Refractive Cataract Surgery

Refractive cataract surgery at Conlon Eye Institute

Refractive Cataract Surgery is a groundbreaking advancement in cataract surgery that rivals the impact of phacoemulsification, which was introduced half a century ago. This procedure merges cataract removal with state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies and high-quality intraocular lenses, with the aim of minimizing or eliminating the need for eyeglasses or contacts after the surgery.

Discover how our advanced technology restores your sight and enhances your life.

Tired of Blurry Vision and Constantly Changing Glasses?

Millions of people around the world suffer from cataracts, resulting in impaired vision, glare, and constant frustration. You’re not alone in your struggle. Refractive Cataract Surgery offers a life-changing solution to regain your clear vision and independence.

Clearer vision, with less need for glasses

Our cutting-edge Refractive Cataract Surgery employs state-of-the-art technology to remove cataracts and correct other vision issues. The procedure is quick, and most patients feel little or no discomfort.

If you had LASIK earlier in life, you may still be a candidate for refractive cataract surgery.

Advanced Measurement Technology

At Conlon Eye Institute, our Silver and Gold refractive cataract packages use ORA intraoperative aberrometry, which measures your eye during surgery to help confirm the most accurate lens power. What’s included with Silver and Gold:

Lens power confirmed during surgery with ORA
Both eyes treated on the same day
IV sedation with an anesthetist on site
No charge for a laser enhancement within one year, if needed (fewer than 3% of patients need one)
Over 40 years combined surgeon experience

Intraocular Lens

Monofocal IOL

Vision corrected for one distance (usually distance

Monofocal +

High quality monofocal IOL
Correct for distance and intermediate vision

Multifocal

Provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for reading glasses

Toric

Specifically designed to correct astigmatism and provide clear vision at all distances

The Refractive Cataract Surgery Process

Step 1: Comprehensive Eye Examination Dr. Conlon will thoroughly assess your eyes to determine if you’re a candidate for refractive cataract surgery and recommend the best IOL option for your needs.

Step 2: Surgery Preparation We will provide you with detailed pre-surgical instructions to ensure a successful procedure and a smooth recovery.

Step 3: The Surgery Dr. Conlon will perform your surgery using advanced technology and techniques, ensuring a safe and effective procedure.

Step 4: Post-Surgical Care You will receive comprehensive post-surgical care, including regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure optimal results.

The wait for refractive cataract surgery is typically 3 to 4 months.

Refractive Cataract Surgery: A Complete Guide

Are you tired of constantly relying on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly? Refractive cataract surgery might be the solution you’ve been looking for. This advanced procedure not only removes cataracts but also corrects vision problems, potentially reducing or eliminating your need for eyewear. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of refractive cataract surgery, exploring its benefits, the role of intraocular lenses, and what to expect throughout the process. Discover how this cutting-edge procedure can improve your quality of life by offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Say goodbye to blurry vision and hello to a new world of clear, sharp sight.

Key Takeaways

Refractive cataract surgery combines cataract removal with an upgraded lens to reduce your dependence on glasses.
Causes of cataracts, astigmatism & presbyopia can be addressed through refractive cataract surgery with specialized lenses & techniques.
Choosing a qualified surgeon and clinic is important when considering costs, insurance coverage, technology & patient feedback.

Understanding Refractive Cataract Surgery

Refractive cataract surgery is an advanced procedure that combines the removal of cataracts with vision correction, aiming to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery. The primary objective of refractive cataract surgery is to lessen or remove a person’s reliance on prescription eyewear. This innovative procedure is changing lives by providing patients with clear vision free from the constraints of corrective eyewear. No more fumbling for glasses or struggling with contact lenses; refractive cataract surgery offers a new lease on life for those suffering from blurry vision due to cataracts and other refractive errors.

The Role of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) in Refractive Cataract Surgery

Intraocular lenses (IOLs), also known as intraocular lens implants, play a crucial role in refractive cataract surgery, as they replace the clouded natural lens and reinstate clear vision. There are various types of IOLs available to meet individual vision requirements and deliver the best possible outcomes, such as:

Monofocal IOLs
Toric IOLs
Multifocal IOLs
Accommodating IOLs

Gaining knowledge about the role and capabilities of different IOLs enables patients and surgeons to make informed decisions about the most suitable treatment option to achieve optimal vision correction. Let’s explore the different types of IOLs and how they address specific vision needs.

