Your Cataract Evaluation with Dr. Vipul Shah

Thank you for choosing to have your cataract evaluation with Dr. Vipul Shah. At this appointment, we will be discussing different options you have to correct your vision with cataract surgery. 

About Your Provider

Vipul S. Shah, MD

• Duke University, 1998
• Medical Degree: University of South Florida College of Medicine, 2003
• Internship: University of South Florida College of Medicine, 2004
• Ophthalmology Residency: University of South Florida College of Medicine, 2007
  Fellowship in Cornea, External Diseases, and Refractive Surgery: University of Colorado School of Medicine, 2008
  

Surgery Schedulers for Dr. Shah:
Kerrie Taylor: 704-295-3736
Melissa Furr: 980-890-7749

Your appointment will be at one of the following addresses:

CEENTA Blakeney Office
5933 Blakeney Park Dr. Ste 200
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-295-3311

CEENTA Monroe Office
1632 East Roosevelt Blvd.
Monroe, NC 28112
704-295-3725

Prior to your appointment, please review the following information and write down any questions that you may have for Dr. Shah during your evaluation.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes about 5-7 minutes to perform using only light sedation for relaxation.

During surgery, Dr. Shah will remove the cloudy lens from your eye and replace it with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens implant.

Most patients experience no pain and have a rapid recovery. Our approach involves advanced technology to improve your vision and gets you back to enjoying your normal activities as quickly as possible.

Cataract FAQ’s    

What are cataracts? 

A cataract is a cloudy area in the natural lens of the eye that affects vision. As a cataract develops, the eye’s lens gradually becomes hard and cloudy allowing less light to pass through, which makes it more difficult to see. The majority of cataracts result from normal aging, but other problems can accelerate their development. Cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition and the leading cause of preventable blindness. Twenty-five million people in the U.S. age 40 and older have cataracts.

What causes cataracts? 

The formation of cataracts can be caused by the following: aging, steroids, diseases such as diabetes, trauma, hereditary factors, unprotected UV exposure, or taking certain medications. 

Who is at risk for cataracts?

Everyone is at risk for cataracts. This condition typically develops around age 55 or older but can occur at earlier ages. 

What are the signs/symptoms of cataracts?  

Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, missing seeing details you used to see, trouble seeing to drive in poor light, increased sensitivity to glare, dull vision-colors lack vivid contrast, reduced vision in bright light, impaired depth perception. 

How is a cataract detected? 

A detailed eye examination is necessary. 

How is a cataract treated?  

Cataracts are treated by removing the eye’s cloudy natural lens and surgically replacing it with an acrylic intraocular lens or IOL. More than 98% of cataract surgeries are considered successful, and patients typically can return to their normal routines within 24 hours. This is done one eye at a time at an outpatient surgery center. The surgery typically last five to ten minutes. Dr. Shah uses the latest technology to ensure your safety, comfort, and results and we are committed to helping everyone achieve the vision they deserve.

What are my options for cataract surgery?

• Traditional procedure – Dr. Shah will use a blade to make incisions in the cornea and replace the cloudy lens (cataract) with an artificial lens.
• Laser Assisted Correction – This is the most modern form of cataract surgery. Dr. Shah will use visualization and laser technology to perform the procedure and use an artificial lens to replace the clouded lens. This allows for the new lens implant to be as well placed and centered as possible. (Additional fees for laser will not be covered by insurance)

What is a lens implant? 

An artificial lens that is placed inside the eye after the cataract is removed.  This implant provides a new, clear lens that allows light to focus on the retina, just as the natural lens did before the cataract developed.

Are there different types of lens implants?  

Dr. Shah offers a variety of lenses that help to reduce your need for glasses and contacts.  Depending upon your lifestyle, these lenses can help with near, far, and in between needs.  Options will be discussed with you and your surgeon in order to make the best decision for your needs. 

What will happen if can read without glasses now?

If you can read without glasses before cataract surgery, it means your are near-sighted. If you like to read without glasses you can talk to Dr. Shah about selecting the standard lens for your surgery to focus up close like you do now, but you will lose distance vision. You will have to wear glasses to see everything beyond your arm’s length.

Will a cataract “come back?” 

No. However, the capsule that holds the new lens implant may become cloudy.  A simple, one-time, laser procedure can take care of this “film” and restore clear vision. 

Vision Packages 

Package 1 – Traditional/Standard Lens Implant

This choice uses standard lens to correct for distance vision or near vision, but not both:   

• Does not correct astigmatism.
• You will still need glasses to correct astigmatism, intermediate and near vision.
• Covered by insurance, but deductible and copays will apply.

Package 2 – Single Vision Package

This option will give you your best distance vision, reducing the need for glasses for looking at things farther from you like televisions, signs, and people’s faces:

• You will still need glasses for intermediate and near vision.
• Additional fees for this upgrade would not be covered by insurance.
• Deductible/copays will apply.

Package 3 - All Vision Option 

This option provides through the use of a more advanced implant: 

• Includes the extended range of focus lens.
• Reduces dependence on glasses for distance, intermediate and near vision.
• Includes astigmatism correction if needed.
• Additional fees for insurance will not be covered by insurance.
• Deductible/copays will apply.

We will determine if you are a candidate for this option and customize your lens choice to best match your lifestyle.  Readers may be needed for fine print.

How to prepare for your first visit

• Use over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating drops in both eyes 3 x day starting at least a week prior. These can be found at any pharmacy and some brand options include Refresh and Systane.
• Do not wear contact lenses for at least one week prior.

What to expect during your visit

• You will be dilated to get a full view of the cataract and to check your eye health.
• The visit will be long due to it having multiple steps and can last around 2 hours.
• Your eye will be measured with one or more non-contact devices.
• If you decide to remove your cataracts after discussing your surgical options with Dr. Shah, your visit will end by choosing a date for surgery and going over paperwork.

Cost and Insurance Coverage    

Regardless of the surgery option you choose, there are standard fees that will be submitted to your insurance company. These charges are for the surgeon’s fee, the facility fee, and the anesthesia fee.The standard lens implant is included in the standard surgery fees, but there are additional fees that insurance will not cover if you upgrade your lens implant or choose the laser assisted cataract surgery option.

Every insurance plan is different, so it is difficult to provide you with an accurate estimate during your office visit. However, we do offer 0% interest for 24 months financing (subject to credit approval) through CareCredit and accept HSAs and FSAs. During your consultation, our team will help you determine what your insurance policy covers, what payment options are available, and how to make your vision goals a reality.