Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do the presbyopia correcting lenses work?
Presbyopia correcting lens implants use a new optic design to give patients a full range of vision-near through distance-and greatly reduces their reliance on reading glasses or bifocals. They do this by focusing light correctly on the retina for images at various distances.

2. Why should I get the presbyopia correcting lens instead of the standard intraocular lens?
After surgery with traditional single vision intraocular lenses, most people experience very good vision at a single focal point. This means that a person can choose to have good distance vision and wear glasses for close vision and the computer, or can choose good close vision and wear glasses to see far distances. One cannot have both with this type of implant. The presbyopia correcting lens offers multiple or adjustable focal lengths; allowing you to see well at a variety of distances, be it near, mid-distance or far.

3. When will my vision get better and what should I expect for recovery? Would it be different if I just had a standard lens?
Vision immediately after surgery varies with each patient, depending on the overall health of your eye. For most people, vision is noticeably better within days and continues to improve during the first few weeks after the procedure. This is true of whatever type of intraocular lens you have implanted. With the presbyopia correcting lens there is a period of weeks when your brain is learning to “see” up close and at a distance. This adjustment period is usually complete within 6 - 12 weeks for near vision and 6-12 months for intermediate vision.

4. What about glare?
With all intraocular lenses some patients may report halos or glare from lights, especially at night. This gets better over time, on average 3-6months. For some, it becomes less troublesome but never completely goes away. Night driving glasses may help this condition. Most people say that the ability to see near and far outweighs any visual side effects associated with any of the lenses.

5. What is the cost and how much will my insurance pay?
If you have cataracts and your vision meets the standards set by your insurance to qualify for cataract surgery, that portion of the charges will be covered according to your benefits. The additional charge for the presbyopia correcting lens is not currently covered by insurance, so that portion is the responsibility of the patient. We are happy to work with you on methods to take care of those charges.

If you do not have cataracts but are choosing this procedure to reduce your dependence on glasses, the entire portion will not be approved by your insurance, so will be the patient’s responsibility. Again, we are happy to work with you on various methods to take care of those charges.

6. Does Medicare cover the cost of the lens?
No. While Medicare does cover certain “New Technology” lenses, they DO NOT cover presbyopia correcting lenses.

7. Will I still need to wear glasses if I get a presbyopia correcting lens?
Yes, but you will have an expanded range of vision with minimal dependence on glasses. The results will vary depending on your vision, lifestyle and the anatomy of your eyes. Most people find that they need glasses for some near or intermediate tasks or to drive at night depending on the type of presbyopia correcting lens. Most people, however, can go to the store or participate in many daily activities without dependence on glasses.

8. What are the risks involved in the presbyopia correcting lenses?
With any surgical procedure there are risks. Bleeding and infection and other complications can cause loss of vision in less than one percent of patients. The informed consent form you read prior to your procedure describes most of the risks of surgery. The most common risk associated specifically with the presbyopia correcting lens implant is glare, halos, and night vision problems.

9. Why can’t I read better?
See FAQ #3

10. I can read well, but when is my distance vision going to get better?
See FAQ #3

11. I still have to wear reading glasses. I thought this lens took care of that?
See FAQ #7