Not Your Grandfather’s Cataract Surgery
Published by on February 4, 2015
If you are of a certain age, you might remember the angst and worry over one or both of your grandparents having cataract surgery. Suddenly, Grandma couldn’t read her favorite books any more, and Grandpa had trouble seeing his way down to the basement. It was a big deal, and everyone was concerned about their results. The surgery went well, and you were told it was successful, but Grandma still couldn’t read and Grandpa was still having some trouble getting around. “So what was the point?” you thought. They wore glasses before, and now they still need them. Fast forward to present day: if cataracts are on your horizon, you’ll be happy to know today’s procedure is not your grandfather’s cataract surgery.
The Inevitability of Cataracts
According to the NEI, the National Eye Institute, by the age of 73 more than one-half of all Americans will have had a cataract or they currently have one. With older patients, cataracts develop slowly. Eventually, they affect your ability to read and perform various everyday tasks. The normal lens in our eyes allows light to pass through to the retina for good vision. With a cataract, the lens becomes cloudy compromising our vision. Unless it is removed and replaced with a clear lens, then life with a cataract in one or both eyes can affect a patient’s independence and lifestyle.
Correcting vision before cataracts develop
With today’s modern technology it is possible to correct vision, reduce the need for glasses, and prevent the development of cataracts. The procedure is called Dysfunctional Lens Replacement (DLR), and is also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). More information about this revolutionary procedure may be found here.
Today’s Laser Cataract Surgery Difference
Technology has improved the way cataract surgery is performed: the effectiveness and safety of the surgery and the patient’s ability to see even better afterward. How is this possible? 
Let’s start with the most advanced femtosecond laser for cataract surgery found at Kugler Vision, namely the Catalys Laser Precision System. Instead of a blade, typically used during your grandparents’ surgery to access the lens, Kugler Vision has a laser creating the opening and then breaks up and softens the lens for removal.
Studies have shown that the opening is ten times more accurate and safe than the old way of removal by hand and probes. In addition, Lance Kugler, MD uses 3D imaging to increase accuracy and create a custom cataract procedure for your eyes. All these advances produce outstanding results and less chance of complications or infection.
The Step Beyond
Besides the technological advances in the removal of cataracts, what comes next provides the biggest wow factor. Instead of simply implanting a clear lens as done in the past, patients can now choose from a selection of intraocular lenses or IOLs to improve their range of vision. No longer do today’s cataract patients need to wear glasses or contacts after cataract surgery.
So no, definitely not your grandfather’s cataract surgery! Now you can actually achieve the clear crisp vision you had once. With the ORA System or Guided Cataract Surgery found at Kugler Vision, your selected IOL will be perfectly placed for optimum results. Some IOL options include:
- A lens to correct Presbyopia. This lens offers freedom from prescription bifocals or reading glasses so patients can see up close to read. Lance Kugler, MD will make specific recommendations for your lifestyle needs.
- A lens to correct Astigmatism. This type of lens will help correct the visual difficulties associated with astigmatism.
All your possible lens options will be discussed and reviewed with you prior to your cataract surgery.
Why Choose Kugler Vision for Today’s Cataract Surgery?
It should be clear by now that you need to forget everything you thought you knew about cataract surgery. Times have changed, and today’s cataract patient expects better vision, more independence, and options.
Since the goal post cataract surgery is quality vision for the rest of your life, it is advantageous to choose a surgeon who is also a qualified refractive surgeon such as Lance Kugler, MD. An experienced LASIK surgeon will be knowledgeable about the best ways to reduce the need for glasses and contacts as well as guide your selection of the appropriate lens for you.
Choose someone who has a large selection of premium intraocular lenses and who has had experience with their use. Kugler Vision will be able to recommend which lens is best for you and provide care now and long term. Although insurance will cover the basic cataract surgery, there are extra costs for advanced technology IOLs.
At Kugler Vision we want to make it affordable for you to achieve your desired best vision, so flexible financing options are available for any out of pocket expenses. Enjoy the active lifestyle you desire. If you want more information about today’s laser cataract surgery, contact Kugler Vision to schedule a consultation.
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
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