cosmetic by medical plans and there will be some out of pocket cost for the “upgraded” lens. HSA and FSA plans can be utilized to help cover these expenses.
At our clinic, we have a highly experienced team of doctors specializing in cataract surgery. If you’re considering cataract surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Doane or any of the doctors from our expert team. They are more than happy to provide you with a thorough consultation and answer any questions you may have regarding cataract surgery.
Had 2 cataract surgeries just recently. Both went perfect with no problems afterwards at all!
Kathy Carter
Met me ontime, answered all my question about what to expect when I go on Medicare, and discussed the pros/cons of future cataract surgery.
Ken Halford
I have used the services of the Discover Vision Center in Independence, Missouri for many years. I have trusted my eyes to them through a number of eye surgeries including cataracts. Appointments always start on time. They clearly explain what is happening with my eyes. Friendly staff.
Ted Apley
Areas We Serve
Discover Vision Centers proudly serves the Greater Kansas City and surrounding areas. We have 9 locations and 3 surgery centers to serve all of your eye care needs. Our eye clinics are located in Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Harrisonville, Independence, The Northland, Raymore, Leawood, The Legends, and Olathe. Cataract consultations are performed in the office and surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure in our surgery centers in Independence, Leawood or The Northland.
FAQ
Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery generally is not painful. Some patients can feel pressure. The care team can give medications by IV to help reduce any sensations that the patient may notice.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
This depends on the type of cataract surgery one undergoes and also on the lens technology a patient chooses. With refractive cataract surgery the goal is minimal to no spectacle usage after surgery. With standard cataract surgery several factors come into play if a patient will need glasses. A discussion with your surgeon pre-operatively will provide your specific chances.
Can cataract surgery be performed on both eyes at the same time?
Insurance companies do not allow for surgery centers to charge for both eyes to undergo surgery on the same day. In most cases, surgery will be performed on one eye during one week, and the next eye on the following week.