Monofocal IOLs

Monofocal IOLs are used in standard cataract surgery to provide clear vision at a single distance. This type of IOL has a single lens power, allowing for focused vision at one distance, such as far or near. However, patients who receive Monofocal IOLs often still require glasses for other distances to avoid blurry vision. Although Monofocal IOLs commonly provide an effective solution for many patients, those looking for a more comprehensive answer for vision correction may find Toric or Multifocal IOLs beneficial.

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism, a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. By using a toric iol in refractive cataract surgery, patients with astigmatism may be less dependent on glasses for distance vision after surgery. This type of specialized IOL can dramatically cut down or completely remove the need for glasses post cataract surgery, presenting an appealing choice for patients with astigmatism seeking liberation from corrective eyewear.

Multifocal and Accommodating IOLs

Multifocal and accommodating IOLs, such as the multifocal intraocular lens, provide a full range of vision correction, allowing patients to see clearly at various distances. Unlike monofocal IOLs, which only offer clear vision at a single distance, multifocal IOLs have multiple lens powers to correct vision at any distance, while accommodating IOLs change shape to focus on objects at different distances. Astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia can all be managed using these advanced artificial lens (IOLs), providing a comprehensive vision correction solution and lessening reliance on glasses.

Causes and Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts, primarily caused by aging, result in the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is often referred to as a cloudy lens. This leads to progressively worsening vision if left untreated. Cataracts may cause various symptoms, including:

Cloudy vision
Halos around lights
Difficulty seeing at night
Changes in color perception

The development of cataracts can have a substantial effect on daily activities, including reading, driving, and even face recognition. Refractive cataract surgery not only removes these clouded lenses but also addresses any underlying refractive errors, providing patients with clearer, sharper vision.

Addressing Astigmatism and Presbyopia in Refractive Cataract Surgery

Refractive cataract surgery can address astigmatism and presbyopia, common vision issues that often require corrective eyewear, by using specialized IOLs and surgical techniques to correct refractive errors. Toric IOLs, for example, are designed to correct astigmatism by refocusing light rays as they pass through the lens to reduce astigmatism. In addition to astigmatism, presbyopia is another age-related vision problem that typically affects individuals over the age of 40 and requires the use of reading glasses. By using multifocal or accommodating IOLs, refractive cataract surgery can effectively correct presbyopia, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses.

The Refractive Cataract Surgery Procedure

The refractive cataract surgery procedure involves making a small incision, removing the clouded natural lens, and replacing it with a customized artificial IOL. This procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes. Your eye is numbed, and IV sedation is given by an anesthetist on site to help you relax.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Recovery from refractive cataract surgery typically involves avoiding certain activities, using prescribed eye drops, and attending follow-up appointments. Full recovery can take approximately 4 to 6 weeks, during which patients should abstain from activities that may cause undue stress, such as heavy lifting and exercising. Prescription eye drops are necessary during the recovery period to facilitate healing and guard against infection and inflammation. Patients return for examination at the following intervals:

1 week post-operatively
1 month post-operatively
3 months post-operatively
Annually or biannually following that

These post-operative visits help to monitor healing and visual progress.

Assessing Candidacy for Refractive Cataract Surgery

Candidacy for refractive cataract surgery depends on several factors, including:

The presence of cataracts
Eyeglass prescription
Overall eye health
Lifestyle
Vision requirements
Financial objectives

All of these factors play a role in determining if a person is a suitable candidate for this procedure. Consulting with an experienced refractive cataract surgeon to discuss your unique needs and ascertain whether refractive cataract surgery is the suitable choice for you is necessary. The surgeon will consider both surgical technique and accurate preoperative measurements when assessing your candidacy and may recommend cataract surgery accordingly.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

Refractive cataract surgery costs are generally higher than standard cataract surgery and may not be fully covered by insurance. It’s important to discuss financial considerations with your surgeon before making a decision, as insurance coverage varies depending on the provider and the specific type of surgery being performed. At Conlon Eye Institute, standard cataract surgery is covered by MSB. Refractive cataract surgery options are $2,900 per eye (Silver, Eyhance toric lens) or $3,900 per eye (Gold, PanOptix or PanOptix Toric) and aren’t covered by MSB. Making an informed decision and preparing for any potential out-of-pocket expenses can be achieved by understanding the costs involved in refractive cataract surgery and your insurance coverage.

