WHAT ARE CATARACTS?

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's lens. When we look at something, light rays travel into our eye through the pupil and are focused through the lens onto the retina, a layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye. 

The lens must be clear in order to focus light properly onto the retina. If the lens has become cloudy, this is called a cataract. Cataracts can develop in one or both of eyes at varying rates. 

TREATMENT OPTIONS

The only treatment option for cataracts is surgery. If you are wondering if it is time to consider surgery, you can ask yourself these questions and discuss your concerns with your ophthalmologist at your next visit.

During cataract surgery, your eye's cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens implant (called an intraocular lens or IOL).

Should you need cataract surgery, we will discuss the cataract surgery procedure with you and answer any questions you may have about preparation for and recovery after surgery, the benefits and possible complications of cataract surgery, and other important information. Together, we can decide if cataract surgery is appropriate for you. You can read more about the risks, benefits and what to expect in terms of visual outcomes here.

SYMPTOMS

Because cataracts are a condition that worsens over time, so do its symptoms. The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

• Cloudy or blurry vision 

• Faded appearance of colours 

• Glare: headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright (a halo may appear around lights) 

• Poor night vision 

• Double vision or multiple images in one eye 

• Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses 

It is recommend you see an eye health specialist if you experiencing any of these symptoms.  These symptoms may be signs of other vision problems. 

ALREADY DECIDED ON CATARACT SURGERY?
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PRE-SURGICAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

Once you have decided to undergo cataract surgery, special diagnostic testing is recommended for each patient in order to select and position a lens implant (known commonly as an IOL) and help ensure the best possible visual outcome. 

Because your eyes work as a team, testing is performed on both eyes at the same visit to best understand how they are working together. These assessments are done only once per patient.

At your diagnostic testing visit, an ophthalmic technician will perform the testing. The tests include the IOL Master and Corneal Topography. You can read more about each of them on this page.

You will be scheduled for a further follow-up visit with your ophthalmologist to discuss surgery and lens implant option.

FEES AND COVERAGE

Cataract surgery itself is covered by OHIP as is a standard lens implant. The standard implant corrects for distance only and you may still need glasses after surgery. You may choose a premium lens implant if your aim is to further improve your vision, reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or upgrade to the current lens technologies. Premium implants can correct for near, intermediate and far vision, as well as, correct astigmatism. Not all patients are candidates for all lens options. You can discuss your options with your ophthalmologist at your next visit.

Fees for diagnostic tools are the responsibility of the patient. If you have private health insurance, you may submit your receipt for review; some providers may reimburse a portion or all of your claim depending on the level of coverage you have. They may also cover all or a portion of premium lens implants as part of provisions for vision care. We do not handle private insurance claims.  

We inform all patients of the fees for diagnostic testing and the cost of premium lens (if you would like to opt for further vision correction during cataract surgery) at the time of your booking request.

Diagnostic testing must be completed prior to cataract surgery. Cataract surgery cannot be completed unless we have measurements for you eyes on file. The measurements allow your surgeon to select the correct lens implant for you. This applies for both standard (i.e. OHIP covered) and premium lenses.

Premium lenses are an additional cost.