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Cataract Surgery
For St. Petersburg & Clearwater, FL
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens. It is a common problem related to aging. In fact, by the time Americans reach age 75, about half of us will have cataracts to one degree or another. It’s important to schedule an eye exam as soon as you notice signs that you are developing cataracts because this is a progressive condition that won’t improve by itself. If you do have a cataract, you need not be alarmed, however. Because cataracts are so common, surgery to correct this condition has been extensively tested and improved over the years and is now a fast, out-patient procedure. At St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute in Largo, Florida, we have performed cataract surgery for thousands of patients in the Tampa Bay area since our founding in 1961. Patients who reported that cataracts were impeding their vision now experience newfound joy in activities like reading, watching TV, or simply admiring a sunset.
Patient Education Video
Patient Education Video
Symptoms Of Cataracts
At first, a cataract may have little effect on your vision, but as the cataract grows, you may notice changes such as:
- Haloes or starbursts around lights at night
- Dimming daytime vision
- Worsening nighttime vision
- Blurry vision
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Increased sensitivity to light
- A need for brighter light when reading or working
Although cataracts usually occur later in life, there are other types of cataracts that can show up earlier. If you notice the above symptoms at any age, you should schedule an eye exam so that your eye doctor can monitor the progression of your cataract and recommend corrective surgery at the right time.
How Cataract Surgery Is Performed
A cataract operation is a simple, relatively painless procedure that takes an hour or less to perform. Surgery is done on one eye at a time. First, the clouded lens in your eye must be removed. Your surgeon will do this by making a tiny incision in your cornea and inserting a special tool that uses ultrasonic energy to break up the clouded lens. Your surgeon will then remove the pieces through the incision. After that, the surgeon will implant a clear, artificial lens by rolling it up and inserting it through the incision. The lens will unroll once it is in place.
Cataract Surgery Recovery
You will need to protect your eye according to your doctor’s instructions for up to a week, and use prescription eye drops to prevent infection. You will probably notice that your vision is clearer immediately. (In fact, some lenses used for cataract correction can correct your vision, too.) It takes about a month for your eye to heal completely after a cataract operation.
Types Of Intraocular Lens Implants (IOLS)
You have many choices for IOLs with cataract surgery or clear lens exchange. These implants can correct your vision for one or multiple focal distances so you can enjoy a life free from prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Monofocal IOLS
The monofocal IOL is the traditional option for cataract surgery that your insurance provider covers if you carry vision coverage. Monofocal lenses correct for near or distant vision, but most people choose distance vision to address their myopia (nearsightedness).
Premium IOLS
Premium IOLs offer better eyesight for nearby, intermediate and/or distant objects. These advanced lens implants are your best option for achieving perfect or near-perfect vision. Multifocal lenses address nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism so you can read fine print and take in beautiful scenery without corrective eyewear. Accommodative lenses work to provide clear vision for close-up, intermediate and distance, especially in nighttime and low-lighting environments.
Panoptix
PanOptix trifocal lens implant is the only FDA-approved trifocal lens that provides better vision for nearsighted, farsighted and presbyopic patients with or without astigmatism. These IOLs can eliminate reading glasses and offer brighter eyesight with more vivid colors and contrast.
Our eye surgeons will discuss your IOL options during your consultation and eye exam at our Largo, Florida, office. The right IOL for you depends on your lifestyle and vision needs.
Patient Reviews Of St. Michael’s Cataract Surgery
“Dr. John is a caring and compassionate man who really cares about his patients. He is an excellent Dr. who does excellent work. I highly recommend him for any procedure! I will never go to another Dr. for eye surgery. My right eye sees better than it ever has in my life after cataract surgery.” – Daniel Van Hoven, Patient.
“I’ve been going to St Michael’s for around 6 years now. Dr John did my cataract surgery back in 2020, replaced my lenses with corrective lenses. Since then I can see without any glasses or contacts, it’s fantastic! I come now once a year for check ups and everyone working there are very professional and very nice. I can’t say enough good things about them. Very pleasant visits and my eyes have never been better at age 62!” – Karen Hadley, Patient.
“I was very nervous about having surgery on my eyes. The whole experience was very good and my vision one month later is near perfect with no need for glasses. We did upgrade to the best lens that they had and I’m glad I did. Thank you all.” – Terri Taylor, Patient.
“Always hated eye issues. Then 4 years ago woke to blurry vision in one eye. When it didn’t clear up called St Michael’s on a friend’s recommendation. Called noon on Friday and saw Dr Oren Plous (retina specialist) who fixed the slightly detached retina before it totally detached. Amazing care and a happy camper. Then this year the cataracts became unbearable and Dr. Louis Michaelos fixed them with corrective lenses. I was terrified. It was such a non-event. Great employees with great results. 6 Star place.” – Dan Koenig, Patient.
