Cataract Surgery

At Busack Eye Center, we specialize in precise, technologically advanced, micro incision cataract surgery in a relaxed and comfortable setting. We complete the procedure without injections around the eye, and patients usually leave without a patch or shield.

Before Your First Visit

In order to obtain the best measurements of your eyes, stop contact lens wear at least two weeks before your visit and begin using over the counter artificial tears four times per day.

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. At your visit, we will discuss your lifestyle and vision expectations so that we may help you determine the best intraocular lens implant for your future.

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 within a few days. The following video describes some symptoms patients may experience directly after their cataract surgery.

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Traditional Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is relatively “patient-friendly" outpatient procedure. “Phacoemulsification” is the microsurgical technique used. It requires a tiny incision and breaks up the cataract with ultrasound waves or with the option of a laser.

• 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.

LenSx Laser Cataract Surgery

(Additional costs are associated with this option)

We are pleased to offer Alcon’s LenSx laser, a bladeless, computer-controlled laser that allows him to plan and perform your surgery to exacting, individualized specifications not attainable with other surgical methods. This femtosecond laser replaces the traditional hand-held blade to optimize all incisions for enhanced, reproducible surgical results. 

In traditional non-laser basic cataract surgery, the surgeon makes incisions and removes the cataract using surgical instruments and blades. However, during laser cataract surgery, several of the most critical steps of the surgical process are performed using an image-guided femtosecond laser.

The additional cost of this laser to perform precision adjustments of lower degrees of astigmatism is not covered by Medicare and other insurances.

Your choice of the type of Intraocular Lens and technology used will affect your vision for the rest of your life. Our team will help you choose the best option for your specific needs. If you choose a new technology implant or Laser Assisted Surgery for astigmatism, there are additional costs beyond what is covered by your primary and secondary insurance. The costs are typically between $1,000 and $3,000 per eye and will nearly always last you a lifetime. Many patients report that this adds significant value to their lifestyle.

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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. At Busack Eye Center, we use four basic types of lenses, each designed for a specific corrective function.

Initially when 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 extended depth of focus lenses can improve vision for various distances all at once. This typically means not having to wear glasses for many activities following your procedure.

• Option #1 - Basic Intraocular Lenses: This single focus lens will replace your cloudy cataract to help clear your vision. You will need glasses to help focus your vision. This option is usually covered by medical insurance.
• Option #2  Toric Intraocular Lenses (Additional Cost): Patients who have a greater amount of astigmatism (distortion in their cornea) have excellent results with a Toric IOL. The focus of these lenses may be set for distance, intermediate or near, and will provide better quality of vision at the selected focus. These lenses provide excellent quality of vision in the appropriate patient.
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• Option #3 - PanOptix® Trifocal and Toric Trifocal Lenses (Additional Cost): These lenses are designed to give patients distance, intermediate and near vision with less dependence on glasses after surgery. We use the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal Lens, which is the first trifocal lens available in the United States. Over 100 million lenses and counting have been implanted. And 99% of people surveyed with the PanOptix Lens would choose the same lens again. Compared to the older "monofocal" intraocular lenses (IOLs), the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix®  provides enhanced near, intermediate and distance vision to help reverse the effects of presbyopia. This is an excellent Trifocal IOL that provides an exceptional range of vision while limiting halos and visual disturbances.
• View Video
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• Option #4: Vivity™ Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) and Toric EDOF Lenses (Additional Cost): The AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ lens is the latest EDOF IOL (implant) that provides excellent distance and intermediate vision, while minimizing halos and glare. This exceptional lens is also available in a EDOF Toric version and is considered one of the most advanced EDOF intraocular lenses available in the world.

Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO)

Once a cataract is removed it does not reoccur. Over time the capsule behind the lens will become cloudy. An in office laser procedure will resolve this problem.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) for Glaucoma Patients

At the time of cataract surgery it is possible to perform a procedure to help reduce eye pressure and this may reduce the number of drops needed for glaucoma management.

Other Ocular Problems

Cataract surgery is designed to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. If there are other ocular problems such as corneal scar, macular degeneration, floaters, dry eyes or glaucoma, these conditions will continue to affect your vision after cataract surgery.

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: Busack Eye Center is pleased to offer special financing for vision correction procedures, such as cataract surgery, with approved credit through CareCredit. CareCredit is an elective healthcare financing credit card that you can use for Cataract Surgery and other procedures. CareCredit has several low monthly payment options. There are no upfront costs or pre-payment penalties. One advantage to using CareCredit over a traditional credit card is their deferred interest payment plans; under these plans, patients won't be charged interest as long as they meet their minimum monthly requirements on time and pay off their balance within the pre- determined promotional period. If you are interested in the option to use CareCredit for your laser vision correction surgery, talk to a member of our staff for more details. To find out if you qualify, you can go to the CareCredit website and fill out an application. 
• 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.

Contact our team at Busack Eye Center 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. 

Is Cataract Surgery Effective?

Yes! Modern cataract surgery is considered one of the most effective medical procedures used today. Over time, the lens implant can develop a "film" behind it, which can again cause symptoms of blurred vision. A simple laser capsulotomy procedure can be performed to create an opening in the film in order to restore normal vision. Laser capsulotomy does not require going to the operating room nor does it involve any incision into the eye. It only takes a few minutes and is painless.

Where is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Your cataract procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in a relaxed, professional and safe environment. In most cases patients can resume daily activities such as driving or reading, soon after the procedure.

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.