Choosing the Right Surgeon and Clinic

Choosing the right surgeon and clinic for refractive cataract surgery involves considering factors such as:

Experience: The surgeon should have performed over 1,000 refractive surgery procedures and/or have at least 10 years of experience performing refractive surgery procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery.
Technology: The clinic should have state-of-the-art equipment and use advanced techniques for refractive cataract surgery.
Patient satisfaction: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous patients to gauge their satisfaction with the surgeon and clinic.

Considering these factors will help ensure the best possible outcome for your refractive cataract surgery. In choosing a clinic, look for advanced measurement technology such as optical biometry, OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and ORA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis) for preoperative and intraoperative measurements. Additionally, consider patient satisfaction by reviewing surveys, interviews, online reviews, and tracking quality indicators to ensure that you are making the best choice for your vision correction needs.

Summary

Refractive cataract surgery is a life-changing procedure that offers the potential for clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. By understanding the role of intraocular lenses, the surgical process, recovery, and factors that determine candidacy, you can make an informed decision about whether this advanced procedure is right for you. Embrace the possibility of a future free from the constraints of corrective eyewear. Consult with an experienced refractive cataract surgeon and take the first step towards a clearer, brighter world of vision.

Follow these three simple steps to rid yourself of cataracts...

Complimentary Consultation

Develop a plan to receive the treatment that's right for you.

Personalized Procedure

Dr. Conlon provides a procedure that meets your vision goals.

Follow-up Care with Life-Changing Results

We ensure you can enjoy your results as quickly as possible.

My experience at Conlon Eye Institute was excellent! The team surrounding Dr. Conlon, with Ashley and Vlad were by far the best in their class. The entire staff was very informative and super helpful, all the way from the front desk to the surgical room. There is a reason Dr. Conlon and their team are known for being one of the most skilled and experienced eye institutes and they proved it. I would highly recommend Dr. Conlon and the team to anyone looking to make a change with their eyes. Thank you to the team at Conlon Eye Institute for what they have done!

I recently had RLE and couldn’t be more pleased!! The staff was incredible! Dr Conlon was extremely patient with all of my questions, very professional, and kind!!

After having vision problems for 32 years, wearing thick lensed glasses, unable to participate in some athletic activities like ball, and swimming, AND unable to read boards and monitors at schools and airports, I LOVE MY NEW VISION! DR. Conlon and his team were professional and did wonderful work on my vision. I am so thankful! I am glasses and contact lense free!

Very professional service and extremely impressed with the results! I went in with terrible astigmatism and came out with 20/20 vision or better and As for the surgery itself, I was very nervous and it turns out I was nervous for no reason at all. I didn’t feel a thing and I was in and out of the surgery room in probably 10 minutes. Truly life changing experience and would recommend to anyone.

There are no words to describe the professionalism and personal care you receive before and after your surgery. As a nurse I was apprehensive to have bilateral surgery done. I was kept well informed and treated compassionately throughout pre and post surgery. I had tri - focal lens implants and after a couple hrs of sleep, was reading my iphone. I would highly recommend Dr. Conlon and his staff!

I started wearing glasses in Grade 1, I can’t express how amazing it is to just open up my eyes and see!! Although the thought of doing anything in, on or around my eyes caused me great apprehension Dr. Conlon and his staff were wonderful. The pre surgery assessment was so thorough and comfortable, I left the CEI feeling confident in my decision to go through with the RLE-Multifocal Toric on both eyes. The procedure went great; Dr. Conlon and staff were so kind and gentle. Holding my hand and taking with me to let me know how things were going throughout the procedure. I am so glad that I made this decision, and that I chose the Conlon Eye Institut. They made all the difference!!

Ensuring Access to Insured Health Services in Saskatchewan

The Conlon Eye Institute confirms that they are compliant with the Ministry of Health guidelines in Saskatchewan, and therefore, do not charge for healthcare services covered by the Saskatchewan Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). As a result, they ensure the accessibility and protection of insured healthcare services for the people of Saskatchewan.