Refractive Lens or Cataract Surgery?
Posted on Wed, May 18, 2011 @ 04:32 PM
This year, in North America, the first of the 
Baby Boomers turns 65, with 10,000 per day reaching that milestone. Health, vitality and vision are critical in maintaining an active, fulfilling lifestyle whether it includes working or not. For some, early cataract development may infringe on that lifestyle, particularly driving. So what is the difference between Cataract Surgery and Refractive Lens Surgery?
Cataract Surgery is one of the most common, safest procedures performed in North America. With the development of artificial lens implants, available in varying prescription strengths, vision restoration is within the grasp of almost every person with cataracts. Refractive solutions are also available to decrease or eliminate dependency on eye wear after cataract surgery.
While restorative cataract surgery is insured through our public health care system, there are certain restrictions. In Alberta, volume of cataract surgery is closely regulated and wait lists for surgery may be among the longest in the country. As well, the lens implant included with the procedure restores clear vision but is not intended to decrease or eliminate your dependency on eye wear.
If your cataract has progressed to the degree that it is considered medically necessary, activities such as driving and watching television will be noticeably compromised. A referral to a cataract surgeon at that time will result in your being placed on a waitlist and surgery will be performed through the health care system. At that point you may NOT pay for cataract surgery privately to expedite the process. You may, however, have the option of an advanced lifestyle lens implant, at your expense, to decrease or eliminate the need for eye wear.
Alternately, you may wish to explore Lens Replacement Surgery before natural lens changes restrict your lifestyle. The procedure involves the same steps as cataract surgery, but is performed for different reasons. Lens implants that decrease or eliminate the need for eye wear are included in the fee structure for Refractive Lens Exchange.
Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange include:
- minimal interruption of chosen lifestyle
- safe activity through clearer vision
- convenience of becoming less dependent or independent of eye wear
- enhanced recovery usually related to better overall health
- lower surgical risk related to less intraocular disturbance
Whether you wish to explore Refractive Lens Exchange or prefer to wait until cataract development is significant enough to require Cataract Surgery is a personal choice. At Demong Associate Eyecentre, our goal is to provide options for your thoughtful consideration.
For more information about Refractive Lens Exchange, or advanced Lens Options visit us online today or get our Guide to Lens Choices.