What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eyes natural lens, making it difficult to read, drive and perform many daily functions. Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process, developing slowly and usually without causing problems in the early stages. However, as the cataract matures the cloudiness increases resulting in significant loss of sight and even blindness.

Cataract Symptoms

• Cloudiness or blurry vision
• Poor night vision
• Double vision
• Colors seem faded
• Glare or halos
• Light sensitivity 

Cataract Treatment

Cataract surgery is necessary to remove the cloudy lens which is then replaced by an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Until recently all IOL’s were fixed for one distance; therefore requiring most patients to need glasses after cataract surgery. Today, there are many different lens options available and depending on your individual needs and lifestyle, the cataract surgeon will help you decide which lens is best for you.

Revolutionary Lens

Center For Sight and our surgeons are recognized internationally as leaders in cataract surgery and lens replacement, specializing in the premium lens procedure. At the time of cataract surgery, you can choose to have your natural lens replaced with either a traditional single focus intraocular lens (IOL) or a multifocal intraocular lens or accommodating (IOL) called a premium lens.

A premium lens provides all distance vision, allowing clear vision at all distances-near, intermediate and at a distance. Most premium lens patients experience visual freedom after their procedure, allowing them to see without glasses.

The Premium Lens Procedure – Finally, Life Without Glasses

Imagine a life free from the restrictions and hassles of glasses. If you are suffering from poor vision and dependency on glasses due to a cataract or if you simply want to be free from glasses, the premium lens may be for you. These multi-focal or accommodating IOLs allow you to experience “All Distance Vision.” So you can read to your grandchildren, play cards with your friends and enjoy all your favorite activities like golfing, swimming, sewing and tennis without the nuisance of glasses.

Choosing the Right Premium Lens for You

Until recently, cataract patients had few choices for the implants used to restore their vision. With the premium lens procedure you now have several choices based on your individual visual needs and lifestyle. 


Advanced Medical Optics  manufactures the TECNIS multifocal intraocular lens, offering patients high quality vision day or night and at a full range of distances. It has a unique lens design giving patients superior near vision and reading speed and is the most recently FDA approved multifocal intraocular lens.

The AcrySof ReSTOR multi-focal lens provides good vision at all distances. Alcon’s patented technology combines the strengths of apodized diffractive and refractive technologies which are similar to the technologies used in microscopes and telescopes, allowing for good vision near and far.

Bausch & Lomb's Crystalens HD is the only FDA approved accommodating intraocular lens which provides enhanced depth of focus. This lens is designed to improve near vision without compromising intermediate and distance vision.

If you are having cataract surgery and choose not to have the premium lens procedure for All Distance Vision, Center For Sight uses the highest quality single focus lens available, the Tecnis lens. The Tecnis lens, which is manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics, has been shown to improve night driving vision; which is likely to provide safety benefits for drivers and those with whom they share the road. Although the Tecnis lens provides distinct advantages over other single focus lenses, patients will need glasses for clear vision at all distances.

Treating Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an irregularly shaped cornea, resulting in a vision error that occurs when light rays entering the eye scatter instead of providing a single focal point. At Center For Sight we use the latest state-of-the-art technology to diagnose all levels of astigmatism. The test is called a corneal topography in which a special camera is used to photograph the corneal pattern. A detailed map is produced to show the cone’s size, shape and steepness. The test is fast and painless and will be performed prior to your cataract surgery.

Using the results from the corneal topography, a procedure called Limbal Relaxing Incision (LRI) is performed at the same time as cataract surgery to reduce astigmatism. The physician uses the information from the corneal topography to see exactly where to make a carefully planned surgical incision in the eye. The incision is made with the 1/10th-inch incision, a self-sealing technique so no stitches are needed. After the LRI procedure, the cornea’s shape is more rounded like a basketball instead of irregular like a football, further reducing your dependence on glasses after surgery.

Medicare and other third party insurance typically do not cover the cost of astigmatism treatment; however, at Center For Sight, you only pay for the out of pocket costs associated with the corneal topography tests and refraction and our surgeons perform the Limbal Relaxing Incision at the time of surgery at no additional charge. Treatment of astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery ensures your personal best vision whether you choose a single focus, multi-focal or accommodating IOL.

Make The Clear Choice

Schedule a consultation at Center For Sight so you can personally meet with our board-certified cataract surgeons. To speak with a counselor, or to schedule your appointment by phone, please call 800-914-0027 from 8am-5pm Mon-Fri.

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