New Cataract Advances

"Feeling young again couldn't be any Clearer!"

“Youthful Vision for all ages"...With the NEW Multifocal Intra-ocular lens implant you can enjoy good vision at distance, mid-range, & near without the dependence of reading glasses after Cataract Surgery.

Ask Drs. Oppenheim and Shelton about the new multifocal Intra-ocular lenses today!

Q: Where is cataract surgery performed?

A: With most insurance policies, cararact surgery can be performed at Riverside Hampton Surgery Center, 850 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 1000, which is in the same building as our practice. Patients with Optima or Virginia Premier insurance can have cataract surgery performed at Harbour View Ambulatory Surgery Center, 5818 Harbour View Blvd., Suite 100, Suffolk, VA 23435.

Q: How soon can I go back to work or drive?

A: In most cases, patients can return to work within 3 days of cataract surgery. There are some lifting restrictions, swimming and use of hot tubs. In some cases, primarily due to work conditions, patients may need to use protective eye-wear. Most patients can drive within 2-3 days. Your eye surgeon will release you to drive as he or she deems appropriate.

Q: How do the new Multifocal IOL’s differ from conventional IOL’s?

A: With a conventional IOL, the patient uses bifocal’s or reading glasses following cataract surgery to be able to see close objects. With the new Multifocal IOL’s the patient will not require, in most cases, bifocals or reading glasses following cataract surgery.

Q: How long have these new Multifocal IOL’s been available to the general public?

A: Use of these new Multifocal IOL’s was approved by Medicare effective May 3, 2005 and implemented on September 6, 2005 .

Q: Are the Multifocal IOL’s covered by my insurance?

A: Cataract surgery with the implantation of a conventional IOL is a covered service by most insurance carriers, however, the cost of the Multifocal IOL and related services by your physician are not covered services provided by insurance carriers and ultimately the cost of these services are the responsibility of the patient.

Q: Is there just one brand of Multifocal IOL?

A: No, there are several companies manufacturing new Multifocal , or presbyopic-correcting IOL’s. Because of this competition, our physicians have several choices to offer patient’s when choosing the right IOL for you. Our practice offers patient’s the Acrysof Restor® (www.acrysofrestor.com), and the Bausch & Lomb Crystalens® as we strive to make sure our patient’s have the very best in eye care.

Q: Do these Mutifocal lenses require an adjustment period?

A: Yes. For most patient’s there is a period of weeks when your brain is learning to “see” up close and at a distance with the new lens. This adjustment period is usually about 6-12-weeks. Most people report that the ability to see near and distance outweighs any visual side-effects associated with the lens.

Q. Are there any risks?

A. There are risks that accompany all surgical procedures. Please ask Drs. Oppenheim or Shelton to discuss with you the risks and benefits of cataract surgery.

For more information on the multifocal lenses, please call our office and make an appointment for a cataract evaluation. Or you may Mail us at: cataract@hamptonroadslaser.com