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				What is a Cataract? 
				 Loss of eye sight from cataracts is usually 
				preventable! With the formation of a cataract, activities like 
				reading, bowling, or driving can be difficult. Fortunately, 
				vision can be restored quickly, allowing the patient to return 
				home within a few hours. With new advances in cataract surgery, 
				vision improvement begins almost immediately, and an eye patch 
				isn't even needed. | 
				
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				A Cataract is the clouding of the lens of the 
				eye. Normally, light passes through the 
				clear lens and is focused onto the Retina. However, the natural 
				aging process can cause the lens to become cloudy. The Cataract 
				or cloudy lens blocks the passage of light through the eye and 
				causes distorted or blurred vision, glare, or difficulty seeing 
				in poor lighting conditions.
  Cataract surgery is the most 
				common operation in the world. In the United States, millions 
				procedures are performed annually. There are many millions of 
				cases of early cataracts among Americans aged 40 and older, and 
				50 percent of people older than 65 have developed significant 
				cataracts. 
				
				Is Cataract Surgery right for me?
 
  
						Boynton Eye Institute's 
						Cataract  and IOL Consultation  
  Your refractive 
						consultation is an information session where we will 
						discuss your vision issues and goals, your refractive 
						options and what you can expect from surgery. We will 
						review your contact lens and/or eyeglass history and run 
						tests as needed to determine the uniformity of your 
						cornea and recommend the best procedure for you. Your 
				consultation may be covered by insurance. If not, then there is 
				a $160 charge for this appointment.
  
				This 2-2½ hour 
				dilated consultation typically includes a complete review of 
				overall eye and systemic health plus an assessment of other eye 
				conditions and an evaluation of the retina. 
				Learn what you need to know about your consultation
  
				 The Cataract Procedure 
				 Cataract surgery is performed on an out-patient basis. You 
				will not need to be hospitalized or put to sleep for your doctor 
				to perform your surgery. The procedure normally takes less than 
				30 minutes and you can return home shortly after your procedure. 
				Most people will enjoy improved vision by the day after surgery 
				or within a few days following the procedure.
  Your doctor 
				will first administer a light sedative which will relax your 
				nerves and keep you comfortable during the procedure. Anesthetic 
				eye drops will be used to completely numb the eye. Your doctor 
				will use the latest technology for cataract removal. The entire 
				procedure is typically performed through an incision that is 
				smaller than 1/8 of an inch and does not require stitches to 
				heal.
  Once the cataract is removed, an intra-ocular lens 
				(IOL) is placed where the cataract lens was removed, to restore 
				your sight. Most patients will not require an eye patch and will 
				not have significant discomfort. Most patients can return 
				to their normal daily routines, including reading, driving, and 
				exercise soon after surgery.
 
  
				What should I expect 
				about my Cataract 
				surgery?
  Before deciding to have Cataract surgery, you 
				will need an initial examination to make sure your eyes are 
				suitable for surgery. Your doctor will take a complete history 
				about your medical and eye health and perform a thorough 
				examination of both eyes. The best lens implant available to 
				accommodate each patient's individual situation. We will be 
				certain that you receive professional and thorough education 
				regarding lens implant options. 
				Learn more » | 
			 
			
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		Cataract Surgery Financing
  Cataract surgery and 
		standard (monofocal) intraocular lenses (IOLs) are covered by Medicare 
		and most health insurance plans, as this procedure is considered 
		medically necessary. Upgrading cataract surgery to Lifestyle IOLs to 
		correct presbyopia or astigmatism, however, is only partially covered by 
		Medicare or other insurance for the cataract portion of fees, as these 
		IOLs are considered to be a luxury and not a medical necessity. 
  
		The cost of surgery changes over time just as most products and services 
		change periodically, but our current per-eye prices for these procedures 
		are as follows:
  When diagnosed as needed due to its progressive 
		stage, the surgery for cataracts and the placement of a 
		Monofocal IOL is usually covered on approval by insurance (less 
		deductibles and co-pays). If you choose to upgrade from a Monofocal IOL 
		to a Multifocal, Accommodating, or Toric IOL, you will pay out-of-pocket 
		for the cost of the Lifestyle lens and the additional testing and 
		follow-up care needed. | 
	 
	
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