Cost Of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery can have a wide price range because several factors are at play in the total cost. Insurance companies typically cover cataract surgery expenses with a basic monofocal lens. However, if you choose a premium or advanced IOL, you will have additional out-of-pocket costs.
St. Michaels Eye & Laser Institute offers financing options to help you improve your vision and eye health with affordable payments and can help you navigate issues with your insurance provider. Our staff can provide you with a detailed cost estimate for cataract surgery.
Cataract Surgery Benefits
More and more people are choosing to have cataract surgery before the clouded lens causes significant vision loss and because of the many benefits the procedure affords.
The advantages of cataract surgery include:
- A Quick Procedure: Cataract surgery takes approximately 10-30 minutes to perform, depending on the density of the cataract, and the entire visit typically takes around two to three hours.
- A Simple Recovery: Your eyes heal quickly after cataract surgery. You’ll notice clearer vision right away, with your eyesight stabilizing about one to three days after the procedure. Complete recovery may take a month or longer.
- Better Vision: In addition to clear vision after the cataract is removed, premium IOLs can reduce or eliminate your need for prescription glasses, contact lenses and even reading glasses.
- Improved Quality of Life: Cataracts can impact many areas of your everyday life. As the clouded lens gets denser, you may experience balance issues, double vision and light sensitivity and are more at risk of falling and getting into an at-fault auto accident. Cataract surgery can restore your quality of life with clear, crisp eyesight.
- Protect Your Eye and Overall Health: Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness worldwide, but they are curable with cataract surgery. Worsening cataracts put you at risk of injury due to your limited vision and decreased contrast sensitivity. Cataract surgery gives you visual clarity to go about your everyday activities safely.
Contact St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute
St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute performs cataract surgery on patients of any age. If you’re concerned that you may have a cataract, please don’t hesitate to contact us. As a family-owned surgery center serving Largo and other Tampa Bay communities for three generations, we’re staffed with skilled physicians committed to offering the highest standard of patient care with a personal touch.
Cataract FAQs
How is laser cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery?
Traditionally, cataract surgeons have used a blade to make an incision in the lens of the eye. At St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute, our ophthalmologists use a laser that can make an even more precise incision, which significantly lowers the risk of complications or infection. The ultrasonic heat also softens the cataracts, making it easier to break up the lens and remove it.
Can cataracts return after I have surgery?
Cataract surgery is effective for the rest of your life. Because IOLs are designed to last forever and cataracts cannot develop on an artificial lens, you should not need to undergo surgery again.
Does cataract surgery hurt?
Because your surgeon numbs your eyes prior to surgery, you should not experience any pain during the procedure, although you may notice some pressure on your eye. Later, you may feel some discomfort in your eyes during your recovery, but pain medication can relieve that.
At what age should I start worrying about cataracts?
While it is possible to develop cataracts at any age (some babies are born with cataracts), most people are not at risk until the age of 60. Since about half of older Americans develop cataracts and the treatment for this condition is so successful, it is not worth “worrying” about in advance. Be sure to schedule regular eye exams to catch cataracts if they do develop since early symptoms can be subtle.
Is it possible to prevent cataracts?
While the medical community is actively studying cataracts, the precise cause remains unknown. What research can tell us is that smoking, exposure of the eyes to ultraviolet light, hypertension, obesity, and aging are significant risk factors in the development of cataracts. Eating nutritious food, wearing sunglasses, and quitting/not starting smoking may help you avoid cataracts, in addition to keeping your whole body healthy.
How soon will I be able to see clearly after cataract surgery?
You are likely to be able to see more clearly immediately following your surgery since you no longer have a cloudy lens impeding your vision. However, full recovery can take several days to a few weeks depending on your body’s ability to heal, so you will notice gradual improvement to your vision during this time span.
Can I drive myself home after cataract surgery?
Although your improved vision may give you the confidence to want to drive home after your surgery, you should arrange to have someone else drive you home from your surgery because the effects of the anesthetic and sedative may not have worn off completely. The good news is that many patients are cleared to drive within two or three days.
Is cataract surgery necessary?
Cataracts are not life threatening, so surgery is not a necessity. However, cataracts progressively get worse, often to the point where you have difficulty driving, reading, and seeing at night. Ultimately, you must decide if you want to tolerate cataract-related vision impairment. At St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute, our patients are always glad they had surgery because of how much easier it makes their lives.
