HOME ABOUT US OUR TEAM OUR SERVICES PATIENT RESOURCES CONTACT US Cataract CATARACT SURGERY IN NORTH & SOUTH CAROLINA Cataracts cause an overall blurring and haziness of vision. If you have cataracts, it often appears as if everything is out of focus. People with cataracts tend to be very sensitive to bright light and glare. The Center for Cataract is the hub of Carolina Eye Associates. Each year thousands of patients undergo cataract surgery at Carolina Eye, benefiting from the experience of world-class surgeons rated as America’s best. TAKE THE CATARACT SELF-TEST TO SEE IF YOU MAY QUALIFY: Carolina Eye was the first ophthalmic center on the east coast and the second in the United States to offer cataract surgery with the Catalys™ Precision Laser System. Catalys™ combines a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser, advanced 3D Optical Coherence Tomography imaging, sophisticated software and a host of other unique features to deliver a precise, customized procedure and an exceptional experience for patients. Carolina Eye also offers the ORA™ System Optiwave Refractive Analysis. The OptiPlus™ is a revolutionary new option used during your cataract procedure that may optimize your postoperative visual outcomes. We offer our cataract patients the latest in advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) which are used to replace the natural lens of the eye during surgery. Traditional IOLs provide patients with good “distance” or good “reading” vision if there is minimal astigmatism present, but not both. Astigmatism refers to the shape of the cornea. If astigmatism is present, then glasses or contacts are necessary to correct for astigmatism after standard cataract surgery. The Catalys® laser and Toric lenses are available to minimize astigmatism during cataract surgery in order to provide excellent vision by minimizing glasses following advanced cataract surgery for distance or near. There is a new multifocal lens called the Alcon PanOptix® IOL that may reduce the dependency of glasses or contacts for reading, intermediate, and distance. These lOLs also come in Toric versions to decrease astigmatism. Ask your eye doctor if you are a candidate for this new technology. A clear lens is pictured on the left while a cataract is pictured on the right. At Carolina Eye, we use the latest and most advanced surgical techniques, enabling our doctors to perform without stitches, needles or even the need for an eye patch to wear home. Our patients call it Comfort Cataract Surgery because they’re able to return to many of their normal daily activities on the same day as their procedure. Because no stitches or needles are used, our surgical techniques help take the fear out of cataract surgery. Patients with cataracts and mild-to-moderate angle glaucoma should be considered for a minimally-invasive, new technology known as iStent®. Click here for more information. SAME DAY CATARACT SURGERY: At Carolina Eye Associates, we are proud to offer our patients Same-Day Cataract Surgery. To learn more about if this option is right for you, click here. For more information or to schedule a cataract evaluation call (910) 295-2100 or toll-free at (800) 733-5357 or by email at info@carolinaeye.com 4:10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CATARACT? Symptoms that indicate you may have a cataract include blurred vision, discoloration, sensitivity to light, loss of depth perception, and the visual clouding of the eye. Your eye doctor will be able to diagnose the development of a cataract during an eye exam. ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CATARACT SURGERY AVAILABLE? Yes, the cataract procedure may vary based on technology and patient preferences. There are options for traditional cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery. At Carolina Eye, we have invested in advanced Femtosecond laser technology with the Catalys™ Precision Laser System, as well as the ORA™ System to create an advanced analysis of each patients’ eyes. WHEN SHOULD I GET MY CATARACT REMOVED? Patients may not need their cataracts to be removed immediately. In fact, cataracts generally develop slowly over time. If vision impairment from your cataracts begin to interfere with your ability to do the activities you enjoy, it may be time to discuss cataract surgery with your eye doctor. DOES CATARACT SURGERY HURT? Most patients only feel gentle pressure during the procedure. Patients are provided medication to help relax during the procedure, and an anesthetist will numb your eye with anesthetic medication prior to your cataract procedure. HOW LONG IS RECOVERY FROM CATARACT SURGERY? After surgery, your eye may feel itchy or sore, but the discomfort should pass after a few days. Your eye surgeon will advise you to avoid vigorous exercise for 1-2 weeks following the cataract procedure. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities the day following cataracts surgery. HOW MUCH DOES CATARACT SURGERY COST? The price of cataract surgery varies based on insurance coverage and the type of lens (IOL) you choose to replace the natural lens of the eye. Cataract removal is covered by most insurance plans, as well as standard (monofocal) lens implants. Some premium lens options may not be covered by insurance. At Carolina Eye Associates, we will help each patient navigate their options based on desired visual outcomes and budget. CATARACT SURGEONS: Derek W. DelMonte, M.D. Anna F. Fakadej, M.D. John W. French, M.D. Winston J. Garris, M.D. Daniel K. Messner, M.D. Tarra W. Millender, M.D. Andrew J. Mincey, M.D. R. Allan Sharpe, M.D. Christopher T. Shah, M.D. Lisa V. Sitterson, M.D. Cataract CATARACT SELF-TEST LOCATIONS REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT PAY BILL HOME ABOUT US OUR TEAM OUR SERVICES PATIENT RESOURCES CONTACT US Albemarle Center Asheboro Center Cheraw Center Dunn Center Fayetteville Center Greensboro Center Laurinburg Center Lumberton Center Pinehurst/Southern Pines Center Raeford Center Rockingham Center Sanford Center Wadesboro Center Winston Salem Center ©2021 All Rights Reserved. Medical website design by Glacial Multimedia, Inc. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 800-733-5357. Accessibility || Website Disclaimer *This site does not provide medical advice. While the information found on this website is generally true, specific conditions as they may relate to you may be different including the diagnosis and potential treatments. The information on this website should not be considered a substitute for a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified eye care professional. Always seek the advice of your qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical concern or condition. Unsolicited emails and messages may not be answered. The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.Section 1557 Affordable Care Act (ACA) SCROLL UP (800) 733-5357 LOCATIONS PAY BILL ONLINE PATIENT PORTAL