1. By: Natalie Smith, Ophthalmologist

2. What are cataracts? Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye that can impair vision. There are 4 types of cataracts: Age related cataracts: This type develops as a result of aging. Congenital cataracts: Babies are sometimes born with cataracts as a result of an infection, injury, or poor development before birth, or they may develop during childhood. Secondary cataracts: These develop as a result of other medical conditions, like diabetes, or exposure to toxic substances, certain drugs, ultraviolet light, or radiation. Traumatic cataracts: This type forms after injury to the eye.

3. Surgery Options There are two types of cataract surgery: Phacoemulsification, or Phaco. Extracapsular surgery.

4. Phaco vs Extracapsular Phacoemulsification Two small incisions are made in the eye where the cornea meets the white of the eye. A circular opening is created on the lens surface. A probe is inserted into the eye. Sound waves are used to break the cataract into small pieces. The pieces are then removed with suction. An intraocular lens implant may then be placed inside the lens capsule. Extracapsular An 8mm to 10mm incision is made in the eye where the cornea meets the white of the eye. Another incision is made into the front portion of the lens capsule. The lens is removed, along with any remaining lens material. An intraocular lens implant may then be place inside the lens capsule.

5. Cataract Surgery Benefits Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery No hospitalization - Walk in, Walk out surgery Smaller incision- hence lesser complications related to the incision size. Lesser induced astigmatism because of smaller incision No bandages minimal precautions No restriction on normal activities. Can join work from next morning Fast recovery of good vision in a matter of days. Final spectacles at one or two weeks Early visual rehabilitation Extracapsular Cataract Surgery No sutures Better if there are extremely hard cataracts. Shorter surgery time. More affordable.

6. Cataract surgery costs are generally covered by Medicare (if you are Medicare eligible) as well as by most private insurance plans, with standard replacement lenses. However, if you prefer specialized lenses, the cataract surgery itself is covered, you just have to pay for the specialized lenses. For multifocal or accommodative IOLs From $1,900 to $3,000 per eye For astigmatism-correcting toric IOLs From $800 to $2,000 per eye Cataract Surgery Cost Any additional questions, please ask your physician.

7. References http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/cataracts-surgery https://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp http://www.aurolab.com/phacobenefits.asp