Cataract surgery, also called lens replacement surgery, involves removing the opacified natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an intraocular lens. This surgery may be covered by your health insurance plan. Here are some things you should know about the procedure and the recovery time. You can find out more about how much this surgery costs and what to expect if it’s covered by your insurance plan.
Procedures
The procedure involves the removal of the natural lens from the eye and implanting a new artificial lens. This is called an intraocular lens and is inserted through an incision in the eye’s posterior chamber. The surgeon may also need to perform a procedure known as zonulolysis or posterior capsular tear repair. The incision is then closed with stitches. The procedure can take between fifteen to twenty minutes and can help restore the power of your vision.
Cataracts develop in the lens of the eye due to a variety of causes, including eye injury and eye surgery. They can also be present at birth and are the number one cause of blindness in developing countries. Certain conditions and factors can lead to early onset of cataracts, including high myopia, diabetes, smoking, and prolonged use of steroid medications. However, most often, cataracts develop as a result of aging. A cataract begins as a cloudy area in the cortex of the lens and progresses towards the center.
Medicare covers about 80 percent of the cost of cataract surgery. After the deductible, beneficiaries pay the remaining 20 percent. The deductible for cataract surgery depends on the type of Medicare coverage you have. The Part B deductible is $233, which means that the patient must pay this portion of the procedure before Medicare begins to cover it.
Complications
Although cataract surgery is a common procedure, there are certain risks and complications associated with it. These risks vary depending on the patient and surgeon. In many cases, these risks can be minimized, or prevented altogether. The most common risk is intra-operative posterior capsular rupture, which can cause the vitreous to leak or the nucleus to drop out of the eye. Other risks associated with surgery include posterior capsular opacification and endophthalmitis. 렌즈삽입술
A ruptured posterior capsule can result in a number of secondary cataract surgery complications, including retinal tears, cataract edema, and cystoid macular edema. Early recognition is essential to prevent further damage. These secondary complications include a delayed onset of vision loss, retinal tears, and retained lens material.
Some complications can arise days, weeks, or even months after cataract surgery. This is especially true for patients who have severe myopia. A patient may experience residual refractive error weeks or months after surgery, although this can be corrected only after the IOL has reached its final position. Likewise, some patients experience a posterior capsule opacification weeks or months after the procedure.
Recovery time
If you’re planning on getting cataract surgery, you’ll probably want to know how long the recovery time will be. This type of procedure involves a small incision in the front of your eye, a small tool called an ultrasonic probe, and suction to break up the cataract. Then, the surgeon will insert a new, foldable lens into your eye, usually made of plastic, silicone, or acrylic. After the cataract has been removed, the incision will be closed and a new, clear lens will be inserted into the eye. The surgery is not usually painful, and the anesthesia used is usually local.
After cataract surgery, your vision will probably be cloudy or blurred for several days. This is normal. Your visual system needs time to adapt to the new intraocular lens and the removed cataract. While this can take time, the majority of patients can return to work and other normal activities within a few days. In some cases, however, you may need to avoid certain activities for several weeks after the surgery.
Insurance coverage
If you have vision loss and are considering cataract surgery, you may be wondering about insurance coverage. Some private medical insurance plans cover some or all of the procedure, depending on the deductible you have or how much you pay out-of-pocket. Depending on the plan, you may also be responsible for other out-of-pocket expenses. In some cases, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for additional treatments and supplies after the surgery, such as glasses.
The good news is that more health insurers are providing coverage for these treatments. The reason is that the risk of developing a cataract is rising with age. It’s also a common disease, and if you’re in your 40s or 50s, you’re at a high risk for it. As a result, many insurers now provide coverage for this procedure, provided you meet certain conditions. 병원광고
Medicare part B pays 80% of the cost of surgery. However, you may be able to lower your cost by purchasing a supplemental plan. Many supplemental plans offer reduced co-payments for prescription drugs, which can help cover the cost of vision care. Medicare part D also covers the medications you take before and after the surgery.