Frequently Asked Questions About Premium Cataract Lenses
What is a Premium Cataract Lens?
A premium lens implant is designed to correct distance, intermediate, and near vision. Premium lenses are implanted inside of the eye to replace the eye’s natural lens when it is removed during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery.
How do I know that I am a candidate for a premium lens?
Before your cataract or refractive lens exchange procedure, your surgeon will perform a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During your exam, your surgeon will discuss your intraocular lens options based on the health of your eyes. If you are interested in a premium lens, extensive preoperative measurements will also be performed. These measurements will measure the curvature and length of your eye, the shape and thickness of your cornea, the size of the pupil in normal and dim light, calculate your eye’s aberrations, and also determine your eye’s tear production. Your surgeon will review all of the data received from the measurements and discuss the lens they would recommend for you.
Does insurance pay for a premium lens?
Unfortunately, health insurance companies do not consider premium lenses medically-necessary so they will not cover the cost of any premium corrective lenses. Your health insurance will still pay their portion of the doctor’s fee, the facility fee, and the anesthesia fee. You will just be responsible for any co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance, and any upgrades that you choose. Financing is offered through CareCredit with interest free for 24 months.
Is there only one type of premium lens?
No, there are several different types of FDA-approved premium lenses including multifocal, accommodating, and extended depth of focus. The type of premium lens implanted will be based on your particular vision needs and lifestyle.
I have a lot of astigmatism; can I still get a premium cataract lens?
Yes. Several premium cataract lenses also come in what is called a toric lens implant. These lenses are not only designed for visual correction but also for reduction of residual refractive astigmatism.
How long do premium cataract lenses last?
Premium cataract lens implants will last you the rest of your lifetime. Your cataract will not come back and you do not have to change the lens out. The lens capsule can become cloudy after cataract surgery but there is a laser that can quickly and easily remove the cloudiness and restore your clear vision.
Will my vision change later down the road?
No, your vision will generally remain stable after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery, unless some other medical condition occurs. During cataract surgery, your surgeon will completely remove your natural, cloudy lens (the lens that has caused your vision to change over time) and replace it with an artificial lens implant. During refractive lens exchange surgery, the surgeon will completely remove your natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant. The artificial implant will not degrade or change over time.
What happens if I still have a need for correction after my cataract surgery with a premium lens implant?
The majority of patients will have excellent results after their premium lens implant. However, if you and your doctor determine that you need an enhancement to fine-tune any residual prescription correction, laser vision correction such as Lasik or PRK is included for a twelve month period following your cataract surgery. You may also choose to wear glasses or contact lenses.