Cataract Surgery

The Maryland Eye Associates team performs traditional and laser assisted cataract surgery. The difference between traditional cataract surgery and laser assisted cataract surgery is the advanced technology and precision that is available with the laser assisted surgery.

• Traditional Cataract Surgery: ultrasonic energy is used to break up the cloudy lens.
• Laser Cataract Surgery: a 3D image of your eye is taken to determine the cataract’s location and precise measurements. A computer controlled laser can use this information to make incisions, make the capsulorhexis, break up the cataract, and make corneal incisions to help with mild astigmatism. Maryland Eye Associates is pleased to offer Alcon’s LenSx laser, a bladeless, computer-controlled laser that allows the surgeon to plan and perform your surgery to exacting, individualized specifications not attainable with other surgical methods. The LenSx laser can help treat mild astigmatism by creating precise incisions in the cornea. Astigmatism is a condition in which the surface of the eye has a more oval shape rather than a round shape. The laser is used to make the capsulorhexis. The LenSx® laser helps break up the cataract for easier removal. During surgery, the clouded lenses are removed and, in most instances, replaced with an intraocular lens, referred to as IOLs. Today, we are able to offer patients, a variety of options for IOLs to accommodate individual needs.

Both methods remove the eye’s cloudy lens and replace it with an Intraocular Lens. Incisions in both methods are typically so small they do not require sutures. The team at Maryland Eye Associates will talk with you about which type of surgery is best for your specific needs.

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Before Your Surgery

Before your surgery, our team will discuss various types of lens implants with you. How you see after surgery will depend on the type of lens implant used. It is vital that you discuss your lifestyle and vision expectations so that we can determine the right premium lens implant for you.

During Your Surgery

Cataract surgery is relatively “patient-friendly.” It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure requiring only a few minutes. “Phacoemulsification” is the microsurgical technique used. It requires a tiny incision and breaks up the cataract with ultrasound waves.

• Eye drops are applied for anesthesia.
• The surgeon makes an incision and uses ultrasound waves to break up the hard, yellow proteins that form the cataract, leaving the lens membrane in place.
• Next, a soft, flexible synthetic Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted into the lens capsule of the eye.
• The lens is a permanent fixture that helps your eye to focus. You will not be able to feel or sense the implanted lens in any way.

After Your Surgery

Because there are no needles or injections, only a tiny incision, stitches and an eye patch are not required after the surgery. In most cases, the incision is so small that the eye heals rapidly, with little or no discomfort, and the patient experiences a quick visual recovery. Patients can typically return to normal activities the following day. The following video describes some symptoms patients may experience directly after their cataract surgery.

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Our team will work with you to decide when your cataracts must be removed and which type of IOL is best for your visual needs. Maryland Eye Associates uses three basic types of lenses, each designed for a specific corrective function.

During the first 25 years that lens implants were used for vision correction, the goal was to correct distance or far vision as best as possible (single-focus). The very latest in premium multifocal and toric lenses can improve vision for various distances all at once. This typically means not having to wear glasses for many activities following your procedure and regaining your important reading vision.

• Multifocal and Toric Multifocal Lenses: crafted to offer patients improved distance, intermediate, and near vision with reduced reliance on glasses following surgery. Maryland Eye Associates utilizes an advanced trifocal lens that provides similar benefits. This innovative lens expands the range of vision, addressing the challenges of presbyopia more effectively than traditional monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). It enhances both the quality and breadth of vision, ensuring your sight is not only comprehensive but also sharp and vivid, minimizing the need for glasses.
• Toric Lens (Astigmatism): toric lenses address moderate to high astigmatism in the lens implant. The focus is usually set for distance. Typically, you will be less dependent on glasses for many distant visual tasks. Near and intermediate vision will still require glasses.
• Single-Focus Lens (Basic): the single-focus lens is effective in clearing vision. If you receive a single-focus lens, the focus is usually set for distance. Typically, you will be less dependent on glasses for many distant visual tasks. Some of that will depend on the amount of astigmatism. Near and intermediate vision will still require glasses.

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Medicare and most insurance plans cover the costs for traditional cataract surgery with single-focus lenses. There is an additional out-of-pocket cost for laser assisted cataract surgery, as well as multifocal and toric lenses. Patients usually find the out-of-pocket expense is worth it for having laser technology used in their surgery and the added precision.

Financing is also available for a portion of the premium lens charge. Our staff will review all of this information with you before your surgery.

We offer several payment options to suit your needs:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): You can save up to 30% by using tax-free dollars to pay for your cataract surgery. Many employers offer an FSA or Health Savings Account.
• Financing: Maryland Eye Associates is pleased to offer up to 6-12 months’ special financing for vision correction procedures, such as cataract surgery, with approved credit through CareCredit.
• Credit Cards: Many patients opt to pay for their procedure using a personal credit card. This may be a good option, especially if you have a card that carries a low interest rate or offers points and other rewards. We accept all major credit cards, as well as CareCredit.

We accept many major insurance plans, including Medicare. 

Contact our team at Maryland Eye Associates about the best financing options for you.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding that develops in the eye’s crystalline lens. As the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 60 or older, cataracts impair vision, making everyday activities increasingly difficult. Read more.

Is Cataract Surgery Effective?

Yes! Many patients report vision that is even better than before they developed cataracts. Modern cataract surgery is considered one of the most effective medical procedures used today. And these results are permanent. Once removed, the cataract won’t reoccur.

Where is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Your cataract procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes In most cases patients can resume daily activities such as driving or reading, almost immediately.

Does Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?

Yes. Medicare and most insurance plans cover approved cataract surgeries. There is an additional charge for laser assisted cataract surgery and advanced technology lenses. Our staff will review all of this information with you.

Our team is proud to continuously bring innovations in eye care to our community in Southern Maryland. In fact, in September 2013, Maryland Eye Associates performed the first laser assisted cataract surgery in our region. You are in good hands with our team and that is why we are known for our dedication to preserving and restoring sight. Schedule your cataract evaluation with us today!