Cataract Surgery

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts develop gradually, often starting as a minor inconvenience and progressing to more noticeable vision impairment. Initially, the symptoms might be so mild that they are hardly detectable, but as the condition worsens, the following signs become evident:

• Blurry or Cloudy Vision: One of the earliest and most common symptoms, where vision appears foggy or blurred.
• Changes in Color Perception: Colors may seem faded, dull, or acquire a yellowish tint.
• Increased Sensitivity to Light: Lights may appear overly bright, or there may be a halo effect around lights, especially noticeable at night.
• Night Vision Difficulties: Driving or seeing in low light can become challenging due to reduced clarity and increased glare.
• Double Vision: In severe cases, double vision may occur in the affected eye, making it difficult to perceive images clearly.
• Frequent Prescription Changes: A noticeable increase in the frequency of prescription changes for glasses or contact lenses can be a sign of progressing cataracts.³

Cataracts symptoms typically emerge more prominently as individuals age, often becoming more significant in their 50s and beyond. If you notice any of these changes in your vision, discuss them with your eye doctor: a comprehensive eye exam is recommended to determine if cataracts are the cause.

Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome and Cataracts

Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome (DLS) is a term used to describe the natural degeneration of the eye’s crystalline lens, which affects functional vision as we age. This condition progresses through various stages, ultimately leading to cataracts if left untreated. Understanding DLS can help patients recognize the changes in their vision and seek appropriate treatment.

DLS Stage I (~Ages 40-50): During this stage, the lens begins to lose its ability to focus up close, a condition known as presbyopia. Patients often find they need bifocal segments in their glasses to see clearly at different distances.

DLS Stage II (~Ages 50-65): As DLS progresses, the quality of vision starts to deteriorate. Images may appear less crisp, and colors might seem less vibrant. This stage marks the beginning of more noticeable vision impairment.
DLS Stage III (~Ages 65+): At this stage, DLS progresses to cataracts, where the lens becomes significantly opaque, impairing vision to the point where it cannot be corrected to better than 20/40 with glasses or contacts. This level of impairment is typically when insurance considers the cataract to be visually significant and medically necessary to remove.

Dr. Jay Rudd offers treatments for each stage of Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome. While surgery can be performed at any stage of DLS, it is important to note that in stages I and II, insurance does not typically cover the procedure as it is not deemed medically necessary (referred to as Refractive Lens Exchange, or RLE). However, in stage III, insurance usually covers the removal of the cataract and the implantation of a standard intraocular lens (IOL).

Maximum Independence from Glasses

This premium option aims to provide maximal independence from glasses, with patients experiencing 90-95% of their day glasses-free. This is ideal for those who wish to reduce their reliance on glasses⁵ for most daily activities and want to minimize the risk of falls as they age.⁶ This approach often involves a combination of multifocal IOL (MFIOL) in one eye and extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL in the other, but Dr. Rudd will tailor the combination to best suit your needs.

Distance Only, Near Only, or Blended Vision

This option is designed for patients who prefer their best vision at a single focal point. You can choose distance vision, near vision, or a combination of one for each eye (blended vision). While this option provides excellent vision at the chosen focal point, it requires glasses for other distances, such as reading or computer work. This option is less common as it involves frequent changes in glasses, which can become inconvenient.

Customizable Vision with Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL)

This innovative option combines the benefits of distance, near, or blended vision with the adjustability of the Light Adjustable Lens by RxSight. This advanced lens allows for fine-tuning after implantation, providing a customized vision solution that can be adjusted to meet your evolving visual needs. The process is longer but offers a high degree of customization.

Learn More About the Light Adjustable Lens

Standard Cataract Surgery

This option, covered by insurance, involves the implantation of a monofocal lens, providing good distance vision but requiring glasses for intermediate and near tasks. Astigmatism is not addressed, which means patients may still need glasses for clearest distance vision. This option is suitable for those seeking a straightforward solution covered by insurance, although it may increase the need for bifocals⁶ and the risk of falls as they age.^7,8

At Rudd Vision, our goal is to provide each patient with the best possible visual outcome tailored to their lifestyle and vision needs. Our comprehensive range of IOL options ensures that every patient can achieve the highest degree of visual clarity and freedom post-cataract surgery.

Learn More About IOL Options