Home Preparing for your Cataract Evaluation
We’re looking forward to seeing you for your cataract evaluation!

We know you’re probably asking, “what’s next” so we put together a few things to help you feel more confident, comfortable, and prepared. This page will be your guide to preparing for your cataract evaluation at ICON Eyecare. We encourage you to read this page carefully, using the links below to quickly navigate to find answers to your questions so you will be well informed for you upcoming appointment.

Preparing for your appointment is easy!

Will I be Dilated at my Appointment? And What About my Contacts?

During the medical eye evaluation, you will be dilated to allow for advanced testing. Dilated eye exams typically last 2 hours and can cause sensitivity to light for an average of 6 hours following dilation. We suggest you bring sunglasses for your drive home.

We ask all patients coming for a cataract evaluation to be out of their contacts for at least 7 days prior to your appointment. This will allow for more accurate testing and view of your complete eye health. 

If you wear hard contacts, we do need you to be out of them for 2 weeks prior to your consultation.

If you are unable to be out of your contacts prior to your cataract evaluation, you may be required to schedule a follow up visit for additional testing.

What will happen during my appointment?

  • The first step of your cataract evaluation is the medical eye exam. We will guide you through a comprehensive, dilated eye exam that will include measurements and get a complete view of your eye.
  • Following testing, you will meet with your surgeon. This will be the time for you and your surgeon to discuss your lifestyle, daily activities, and vision goals following cataract surgery. Your surgeon will share more about ICON Eyecare’s lens options and how each lens may fit your vision goals.
  • After discussing your lens options, you’ll sit down with one of our expert cataract counselors to discuss costs, financing, and scheduling.
    • Depending on your technology and lens choices, your counselor can discuss insurance related costs as well.
  • Once you’ve gotten any and all of your questions answered, it’s time to schedule your surgery and starting looking forward to seeing clearly with confidence!

Cataract Lens & Surgery Options

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that is implanted into the eye during cataract surgery. The intraocular lens acts as a replacement for the eye’s natural lens (or cloudy lens) which is removed during the surgery. At ICON, we are proud to offer the latest innovations in cataract eye surgery and advanced IOLs. The team at ICON Eyecare will help you understand your lens options and choose the best intraocular lenses for your lifestyle during your consultation.

  • Light Adjustable Lens Package: This is the first and only FDA approved IOL that can be adjusted after surgery. It allows us to collaborate with you to achieve the optimized results and truly design your own visual outcomes. It offers a way to correct distance vision for patients wanting to reduce their dependence on glasses for distance.
  • Premium Lifestyle Lens Package: Multi-focal lenses allow for an extended range of vision. This package is designed to reduce your dependence on glasses for distance, intermediate and near vision.
  • Astigmatism or Monovision Package: This package offers a way to correct distance vision for those patients who want to reduce their dependence on glasses for distance by correcting astigmatism with a limbal relaxing incision or a toric IOL.
  • Laser Assisted Surgery Package (LenSx): This option is for patients who want to take advantage of the newest femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery. There will be corneal relaxing incisions to reduce astigmatism.
  • Standard Package: This package includes a standard lens that does not correct astigmatism, intermediate or near distances.
Watch: Explore Lens Options
Advanced Technology at ICON

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery with LenSx

At ICON Eyecare, our expert team of surgeons use a LenSx Cataract Laser to provide you with advanced technology for your cataract surgery. This computer-assisted instrument allows us to make precise, customized cuts, instead of using a blade. Once the cataract is removed, intraoperative aberrometry is used to improve the outcome. We are proud to offer this advanced technology to our patients for the highest-quality, customizable treatment possible.

INSURANCE AND COSTS

What Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

Because the cost of cataract surgery depends on your insurance plan, copays, and deductibles, it’s difficult to provide an accurate range. Cataract surgery is typically covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare, as it is considered a medically necessary procedure to restore vision. Insurance coverage generally includes:

  • Surgical Procedure Costs: The removal of the cataract and implantation of a standard intraocular lens (IOL).
  • Pre- and Post-Operative Care: Office visits and follow-up appointments related to the surgery.
  • Anesthesia

There are out-of-pocket costs associated with advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) or laser-assisted cataract surgery for patients who are looking to get out of glasses or contacts or correct an astigmatism. These options are not typically covered by insurance. At ICON Eyecare out-of-pocket upgrade costs can range from $1,800/eye to $4,800/eye. ICON’s team of highly-skilled surgeons uses the latest technology to ensure your safety, comfort, and results and we committed to helping everyone achieve the vision they deserve.

The team at ICON Eyecare is committed to helping everyone achieve the vision they deserve. If your insurance doesn’t cover the full balance of your procedure, we’ll work with you to craft a payment plan that fits your monthly budget. To do that, we offer financing options through  CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit (subject to credit approval) and accept HSAs and FSAs. You can learn more about our payment plans and options here. During your consultation, our team of surgical counselors will help you figure out what your insurance policy covers, what payment options are available, and how to make cataract surgery as affordable as possible.

Preparing for Surgery

Once you’ve scheduled surgery it’s time to start planning all the things you’ll be able to see and do when you’ve said goodbye to your cataracts and blurry vision!

Depending on your surgical choice, you’ll have pre-surgery instructions and eye drop schedules to follow. Make sure you read all of your paperwork ahead of time and follow those drop schedules, they’re crucial for a successful surgery day.

Watch: Preparing for Cataract Surgery

Preparing for Recovery

Depending on which type of cataract surgery you’ve chosen, your recovery will be unique but typically cataract surgery recovery is 2-3 days with full recovery typically taking about four weeks. Cataract surgery is done one eye at a time, about a week in between the first and second eye.

During the days and weeks following the operation, patients’ vision becomes gradually clearer and more focused as the eye heals.

Keep in mind that recovery is different for every patient and your doctor will share more detailed information about recovery times for each vision correction option.

Watch: Life After Cataract Surgery

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