Clear Advice On Refractive Cataract Surgery. Is It Right For You?
If you’re experiencing cloudy or blurred vision, trouble seeing at night, or fading colors, it might be time to consider cataract surgery—or, more specifically, refractive cataract surgery which goes above and beyond the standard procedure by replacing your natural lens with an advanced vision-correcting lens.
To better understand refractive cataract surgery, we recently sat with Dr. Michael Collins, a board-certified ophthalmologist, Castle Connelly Top Doctor, and the founder and Medical Director of Collins Vision in Southwest Florida.
Dr. Collins starts with the advantages. “I like to describe the procedure as a way to remove a patient’s cataracts and glasses at the same time,” he says. This is an important distinction because the standard cataract procedure only corrects one range of vision using a monofocal lens. “The innovative refractive approach, though, greatly reduces a patient’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses… many times to the point that these vision aides are no longer necessary.”
So, what’s different about refractive cataract surgery?
At the most basic sense, refractive cataract surgery isn’t much different than the standard procedure. Refractive cataract surgery starts out in the same way as standard cataract surgery, with the removal of your natural lens. But that’s where the similarities end. A refractive cataract surgeon is uniquely qualified to also help you become less dependent on glasses using a variety of premium lifestyle lenses as well as a combination of techniques to correct astigmatism.
“To determine if a premium lifestyle lens is the right choice, the surgeon has to understand so much more about the patient than just the condition of their cataract,” Dr. Collins explains. “It’s critical to consider the patient’s health, budget and lifestyle.”
Dr. Collins says the standard option is still a quality choice for curing cloudiness, but the patient will likely still need glasses or contact lenses to correct astigmatism and near vision problems.
Is everyone a suitable candidate for premium intraocular lens (IOL)? Surprisingly, the answer is “No.”
“To determine if a premium lifestyle lens is the right choice, the surgeon has to understand so much more about the patient than just the condition of their cataract,” Dr. Collins explains. “It’s critical to consider the patient’s health, budget and lifestyle.”
If your goal is to simply see better at night, the refractive option might not be the right choice. However, if you want to also get rid of your five pairs of reading glasses, a refractive lens would be a better choice.
No matter your circumstance, however, Dr. Collins offers this advice: Take the time to do your research.
“If you’re considering cataract surgery—and being less dependent on glasses is important to you—make sure that you seek out a cataract surgeon who is also an expert in refractive surgery,” he explains. And be certain that your doctor is board certified. Dr. Collins is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Specialist.
Additionally, ensure that the practice is up-to-date on technology including newer diagnostic equipment, that the surgeon offers a variety of special types of lenses, and that femtosecond lasers are used to perform parts of the surgery.
Lastly, be certain you feel comfortable with your surgeon. Dr. Collins asserts that you should leave your consultation feeling confident and excited about your upcoming surgery and potential new vision.
