Cataract Surgery in Burnsville, MN
What are Cataracts
Cataracts are actually quite common and for most people a natural result of aging. Cataracts occur as a clouding of your eye’s natural lens—the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. The lens of the eye is contained in a sealed capsule. Over time, as old cells die, they become trapped within the capsule, causing the lens to cloud, making images look blurred and colors fade.
What are Cataract Symptoms?
Since cataracts often take a while to form, so do their symptoms. Cataracts are most often associated with those over age 60, however, they can develop in those as young as newborns as well. A person with cataracts may experience some or all of the following symptoms listed.
- Blurred or double vision
- Gradual dulling of colors
- Halos around lights or glare when driving
- Difficulty reading in low light
- Frequent need to change glasses prescription
What is Cataract Surgery?
Traditional Cataract Surgery
Standard or traditional cataract surgery is where a monofocal or single-focus lens is implanted after Dr. Carlson removes your cataract. This lens is designed to provide clear vision at a single distance point. This is the lens choice if you prefer to continue wearing glasses. This means most people without astigmatism will be able to see objects far away. However, you will need glasses for reading and any type of close, detailed work. Monofocal IOLs have been the standard implant used for decades to help patients after cataract removal. Health care insurance typically pays for standard cataract surgery with a monofocal lens implant, less any deductible, copays or coinsurance depending on your plan.
Advanced Vision Correction
Premium lenses are available for advanced vision correction to reduce dependency on glasses after cataract surgery. Options include toric lenses, extended depth of vision lenses or light- adjustable lenses that can be customized after surgery. Additional cost is associated with these IOLs, however patients who choose advanced vision correction use glasses much less than those who choose a monofocal IOL.
Cataract Surgery Options
“Choosing the Vision You Want for the Rest of Your Life”
You are choosing the vision you want for the rest of your life. The decision you make is permanent so understanding your options and considering all factors is important. Options may include standard cataract surgery, laser-assisted surgery or advanced refractive surgery. So, what is right for you and where do you start? The best way to begin is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Carlson. He will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the health of your eyes, determine if you are a candidate for cataract surgery and identify your surgery options. Dr. Carlson will explain your options based on the exam, testing and information you provide about your lifestyle to make the best recommendation for surgery.