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Cataracts are a very common eye condition that affects many people as they age. Luckily, cataract surgery has advanced to be highly effective, safe, and successful. We understand that cataracts can be a frustrating part of the aging process, but we’re here to help improve your vision.
At The Eye Institute of Utah, you have access to some of the most well-known and respected cataract surgeons in the ophthalmic community. Our cataract specialists are all certified on the most advanced surgical technology and intraocular lens implant (IOL) options available to help our patients obtain the best post-operative vision possible!
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There is a clear lens in your eye, behind your iris, that focuses light to the retina at the back of your eye, which in turn transmits images to the optic nerve. Vision is crisp and clear when each of these components is working properly. A cataract occurs when the lens hardens and becomes cloudy. Cataracts are progressive, with mild symptoms at first, that can advance slowly or quickly to eventually distort or debilitate eyesight. While aging eyes are the most common cause of cataracts, they may also develop due to certain medications, injuries, or genetic factors.
Symptoms may vary among individual patients and may be mild or unnoticed in the early stages of a cataract.
Cloudy or blurry vision
Trouble seeing/driving at night
Light sensitivity
Seeing halos or glare
Colors may appear dull
Regular changes to prescriptions for eyeglasses and/or contact lenses
In the early stages of a cataract, an updated eyeglasses or contact lens prescription may compensate for any visual deterioration. However, this approach does not cure the condition and as a cataract progresses, an increased prescription will no longer be adequate. Cataracts will eventually affect your ability to safely perform everyday tasks, such as driving and cooking, as well as prevent you from enjoying hobbies such as reading, sewing, exercising, art, or gardening. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery.
This video details the steps of cataract surgery, available at our cataract treatment facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.
During cataract surgery, your surgeon will remove the cataract and replace your natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a lens implant that can improve your vision and sometimes even eliminate your need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, it is a very safe procedure with an extremely low complication rate and high rate of success1. At The Eye Institute of Utah, you can rest assured that our surgeons are widely regarded to be among the most skilled and respected cataract specialists. Any type of surgery carries a range of benefits and risks, and your eye doctor will discuss details with you during a thorough cataract examination prior to surgery.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight hospital stay. Cataract surgery patients generally experience very little downtime, and vision is typically noticeably improved by the next day and continues to improve for several weeks. The majority of patients are back to their regular activities and even driving within 24-48 hours after surgery. Patients will need to take a regimen of prescription drops to help prevent infection and regulate healing for several weeks after surgery, and your eye doctor will review post-operative care instructions with you.
“Since I had the procedure I’ve noticed that I can read anything. I had gotten used to always looking for my glasses and now I don’t need them. Everything about the facility, staff and the LenSx custom cataract laser procedure was first class.*”
Karen, Salt Lake City, UT
At The Eye Institute of Utah, we are committed to bringing the most advanced options to Salt Lake City. Our practice was among the first in the United States, and worldwide, to offer laser cataract surgery commercially. We combine state-of-the-art technology with our specialized experience to give cataract patients the opportunity to significantly improve their vision, beyond standard cataract removal. Some of our dynamic options include:
We utilize the LenSx® Laser System, which studies show delivers a 59% better chance at seeing 20/20 or better when cvompared to manual blade surgery techniques.2
We offer a range of Advanced Lens Implants (IOLs) that can correct astigmatism as well as vision at all distances, helping patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on corrective eyewear.
Our ORA Warranty backs our real-time measurement technology used to ensure your IOL lens power and placement, which means that should enhancements be needed after surgery, they are included in your original cost.
2 Guttman Krader C. Study: Effective lens position advances accuracy Femtosecond laser brings greater refractive predictability into hands of cataract surgeons. Ophthalmology Times. January 2012
YES, most medical insurance plans offer coverage that will pay for a large percentage of traditional cataract surgery. Learn more about insurance and out-of-pocket costs for cataract treatment. However, many patients choose to take advantage of advanced options which are not often covered by insurance. Custom Cataract Surgery Packages using theLenSx Laser, ORA with VerifEye and/or Advanced Lens Implants (IOLs) are considered elective upgrades and may not be covered by insurance.
We offer financing through our partnership with independent medical lenders, which can help you fit advanced cataract treatment options into your budget and offset out-of-pocket costs.
To learn what to expect as you prepare for, undergo, and recover from cataract surgery, we invite you to watch this informed consent video produced by the team at The Eye Institute of Utah. Here, we also discuss insurance coverage, risks, and potential complications associated with cataract surgery.
Should you have additional questions about cataract surgery, please contact us to speak with an experienced member of our team.
By completing this contact form and providing your email address, you are opting in to receive email communications from The Eye Institute of Utah. You may choose to opt-out of future email communications at any time.
The The Eye Institute of Utah Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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