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Home Preparing for Your Cataract Evaluation

Quick References

We’re looking forward to seeing you for your cataract evaluation!

We know you’re probably asking, “what’s next” so we put together a few things to help you feel more confident, comfortable, and prepared. This page will be your guide to preparing for your cataract evaluation at Swagel Wootton Eye Institute. We encourage you to read this page carefully, using the links below to quickly navigate to find answers to your questions, and watch our Cataract Surgery video series so you will be well informed for you upcoming appointment.

Preparing for your appointment is easy!

Will I be Dilated at my Appointment? And What About my Contacts?

During the medical eye evaluation, you will be dilated to allow for advanced testing. Dilated eye exams typically last 2 hours and can cause sensitivity to light for an average of 6 hours following dilation. We suggest you bring sunglasses for your drive home.

We ask all patients coming for a cataract evaluation to be out of their contacts for at least 7 days prior to your appointment. This will allow for more accurate testing and view of your complete eye health.

If you wear hard contacts, be out of them for 2 weeks prior to your consultation.

What will happen during my appointment?

  • The first step of your cataract evaluation is the medical eye exam. We will guide you through a comprehensive, dilated eye exam that will include measurements and get a complete view of your eye.
  • Following testing, you will meet with your surgeon. This will be the time for you and your surgeon to discuss your lifestyle, daily activities, and vision goals following cataract surgery. Your surgeon will share more about Swagel Wootton’s lens options and how each lens may fit your vision goals.
  • After discussing your lens options, you’ll sit down with one of our expert cataract counselors to discuss costs, financing, and scheduling.
    • Depending on your technology and lens choices, your counselor can discuss insurance related costs as well.
Review Cataract Informed Consent

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Cataract Lens Options

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that is implanted into the eye during cataract surgery. The intraocular lens acts as a replacement for the eye’s natural lens (or cloudy lens) which is removed during the surgery. At Swagel Wootton Eye Institute, we are proud to offer the latest innovations in cataract eye surgery and advanced IOLs. The team at Swagel Wootton will help you understand your lens options and choose the best intraocular lenses for your lifestyle during your consultation.

  • Premium Lifestyle Lens Package (PLP): Multi-focal lenses allow for an extended range of vision. This package is designed to reduce your dependence on glasses for distance, intermediate and near vision.
  • Personalized Vision Package (PVP): This package offers a way to correct distance vision for those patients who want to reduce their dependence on glasses for distance by correcting astigmatism with a limbal relaxing incision or a toric IOL.
  • Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: This option is for patients who want to take advantage of the newest femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery. There will be corneal relaxing incisions to reduce astigmatism.
  • Standard Lens Package: This package includes a standard lens that does not correct astigmatism, intermediate or near distances.
  • Light Adjustable Lens (LAL): This is the first and only FDA approved IOL that can be adjusted after surgery. It allows us to collaborate with you to achieve the optimized results and truly design your own visual outcomes. It offers a way to correct distance vision for patients wanting to reduce their dependence on glasses for distance.
Learn More About IOL Packages
INSURANCE AND COSTS

What Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

Because the cost of cataract surgery depends on your insurance plan, copays, and deductibles, it’s difficult to provide an accurate range. At Swagel Wootton out-of-pocket upgrade costs can range from $2,100/eye to $4,900/eye. Swagel Wootton’s team of highly-skilled surgeons uses the latest technology to ensure your safety, comfort, and results.

The team at Swagel Wootton is committed to helping everyone achieve the vision they deserve. To do that, we offer financing options  through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit (subject to credit approval). We also accepts HSAs and FSAs. You can learn more about our payment plans and options here.

Learn More About Packages + Pricing

Preparing for Surgery

Once you’ve scheduled surgery it’s time to start planning all the things you’ll be able to see and do when you’ve said goodbye to your cataracts and blurry vision!

Depending on your surgical choice, you’ll have pre-surgery instructions and eye drop schedules to follow. Make sure you read all of your paperwork ahead of time and follow those drop schedules, they’re crucial for a successful surgery day.

Pre-surgery Instructions

Preparing for Recovery

Depending on which type of cataract surgery you’ve chosen, your recovery will be unique but typically most patients feel back to normal after 24 hours, with full recovery typically taking about 4 weeks. Cataract surgery is done one eye at a time, about a week in between the first and second eye.

During the days and weeks following the operation, patients’ vision becomes gradually clearer and more focused as the eye heals.

Keep in mind that recovery is different for every patient and your doctor will share more detailed information about recovery times for each vision correction option.

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