CATARACT
DIAGNOSIS &
TREATMENT

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which is caused by a build-up of protein. When you reach about 60 years old, you are more likely to develop advanced cataracts that can affect your vision. This is a natural process that happens as a person ages.If you have a cataract, you might experience vision problems like blurry, cloudy or dim vision, especially at night. You could also have light sensitivity and see halos around lights. Fading or yellowing of your vision, or double vision in one eye, are also symptoms of cataracts.

Cataract Surgery Offerings at Elite LASIK & Cataract

Standard Procedure

A standard cataract procedure can correct either distance or up close vision, and this procedure is typically covered by insurance and Medicare. Patients who choose the standard lenses may still need to wear glasses when driving or reading.

Lens Upgrades

Upgraded lenses are available out-of-pocket if you want to decrease your dependence on glasses after surgery. Multifocal lenses can correct both up close and distance vision, and astigmatism can also be corrected, depending on which package you choose.

One of our lens upgrades is the cutting edge Light Adjustable Lens, a new type of intra-ocular lens that can be custom shaped to fit the eye of every patient that receives it, ensuring perfect or near perfect vision.

Woman Smiling after Cataract Surgery

A Doctor You Can Trust

More than anything, we are proud of our team and the relationships that we maintain with all of our patients. Our compassionate, innovative, and experienced team will always be there for you.

We know having an eye care procedure can be a stressful time in your life. Our physicians are here for you every step of the way to answer your questions, make sure you have a relaxing visit, and provide you with the best eye care possible.

The field of eye care is rapidly evolving and our ophthalmologists remain at the cutting edge. ELITE LASIK & Cataract is always at the forefront of the new procedures, and we offer a full scope of advanced technology, diagnostic testing, and treatment.

Why-Cataract-Surgery

Why Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery can restore your blurred or cloudy vision that is caused by the cataract. Lens upgrades during the procedure could even reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts after the surgery.

Does Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery
Money

Will My Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?

Fast Facts

How to Know if You Are a
Candidate for Cataract Surgery

If your vision is blurry or cloudy due to cataracts, and this visual impairment interferes with your activities of daily living, it is likely that you are a suitable candidate for cataract surgery. The best way to determine your candidacy is to schedule a consultation with the team at Elite LASIK & Cataract.

How Cataract
Surgery Works

During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), which helps you see clearly again. Modern cataract procedures involve the use of an ultrasound device that breaks up the cloudy lens into small pieces, and those pieces are removed from the eye with suction.

Secondary Cataracts

Several weeks, months or years after cataract surgery, some patients may develop vision impairments again and worry that their cataract has “grown back.” But, that’s not the case.

In some cases, the posterior lens capsule can become cloudy in several weeks, months, or years following cataract surgery. In medical terms, this is called posterior capsular opacification (PCO). This is also sometimes referred to as a secondary cataract.

A secondary cataract can be eliminated with a YAG laser capsulotomy, which is a quick, in-office procedure. The specialized laser creates a clear “window” in the cloudy capsule (sack) that the lens is sitting in, which allows your vision to be clear again. The YAG procedure is a quick, painless procedure that usually does not need to be done again.

What the Recovery is Like

Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area for a short period of time and then released to return home. A companion should drive you home and help you get into a comfortable resting position.

You might have a burning or gritty sensation in your eyes right after surgery, but this is only temporary. You will need to wear an eye shield while sleeping and take special eyedrops for a few days after surgery.

You will follow up with our team the day after your procedure so we can check your healing progress and answer any questions you have. You should get a ride to the appointment and we will clear you to drive during the appointment if we feel you are ready.

Initially, your vision will be blurry after surgery as your eyes heal and adjust. Within a few days of surgery, you should notice an improvement in the clarity of your vision and the vibrancy of colors.

Our Indianapolis Cataract
Surgery Vision Pledge

Schedule Your Consultation!

How to Prepare for Your Procedure

Fast After Midnight

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, the night before your procedure. Morning medication can be taken with a small sip of water.

Minimize Your Morning Routine

Wash your face well with soap and water the morning of your procedure but do not wear any makeup, hair products, perfume, aftershave or lotion on the day of your procedure.

Bring a Friend or Family Member

You’ll need to arrange for someone to bring you in for the procedure and pick you up once the procedure is completed. Your guest is more than welcome to accompany you through your procedure. If they wish, they may watch your procedure live from our “friends and family viewing area.” If your guest chooses not to view the procedure, they may wait in our comfortable lounge or simply return to the center one hour after your arrival time.

Review the Informed Consent Document

Take the time to read the Informed Consent document prior to the day of your procedure. Please do not sign the document until you are with your surgeon on the day of your procedure. Additionally, if you happen to develop a cold sore the week of your surgery, please call us to let us know. For your safety, it may be best to reschedule your procedure if you have a cold sore.

FAQs

Who gets cataracts?
Cataracts are most common in adults over the age of 55. However, they are occasionally found in younger adults, children and even newborns.
Can cataracts be prevented?

There is no proven way to prevent the formation of cataracts. However, experts believe that healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking, eating a balanced diet and avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight may delay or prevent cataract development.

