Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions treated by ophthalmologists and usually occur as part of the normal aging process. St. Luke’s surgeons have been trailblazers in the innovations that make cataract surgery one of the safest and most regularly performed surgeries in the United States.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural crystalline lens. The lens is responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. When we’re young the lens is clear but as we age, it begins to harden and become cloudy. The cloudy lens diminishes quality of vision. Common symptoms of cataracts are:
Cataracts are treated with surgery to remove the clouded lens, and are replaced with a new, clear intraocular lens implant. The surgery is performed through a tiny incision on the side of the cornea. In some cases, our surgeons may use a laser to perform some of the elements of the surgery resulting in an even gentler, more precise procedure. After the cataract is completely removed, the surgeon replaces it with a prosthetic intraocular lens or IOL, which allows light to focus clearly again.
Cataract Surgery – Inside the Operating Room, Dr. Brandon Rodriguez
Cataract Surgery – Inside the Operating Room, Dr. Jeffrey Wipfli
Laser Cataract Surgery, Dr. Pit Gills
Laser Cataract Surgery, Dr. Pit Gills
When planning your cataract surgery, your doctor will discuss the different intraocular lenses available to achieve your visual goals. Our surgeons use the most advanced lens technology available, and will work with you to ensure that you receive the lens best suited to your specific needs.
The Light Adjustable Lens gives you the unique opportunity to customize your vision post-operatively and allows you to be the driver of your surgical outcome. This intraocular lens is made of photosensitive material that allows for changes in the shape and power of the lens in response to ultraviolet (UV) light. Patients will return for 3-5 visits following their surgery for adjustments and are able to “test drive” their vision before it is finalized. Your surgeon will discuss your visual goals when considering this intraocular lens. The need for glasses in certain situations will be dependent on the chosen focal point.
(Panoptix, Panoptix Toric, Vivity, Vivity Toric)
Lifestyle Vision offers the greatest versatility in your vision and is designed to help you achieve the greatest independence from glasses possible, to see clearly up close and at a distance. Our surgeons will recommend a High Technology lens best suited to your needs.
This option is designed to reduce the blurring effects of astigmatism. Patients who choose astigmatism reduction will enjoy sharper vision as a result of state-of-the-art intraocular lenses and/or surgical astigmatism reduction techniques specially designed to minimize astigmatism, along with bladeless cataract surgery for appropriate candidates.
This option includes standard cataract surgery and a single-focus intraocular lens implant. These lenses will improve overall clarity. Glasses will still be needed to optimize vision.
The most independence from glasses with the fullest range of focus.
Bladeless laser cataract surgery (for appropriate candidates)
Lifestyle lens implant
Custom astigmatism reduction
(for appropriate candidates)
State-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic testing
LASIK enhancement, if needed
$4,000 per eye – plus co-payments, co-insurance and deuctibles.
Glasses needed for near vision, maximizes distance vision.
Bladeless laser cataract surgery (for appropriate candidates)
Custom astigmatism reduction
State-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic testing
LASIK enhancement, if needed
$2,500 per eye – plus co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles
Will need glasses to optimize vision, overall clarity improved.
Manual Cataract Surgery
Monofocal Intraocular Lens
Patient is responsible for co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles.
Cataract surgery offers numerous benefits, significantly enhancing the quality of life for those who undergo the procedure. Here are some of the key advantages:
Improved Visual Clarity: The most immediate benefit is a significant improvement in visual clarity. Many patients report bright, clear vision shortly after the surgery.
Enhanced Color Vision: Cataracts can dull and yellow your vision. After surgery, colors may appear brighter and more vivid than they have in years.
Increased Independence: With the restoration of clear vision, many patients find a renewed sense of independence, being able to drive, read, and perform other daily activities without the limitations caused by cataracts.
Better Quality of Life: Improved vision contributes to a better overall quality of life. It can reduce the risk of falls and accidents associated with poor vision and improved mental health by possibly allowing for more social and physical activities.
In addition to life changing vision, St. Luke’s highest priority is safety in the care of our patients. In fact, our surgical center has a significantly lower incidence of eye infection and other surgical complications than the national average. Our innovations include:
At St. Luke’s, cataract surgeries are performed in our Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Tarpon Springs and The Villages. Pre-op and follow-up appointments are available in Tarpon Springs, The Villages, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Spring Hill, Clearwater and Wesley Chapel.
A better quality of vision means a better quality of life for our patients. Our history of innovation, thoughtful adoption of new technologies, and unsurpassed commitment to care truly gives our patients the best opportunity to achieve their vision goals. St. Luke’s has some of the most experienced cataract surgeons in the world. You’re in great hands here.
What Our Cataract Patients Say
We proudly serve patients at our eye clinics in Tarpon Springs, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Spring Hill, Wesley Chapel and in The Villages at Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood. Our philosophy is to treat those we serve as though they are a member of our own families. From the first phone call or email to the follow-up visit and beyond, we’re here to serve you. Our goal is to help preserve and optimize your vision.
