Good vision can be safely restored with a simple outpatient procedure. Dr. Bello performs "no stitch/small incision cataract surgery" by removing the cataract through a process called phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification (phaco) is a painless surgical technique, which uses ultrasound technology. First, a small incision is made into the membrane which surrounds the cloudy lens (cataract). Next, a vibrating probe is inserted, so ultrasound waves can gently break the cataract into tiny pieces. This will allow ease of removal and lessen the chance of any complications. In the past, cataract surgery was a much more complicated procedure, requiring a larger incision, stitches and longer recovery time.

Lens Options

During cataract surgery, the clouded natural lens is removed and is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Advanced Vision Specialists offers the most advanced lens options available to customize your vision after cataract surgery. Based on your individual lifestyle needs, our goal is to help reduce your dependency on glasses and contacts. Depending on the results of your examination, you may have the option to choose a standard or lifestyle lens. Standard (monofocal) IOL's correct distance vision only. Lifestyle IOL's, such as the ReSTOR (multifocal lens) and Crystalens (accommodating lens) correct all three ranges of vision: near, far, and everything in between. Other Lifestyle IOL's, such as the toric lens, correct astigmatism and distance vision. During your visit, Dr. Bello will make a lens recommendation specifically tailored to meet your needs and enhance your vision.

The Basic Monofocal Lens Implant (Standard)

With single-vision lens implants, there is a very high likelihood that you will need glasses for most near-vision activities after surgery, even if you do not wear near-vision glasses before surgery. These activities include such things as reading, applying makeup, shaving, reading your watch and dialing your cell phone. Medicare and most private and group insurances carriers will pay for most of your cataract surgery and the monofocal lens. This is considered basic coverage.

AcrySof® ReSTOR®- The Multifocal Lifestyle Lens Implant

Using the newest technology, implants such as the AcrySof® ReSTOR®, are designed to provide a full range of vision—near, far and everything in between. Based on FDA clinical data, 80% of patients who have elected to have the AcrySof® ReSTOR® don’t need glasses after surgery for any of their daily activities. Those who do need glasses, need them only occasionally for very specific tasks. The goal of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens is to allow you to live essentially spectacle-free.

Crystalens®- The Accommodating Lifestyle Lens Implant

The Crystalens®  is an accommodating intraocular lens designed with a hinge to allow the lens to move back and forth, as you focus from various distances from near to far. The Crystalens® is designed to reproduce the natural accommodation of our eyes that began to deteriorate around the age of 40. Most Crystalens® patients are able to read the newspaper, see their computer and read the clock across the room without glasses after surgery.

AcrySof® Toric (Astigmatism Correcting) Lifestyle Lens Implant

The AcrySof® Toric lens implant is specifically designed to help those who have a significant amount of astigmatism. The design of the AcrySof® Toric lens makes it possible to reduce or eliminate astigmatism and significantly improves distance vision. Most patients, after surgery, can function well for far-away activities without glasses. These lens implants do not provide near focus and reading glasses are still needed after surgery.

Insurance Coverage

Although Medicare and most private and group insurance providers cover the cost of cataract surgery; there is an additional charge for lifestyle lens technology. If Dr. Bello determines that you are a candidate for these on of these lenses, he can discuss payment plans that will make this option more affordable for you. During your visit Dr. Bello will recommend the best lens specifically tailored to meet your needs and enhance your vision.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataracts we encourage you to contact us at 1-773-775-9755 to schedule a cataract evaluation exam.