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What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts are generally associated with aging, although they may be caused by other factors. They are the result of protein buildup that clouds the lens and leads to blurry vision, difficulty with glare, dulled colors, poor night vision, and often increased nearsightedness (myopia).

Cataract Eye Surgery Media

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Cataract Surgery at Kelly Vision Center

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Cataract Surgery Patient Experience

What Is the Cost of Cataract Surgery?

The cost of cataract surgery varies for each individual depending on the complexity of the procedure required, the patient’s insurance, and other factors. In general, including pre-surgery consultation and post-surgery care, the cost of cataract surgery begins at $1000 per eye.

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Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Cataract Surgery?

Ideal candidates for cataract surgery are patients who are unwilling to put up with blurry vision for the rest of their days and want to do something to address it before it gets worse. As with any surgical procedure, ideal candidates will be in good health and free of any medical conditions that could lead to complications during the procedure. 

Cataract Patient Testimonials

Dr. James Kelly Wearing Suit

Meet Dr. Kelly

A specialist in refractive surgery, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Kelly utilizes his unique training and expertise to curate treatments that incorporate both surgical and non-surgical techniques. His educational and training background includes Columbia University, Cornell University Medical College, and The Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital. 

Dr. James Kelly is at the helm of one of the most innovative vision centers in the United States. The team at Kelly Vision Center works tirelessly to curate customized treatment plans for their patients, ensuring that all of their patient’s issues are addressed. 

What Should I Expect From the Free Consultation?

During the consultation, the patient’s current status and medical history are thoroughly assessed. This information is used to curate a treatment plan that can address all of their unique issues. At this time, patients are given a quote for their treatment and any other relevant information regarding it. 

The Cataract Surgery Procedure

Dr. Kelly begins cataract surgery in NYC with numbing eye drops, which allow for minimal discomfort during the procedure. Next, he makes a tiny incision on the surface of the cornea and removes the cataract through a sophisticated process known as phacoemulsification. Once the eye is cataract-free, Dr. Kelly inserts and carefully positions an Intraocular Lens into its permanent position. There are many lens choices available and Dr. Kelly will select the best lens to fit your vision correction and lifestyle.

Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgical procedures because it is one of the most common procedures in medicine. About three million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. Cataract eye surgery is nearly unmatched in perfecting the safety protocols regulating it, the techniques developed for it, and the technology elevating it. Learn more about CATARACT TECHNOLOGY and Intraocular Lens Options (IOLs)

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Types of IOLs used for Cataracts

Standard Monofocal IOL:

This IOL provides patients with a good amount of distance as well as intermediate vision. However, it cannot help patients with near vision issues. This approach usually requires that patients be fitted with corrective lenses or eyeglasses following the surgery to help them with reading and near-vision tasks.

Multifocal IOL:

This method is designed to provide both distance and near vision at the same time, but it is unable to restore proper intermediate vision. Those who go this route may find they experience Increased glare and halos at night.

Accommodating IOL:

Crystalens™ is the first accommodating lens available in the U.S. and it is specially designed to help patients achieve good distance, intermediate, and near vision. This IOL allows patients to see their best by giving them a full range of vision, reducing the need for contact lenses or glasses.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

Following the cataract surgery procedure, patients will receive eyedrops to help them deal with dry eyes and dark sunglasses to provide protection from bright light. While cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure (patients can leave on the same day), all strenuous activity must be avoided. It is also vital that patients refrain from rubbing their eyes, wearing makeup, and getting the treated area wet. Most patients fully recover within a few days. In the weeks following the procedure, patients will come in for a few check-up appointments to assure that everything is progressing smoothly. 

What Results Can Be Expected?

Cataract surgery will improve the patient’s vision permanently. Most patients notice an improvement in their vision just 1 to 3 days following the surgery. That said, it could take anywhere from 3 to 10 weeks for the full benefits of the procedure to settle in. 

Before & After Cataract Surgery

Blurred Cloud Vision

Blurred Cloud Vision before cataract surgery with man at end of trail
Blurred Cloud Vision after cataract surgery with man at end of trail

Halos

Halos before cataract surgery with picture of two people in ocean at beach
Halos after cataract surgery with picture of two people in ocean at beach

Color Distortion

Color Distortion before cataract surgery with picture of flowers
Color Distortion after cataract surgery with picture of flowers

Cataracts FAQ

Who gets Cataracts?

What causes Cataracts?

What time of year is best for Cataract surgery?

What is the best and safest Cataract surgery?

Is it better to have cataract surgery sooner or later?

How long do I have to sleep on one side after cataract surgery?

Why can’t you drink water before cataract surgery?

Who gets Cataracts?

Cataracts are a condition that is most often related to aging. Data shows that more than 50% of Americans undergo cataract or cataract surgery by the time they are 80. In some cases, babies, small children, and middle-aged adults may also have cataracts, either as a natural condition present at birth or a development related to another medical condition.

What causes Cataracts?

There are various contributing factors to the development of cataracts. Some of those include aging eyes, diabetes, high blood pressure, injuries to the eye, inflammation of the eyes, prior eye surgery, and excess sun exposure over time.

What time of year is best for Cataract surgery?

Doctors usually recommend undergoing cataract surgery in the winter, as people tend to have more downtime during this season, making it easier for them to properly recover.

What is the best and safest Cataract surgery?

Traditional cataract surgery, also referred to as phacoemulsification, is the most widely performed eye surgery in the world. While other methods have been developed in recent decades, none of them have the level of safety and efficacy associated with the traditional approach.

Is it better to have cataract surgery sooner or later?

While it's technically never too late to have cataracts removed, it is best to have them removed while they are still early on in the development process. Getting them early will ultimately reduce the length of surgery and recovery time. Removing them earlier can also save patients from the significant vision impairment that is associated with more mature cases.

How long do I have to sleep on one side after cataract surgery?

It is recommended that patients avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye for the first 24 hours. After that, it is usually safe for patients to sleep on either side.

Why can’t you drink water before cataract surgery?

When patients are under sedation, stomach acid could potentially get into the lungs, which can result in damage. As such, it is recommended that patients fast for at least 12 hours leading up to their procedure and refrain from drinking water immediately before cataract surgery in NYC.

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