Does cataract surgery hurt?

No. Your eyes will be numbed and you will be given a sedative medication to make you more relaxed and comfortable during your procedure. After the procedure, you might have a temporary burning or gritty sensation in your eyes.

How do I prepare for cataract surgery?

You will receive thorough pre-operative instructions to follow in the days and weeks leading up to your procedure. Importantly, you will need to use prescription eye drops several days before surgery to prevent inflammation, infection and pain during and after your procedure.

Do intraocular lenses need to be replaced?

No, your intraocular lenses are permanent and do not need to be replaced.

How much time will I need to take off work after cataract surgery?

Most patients take a day or two off from work to recover from surgery.

How soon can I resume exercising after my surgery?

You can take short walks and resume light exercise as soon as you feel ready, but you should avoid heavy lifting (more than 20 pounds) and strenuous exercise for a few weeks.

Will I need to wear sunglasses after cataract surgery?

Yes. As your eyes heal from surgery, it is critical to protect them from sun exposure by wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

What Patients Have to Say…

Katelynn Kiehl
Katelynn Kiehl
December 21, 2022.
I rarely leave reviews but I felt I absolutely had to here to help others who are researching their best option for lasik or any of their corrective surgeries. Seriously look no further!! The staff here are beyond friendly, accommodating, empathetic, knowledgeable, helpful, and you can just tell they’re not just following some set of company guidelines that tell them to be nice to clients, they genuinely care about you. I went in for my free consultation at the end of July and was told while I didn’t qualify for lasik (based on shape of my cornea I think?) I did qualify for PRK and the doctor thoroughly explained that procedure and what it would entail from surgery day all the way through recovery and beyond. I was scheduled for PRK on Aug 5th and from the moment I walked in til the moment I left on surgery day, I was extremely well taken care of and I COULD SEE!! For the first time in 25 years I could see without glasses. The doctors told me what each day of recovery would look like and they were spot on!! I experienced no pain, but some mild irritation on recovery day 3 and sensitivity to light and eyes were watery. Vision was blurry for about a week, so I did have to take a couple more days off work than I planned to (doctor told me I should have planned for a week ahead of time, I should have listened.) For about a month after surgery, I wasn’t quite 20/20 but I could see! Seeing signs off in the distance was still a bit blurred but could definitely see well enough to function. I just kept slowly but surely gaining better eyesight as I healed. I just had my 3 month check up a couple weeks ago and I am 20/20 and can read on the 20/15 line! While PRK is a longer recovery process than lasik, it is worth it!! I wouldn’t change a thing and cannot think the doctors and their team enough. I can’t think of anywhere I’ve ever been where I’ve gotten better customer service. I hope this helps anyone who needed help making a decision on where to go for their vision!
Jesssica Wayman
Jesssica Wayman
December 20, 2022.
Had my lasik done about a week & 1/2 ago and could not be more happy! Libby the technician was fantastic! Dr. Massela was great and Dr. Davis who preformed my surgery was amazing! Everyone made me feel at ease and I definitely recommend this place. I can see 20/20 and even slightly better. Thank you Elite Lasik!
Breanna Orsi
Breanna Orsi
December 15, 2022.
The staff, the office, literally everything about this company is phenomenal. They were so helpful and accommodating as I traveled from out of state for the SMILE procedure. I am so grateful for how they’ve helped change my vision for the better!
Kate Goodyear
Kate Goodyear
December 15, 2022.
Elite Lasik provided a great, seamless, journey to gaining 20/20 vision! Their staff was very friendly and always willing to answer any questions. Definitely recommend getting a consultation here if you are interested in getting lasik done.
Barbara Logan
Barbara Logan
December 5, 2022.
I had Refractive Lens Exchange about 6 months ago and I am extremely pleased with the results. It has been life-changing to have clear, sharp vision. I can’t ever remember being able to see this well. I have not needed my contact lenses or reading glasses since the procedure. My night vision has improved dramatically. The procedure was painless, the people were wonderful, and the recovery was quick. I wish I would have had RLE years ago. Thank you, Elite!!
James Jordan
James Jordan
December 2, 2022.
Amazing place The ladies are just phenomenal. One week out and I'm at 2020 after wearing glasses for over 30 years.
laila abdalla
laila abdalla
November 23, 2022.
this place is genuinely amazing. the staff is so friendly! ive felt so welcomed there. yesterday i had my LASIK procedure done and i couldnt be happier with my results. the procedure was quick and painless. if you are on the fence about getting LASIK this is your sign to do it!!!! (they also play really good music and have really good snacks)
Mackenzie Tarble
Mackenzie Tarble
November 3, 2022.
I had a really great experience with all the staff and front office people. Libby and Keisha were super polite and always made me feel very comfortable. While the procedure was slightly uncomfortable for the first few hours right after, it was completely worth it and when I had questions the staff answered all of them in a timely and calm manner. My vision is now 20/15 and I’m pretty sure it’s better than even before I needed contacts as a kid! Would definitely recommend and will do so for any of my friends that want the same great service as I got. Thanks!