Cataract Surgery Medford, MA
Cataract surgery is among the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. It is highly effective, comfortable, and safe. It is one of the true miracles of modern medicine.
Dr. Gilbert has over 20 years experience in cataract surgery. He has performed thousands of highly successful cataract surgeries.
Dr. Gilbert removes the cataract through a tiny incision that requires no stitches. The cloudy cataractous lens is disassembled and removed using an ultrasound and vacuum system known as phacoemulsification (“phaco”). A new, clear lens implant is inserted through the tiny incision and unfolded into a similar position as the natural lens. The lens secures itself in place, and functions for at least the next 70 years! The entire cataract surgery is painless and lasts 10-20 minutes. It is done with the patient awake and with the eye numbed or asleep.
After the surgery the cataract patient will get up and walk out of the operating room and relax for 20-30 minutes with cookies, juice or coffee before going home with no patch or shield. The total time at the surgicenter is about two hours.
One Eyed Patients: Patients who have vision in only one eye will stay a bit longer after surgery at the surgicenter, so that they see nicely when they depart home. Again, usually no eye patch or shield needed with our surgery.
Next Day after Cataract Surgery
By the next day or sooner, vision is dramatically improved in the vast majority of patients. Additional improvements may occur in the next one or two weeks in some patients.
Where will the Cataract Surgery Take Place?
Cataract surgery is not done in the office and is no longer generally done in the hospital. Dr. Gilbert performs cataract surgery at the North Shore Cataract and Laser Center (NSCLS) which is located at 91 Montvale Avenue, Stoneham, MA.
The NSCLS is highly specialized and experienced in cataract and eye surgery. This cataract surgery center has a competent and friendly staff that helps make your eye surgery a great success and a welcome experience. They help us provide you with a cataract surgery experience that is unsurpassed anywhere in Massachusetts.
Your needs for cataract surgery: For those with special medical or other needs, please let us know in advance when you meet with Dr. Gilbert and his staff. We take interest and pride in facilitating your needs. Transportation to NSCLS is available on the day of surgery for those that have no other means of transportation.
Lens Choice
A cataractous lens is removed during cataract surgery and then a new intraocular lens (IOL) is delivered in its place.
- Standard Monfocal IOL: Provides sharp focus for an eye in one location, usually distance but sometimes reading. It does not correct astigmatism. This lens is covered under the normal terms of your medical insurance.
- Monovision: Using two monofocal IOL s for a pair of eyes with cataracts. One lens can be set in focus for distance and one set closer in focus for some limited reading ability. Not all patients are candidates nor can tolerate the focus for monovison of the two eyes in different locations.
- Correcting Presbyopia: Presbyopia is the need for most adults over 50 to use reading glasses or bifocals in order to see up close. A revolution in cataract surgery has occurred with the advent of three FDA-approved intraocular lens implants (IOL’s) that correct both distance and near (reading) vision, thus allowing greater independence from glasses. After cataract surgery there are two categories of these implants: Multifocal and accommodating. We provide both as options but multifocals are more commonly chosen.
Premium Multifocal IOLs cure cataracts and treat presbyopia. Thus, turning back the clock to bring back your ability to see up close as well as at a distance without glasses. Studies have shown that patients who opt for Premium IOL’s are overwhelmingly free of eyeglasses, perhaps occasionally using them for small print.
Restor® and Tecnis ® multifocal IOL s can all provide less dependence of glasses. Each of these multifocal lenses has advantages and potential disadvantage. We will help patients select the intraocular lens that may be most appropriate for their needs and lifestyle.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is very common. It causes a blurred, distorted view because the eye is shaped like an American football rather than a round ball. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser vision correction, and corneal incisions have all been used to successfully treat astigmatism.
If you are planning to have cataract surgery then you have the option to correct the preexisting astigmatism during the cataract surgery in order to free yourself from the need for distance glasses. Two methods are employed. The first is called Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI). These peripheral corneal incisions help reshape the cornea into a round contour. LRI is simple, safe and effective for limited amounts of astigmatism. The second method uses a specialized intraocular lens (IOL) called a Toric IOL that corrects the blurred view caused by astigmatism. The Toric IOL is specifically oriented with the direction of your astigmatism in order to elegantly correct it with impressive clarity. The Toric IOL is used for medium to high amounts of astigmatism. It is safe, reliable and effective.
| Astigmatism | Method |
| Small | None |
| Limited | LRI |
| Medium to Large | Toric IOL |
| Very Large | Toric and LRI |
| With Multifocal IOL | LRI |
Dr. Gilbert was one of the first ophthalmologists in Massachusetts to be certified in and offering all three of the first FDA-approved Premium lenses.
Astigmatism is evaluated during the preoperative exam when the cornea and eye length are measured in detail. If significant astigmatism is found to be present then you will be offered the option of a toric implant or LRI.
What is the Cost of the Procedure?
For our patients with cataracts, insurance will generally cover the cataract part of the procedure and the standard IOL. The patient is responsible for any insurance co pays or deductibles. The elective upgrade to a Premium IOL and/or surgical correction of astigmatism will be the patient’s financial responsibility. The cost for these Premium or Toric IOL’s and/or LRI covers the surgeon’s pre-op evaluation and surgery, the cost of the eye surgery center, the cost of the optional IOL and 90 days of cataract optional IOL and/or astigmatic postoperative care at the office.
For patients who have no cataract and seek a Premium IOL for refractive reasons, the procedure is considered cosmetic and is the full financial responsibility of the patient.
Is Financing offered for Cataract Surgery, Premium IOL’s or other Procedures?
We offer Care Credit® payment plans to make the cost of your eye care easy and manageable. With Care Credit® you can:
- Get all the eye care needed now, take time to pay
- Enjoy convenient, low monthly payments
- Have more time to pay with the low interest extended payment plan
We offer two extended payment plans, a 24 & 36 month plan through Care Credit®. These plans carry a 14.9% no prepayment penalty APR. These rates are generally lower than available through most credit cards.
For more information about Care Credit®, how to apply, and how it can work for you, please log onto their website: www.carecredit.com or call 800-859-9975.
If you are interested in cataract surgery, book a consultation with our ophthalmologists. At Jason M. Gilbert, M.D., P.C., we have a team of experienced board-certified professionals who are dedicated to providing high-quality care. Call 781-395-9916 or click here to schedule an appointment.
