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A progressive approach to precise vision.
The diagnostic tools available today make the previous generations of technology seem comparatively imprecise. Cataract surgery is no longer limited to creating a workable solution to the problem of a cloudy lens. With our ability to harness the power of computers to do calculations that once would have taken an incredible amount of time to now in just fractions of a second, your cataract has changed from a problem to an opportunity. An opportunity to see better than ever.
“The most revolutionary advancement in ophthalmology since the advent of LASIK®“
With this innovative technology, our surgeons can truly customize each procedure. Combined with the most advanced multifocal and astigmatism correcting lenses, the bladeless laser allows patients to achieve the vision they had in their 20s – often without relying on glasses!
Every eye has a unique size and shape. CATALYS’ advanced 3D imaging technology builds a 3D map of each eye and tailors the cataract surgery treatment to that map. This enables us to create a customized cataract surgery treatment plan that matches the uniqueness of each eye.
Next, we use the CATALYS to create a circular opening for accessing and removing the cataract. Clinical studies have shown that this opening is approximately 10 times more accurate when performed with CATALYS than achievable by hand. CATALYS then softens and breaks up the hard cataract into tiny pieces with ultrasonic energy, allowing for gentler, easier cataract removal.
Depending on the patient’s pre-operative vision and desired visual result, we may recommend a tailored treatment plan, including creating ultra-precise laser incisions in the cornea and a specific clear lens type, such as a multi-focal lens. This tailored treatment may reduce a patient’s need for glasses or contacts after the CATALYS laser cataract surgery.
The CATALYS Laser can correct astigmatism, allowing our patients to see as clearly as possible for distance vision without relying on glasses. By combining the most advanced multifocal or astigmatism correcting lenses with bladeless laser cataract surgery and ORA Precision Vision technology, patients can customize their vision and minimize their dependence on glasses.
Of all the advanced technology that makes Refractive Cataract Surgery possible, the ORA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis) System with VerifEye, is the most futuristic type of technology available. This system continuously monitors the measurements of a patient’s eye during their cataract surgery. ORA’s invisible laser scans the eye 40 times in 2 seconds during the brief moment before your dysfunctional lens is replaced with your new clear lens. Through somewhat impossibly complicated math, it deciphers what lens power would achieve the desired target prescription.
Before having this new technology, surgeons were unable to assess the quality of vision during the procedure. They would have to wait until weeks after the procedure to determine the accuracy of the results. The instantaneous feedback that our surgeons receive from VerifEye has proven to be invaluable for making minor adjustments in the surgical suite that allow them to confidently refine the patient’s lens power for an optimal outcome. This incredible technology takes our refractive cataract surgery procedure to the next level.
There is a very good reason that refractive cataract surgery is one of the safest surgical procedures in medicine. It’s because it is one of the most common procedures in medicine. About three million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. The good news is that this means the surgery is nearly unmatched in perfecting the safety protocols regulating it, the techniques developed for it, and the technology elevating it.
Our surgeons have performed more than 50,000 cataract procedures. We are proud to be one of the first practices in the Washington, DC, DC metro area to have introduced laser cataract surgery, offering the most advanced technology at our convenient, state-of-the-art private surgical center. Our renowned surgeons are among the best in experience, skill set, safety, and accuracy in the region.
If someone has cataracts that decrease their quality of life, then insurance will pay for basic or standard cataract surgery. Insurance will pay for standard cataract surgery to get the cloudy lens out of the eye and replace it with a clear monofocal lens (called an intra-ocular lens, or IOL). After that, a patient will still need glasses to correct refractive error — that is, for reading and computer vision, and possibly distance vision — but the view will be “clear” again. Many patients now have the option to choose lenses that will allow freedom from glasses not possible with basic IOLs, but currently, insurance will only pay for the most basic IOL.
Additionally, insurance will not pay for the Bladeless or Advanced Laser Cataract portion of the surgery. Refractive cataract surgery or Advanced Surgery may be more affordable than you think! To learn more, click here.
If you have a visually significant cataract as determined by your eye exam with your ophthalmologist and you have medical insurance, then the traditional | basic cataract surgery is typically covered by your medical insurance. You would just pay your copayment and/or deductible amount as indicated by your insurance. Medicare typically covers the cost of a traditional cataract procedure and a standard intraocular lens (IOL).
This tried-and-true surgical technique has been around for decades, giving wonderful results for tens of millions of cataract patients. It involves removing the cataract inside the eye by phacoemulsification and placing a clear IOL where the cataract once sat. The IOL used is determined by the eye measurements and is targeted to give the best distance vision possible. Patients who choose this option will possibly need glasses for distance and will definitely need glasses for intermediate (computer) and near (reading) vision. This procedure is considered covered by insurance and has no extra cost except a normal co-pay and/or deductible.
Traditional cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed vision correction surgeries and is highly dependent on the ophthalmologist surgeon’s skills, technique, volume, and experience. Our Doctors perform cataract surgery without the use of needles, patches, or stitches.
Because there are no needles, no injections, no patches, and no stitches, it is a very safe procedure because there is no bleeding, and high-risk patients who are taking aspirin or anti-coagulates do not need to stop these medications before surgery. To ensure that cataract surgery is as comfortable as possible, two forms of xylocaine eliminate sensation inside. Numbing the eye is done without needles to maximize patient comfort. This allows the cataract removal procedure to be done without pain or needles.
Once the eye is completely numb, our doctors will use an instrument to make a tiny beveled “self-sealing” incision. This small incision allows the eye to heal without stitches. It works because the eye’s intraocular pressure holds the corneal incision tightly closed. The self-sealing incision is microscopic and is made at the edge of the clear cornea (the transparent covering of the front of the eye). The cataract is then gently removed by phacoemulsification (sound waves).
An intraocular lens implant is inserted through the microscopic self-sealing incision. This lens is permanent. The incision will heal naturally and quickly without stitches. Our doctor will place drops in the eye to help prevent infection and inflammation. A follow-up appointment will be required within 24 hours after surgery, and several eye drops will be used for three to four weeks to help the eye fully recover from the surgery.
Patients should see a change in their vision almost immediately and can return to most of their daily activities. Once your eye has completely healed following the surgery, your vision should be clearer, though you may still need corrective lenses to optimize your vision.
Take the next step. Our goal is to improve your entire range of vision, regain your quality of life, and minimize or eliminate your dependence on glasses. Call us today at (301) 591-1763 or complete the form below to schedule a cataract consultation.
The first step in determining your candidacy for any procedure is to schedule a consultation and experience our comprehensive eye exam. This is the most complete eye exam available today and includes a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. Utilizing advanced diagnostic technology, our surgeons will not only evaluate your candidacy for a procedure but will look at the overall health of your eyes and establish a long-term plan for outstanding results.
Please contact us directly at (301) 591-1763. To schedule your surgical consultation and/or have your medical concerns or questions answered.