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Cataract Surgery in Memphis

Since the days of your parents and grandparents, cataract surgery has undergone tremendous technological advances. Today it is safer, more precise and can open your vision up to a world full of new possibilities. With all the exciting options, it’s critical on selecting a surgeon with the highest reputation and skill. At Eye Specialty Group, we are committed to providing the latest in cataract surgery technology along with a team of dedicated, Ivy League educated, surgeons to be there with you every step of the way. With over 50 years of experience and having performed thousands of cataract procedures, Eye Specialty Group is a recognized leader in cataract surgery In Memphis.

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What Causes Cataracts?

For most people, cataracts are the natural result of aging. A cataract is caused by a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that normally helps focus light onto the retina. When the lens becomes cloudy, the light is blocked and scattered, and therefore the image that we see becomes blurred, impacting possible night driving and everyday activities. Deciding on the right time for cataract surgery is an important one. There are several factors to consider.

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What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Blurry, clouded or faded vision
Your glasses prescription is changing often or no longer works
Colors appear dull or washed out
Difficult reading in low light
Poor night vision
Halos around lights or glare
Sensitivity to sunlight or bright lights

If you feel like your vision is affecting your everyday life, or you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it may be time for cataract surgery. Call Eye Specialty Group today at (901) 685-2200 or click here to schedule an exam.

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Monofocal (Single Vision)

Monofocal lenses are often referred to as the standard lens because they can correct vision at a single distance. During cataract surgery, this lens is the only one that Medicare will usually cover. Because it’s a basic intraocular lens, it does not correct astigmatism, and patients will need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. This is to ensure that they can see at other distances that the monofocal lens can’t correct.

There are no extra out-of-pocket expenses for patients that choose this lens, as Medicare covers this and cataract surgery.

Lens Brands
Acrysof IQ (Monofocal), Tecnis, Staar NanoFLEX IOL

Multifocal (Vision at Multiple Distances)

Multifocal lenses offer a continuous range of sight from distance to intermediate distances. Patients that choose multifocal lenses report fewer visual disturbances like halos. Patients with a multifocal lens may need to use reading glasses when performing tasks like reading things with fine print. Multifocal IOLs are premium lenses, meaning you will have to pay out of pocket for them. These lenses have several regions with different powers. This allows people to see up-close, far away, and intermediate distances.

This lens can cause more glare and loss of contrast than monofocal or toric lenses. Multifocal lenses cannot correct astigmatism unless the lens comes in a toric model. Some patients may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery for clear vision.

Lens Brands
Acrysof IQ Restor, Symfony, Symfony Toric, AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision Intraocular Lens (IOL), AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Toric Extended Vision IOLs, AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision UV Absorbing IOL, and AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™, Toric Extended Vision UV Absorbing IOLs

Toric (Astigmatism Correcting)

Toric lenses share some similarities with monofocal lenses, but they are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. This allows patients with astigmatism to see well at a distance or far away.

They will then need to wear glasses to compensate for the distance that the lens didn’t correct for. Insurance, Medicare, and secondary insurances do not cover this lens, so there is an out-of-pocket expense. Many advanced lens implants will have a toric component. This enables an extended range of vision as well as astigmatism correction.

Lens Brands
Tecnis Toric, Staar C2 Aspheric Optic

Accommodating IOL

Accommodating IOLs are unique because they move inside your eye to accommodate focusing at different distances. They are designed to change shape like the eye’s natural lens, explains the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

With an accommodating IOL, most people find that they do not need glasses or contact lenses after having cataract surgery. Some people prefer to wear glasses for extended periods of reading or other close-up activities.

Lens Brands
Crystalens by Bausch and Lomb

Light Adjustable Lens™

RxSight’s Light Adjustable Lens™ is the first intraocular lens that allows you and your physician to optimize your vision after cataract surgery. This lens gives you the unique ability to adjust and preview your vision until it meets your personal desires and lifestyle requirements.

This optimization is done by your eye doctor after lens implantation during a series of light-treatment procedures. The light-treatment procedures only take a few minutes each at your eye doctor’s office.

Lens Brands
RxSight’s Light Adjustable Lens™

Trifocal (Panoptix, Panoptix Toric)

The trifocal lens provides clear vision up-close, far away, and at intermediate distances. Intermediate tasks include things like shaving, applying makeup, and working on a computer. Up-close tasks include sewing, writing, and reading.

This lens provides patients with good distance, computer, and reading vision. Some patients may see halos or starbursts in certain light conditions. There is an out-of-pocket expense for this premium lens.

Lens Brands
Panoptix, Panoptix Toric

Monofocal Single Vision

Multifocal

Toric

Trifocal

Accommodating IOL

Light Adjustable Lens™

Cataract FAQ’s

When is it time to have cataract surgery?

The time for surgery is when cataracts are causing loss of vision to the extent that it affects your ability to perform activities of daily living in your accustomed manner. With modern advancements in cataract surgery, developing cataracts no longer means having to suffer with blurry vision – restoring your vision has never been easier.

What happens during cataract surgery?

During this outpatient procedure, topical anesthesia will be used, ensuring that you will be relaxed and comfortable as your surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). There are no stitches and recovery is rapid. With the cataract removed and the IOL in place, you’re on your way to enjoying clearer, more youthful vision.

How is laser cataract surgery different than standard cataract surgery?

Laser Cataract Surgery performs several of the most critical steps of the surgical process with an image-guided femtosecond laser. This allows for increased precision with improvement in accuracy. Standard cataract surgery requires all incisions to be performed by hand with a blade.

Will I need to wear glasses after my cataract surgery?

At Eye Specialty Group, we offer a wide selection of lens options to meet your personal vision needs, so that today’s cataract surgery has the potential to not only eliminate your cataracts, but also allow you to see near, far and everything in between… with little to no dependence on glasses or contacts!

Will I need to have cataract surgery done again?

The results are permanent, offering you a lifetime of good vision. However, some patients may experience a clouding of the tissue surrounding the IOL. Should this occur, a laser may be used in an outpatient procedure to painlessly remove the cloudiness and restore clear vision.

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