Cataract Surgery

With a routine, outpatient surgical procedure, an ophthalmologist can remove the cataract through a small incision using a technique called Phacoemulsification.This technique uses ultrasonic sound waves to help break up the cataract into small pieces so they can be easily removed. Usually, a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) made of either silicone or acrylic polymer is inserted at the time of cataract extraction to replace the focusing power of the natural lens. IOLs can be monovision (fixed-focus for a preset distance) or multifocal, which allows focused vision at many distances. We are pleased to offer the following “premium” IOLs: The Crystalens, an “accommodating” IOL providing excellent near and distance vision; the Rezoom IOL, a multifocal IOL also providing focus at varying distances; and the Acrysof Toric IOL, designed for astigmatism correction. There is an added cost for these premium lenses, not covered by insurance. We would be happy to provide the prices for any of these IOLs upon your request.

At Eye Care of Maine we are proud to provide pain-free cataract surgery in our state of the art Ambulatory Surgery Center. Here we can provide each patient with personalized care from our highly trained staff in a warm, friendly environment. Most cases take less than ten minutes. For the vast majority of patients we use topical anesthesia and sublingual medication, obviating the need for intravenous medication and needles. Our cost per case is a fraction of the cost for cataract surgery performed at a hospital, which is especially important for those patients with limited or no insurance or on Medicare without supplemental insurance. We accept Medicaid (Maine Care) patients and almost all other insurance payment.

Cataract surgery is a very successful operation. Almost three million people have this procedure every year in the United States, and more than 95% of people have a successful result. As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur during or after surgery, and some are severe enough to limit vision. But in most cases, vision, as well as quality of life, improves.