Cataract Surgery

Experienced Surgeon. Advanced Lens Technology. Custom Vision Solutions.

John’s Cataract Surgery Journey at Clear Vision Center

Top Cataract Surgery Center in the Troy and Rochester Hills Area

If you need cataract surgery, look no further than the Quad-A certified Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center, Rochester Hills and Troy’s leading provider of cataract surgery. We are the area’s top-rated ophthalmologists for cataract and vision correction surgery with a 5-star Google rating due to our unmatched commitment to patient outcomes and experience. Read more to learn more about cataracts, cataract surgery (including custom vision correction options), and why you should consider choosing the Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center for your cataract procedure.

Is it Time for Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts cloud the normally clear lens of the eye, eventually making it difficult to perform daily activities such as reading, driving, or computer work. If you feel like cataracts might be impacting your life, it may be time for a professional evaluation of your cataracts. With his decades of experience and reputation for outstanding surgical outcomes and effective communication skills, you can trust that Dr. Vrabec is the best cataract surgeon in the metro Detroit area for providing you with a thorough and honest surgical opinion.

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Top Cataract Surgery Specialists in Rochester Hills

Dr Vrabec is a licensed & board-certified ophthalmologist and cataract surgery specialist who has personally performed over 6000 cataract surgeries in over 15 years of practice. He is a talented eye doctor in Rochester Hills, and his commitment to safe surgery and excellent outcomes ensures that if you do ultimately choose to have cataract surgery, you are in skilled hands. Our entire team at the Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center has a vast knowledge and decades of combined personal experience with the latest surgical techniques and vision correcting lens (IOL) options, ensuring that you will feel at ease not only with your decision to have cataract surgery, but also what vision correction option is the best fit for you.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a very common eye condition that can cause blurry vision, among many other symptoms. Inside your eye is a clear lens that focuses light onto the back of your eye so you can see. As you age, the proteins that make up the clear lens start to clump together and make the lens cloudy. The cloudy lens blocks light from reaching the back of your eye, making your vision blurry. Cataracts usually develop slowly over time. At first, you might just need more light to see things up close or have more trouble with glare while driving at night. However, as cataracts worsen, your vision might get more blurry or colors start looking faded. Eventually, you will need cataract surgery to restore your vision. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can allow you to see clearly once again.

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Laser Cataract Surgery

Clear Vision Center specializes in laser cataract surgery, which uses advanced laser technology for a safe and optimal outcome. Laser cataract surgery uses state-of-the-art technology to perform most steps of the procedure with a laser instead of a scalpel or handheld tools used in traditional cataract surgery. By using a laser, your surgeon is able to perform the procedure with unparalleled safety and precision. Clear Vision Center uses a femtosecond laser for its cataract procedures with advanced technology lenses (IOL) such as the Rayner EMV advanced distance lens, and the Alcon PanOptix trifocal lens.

Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery:

Painless, bladeless procedure
Fast recovery
Increased accuracy and precision
Reduces astigmatism and need for glasses

Traditional Cataract Surgery

In traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon uses a scalpel to make a small incision and remove the cataract. They may then break the cataract into smaller pieces with an ultrasonic device to easily rinse the cataract from the eye. After the lens is removed during your cataract surgery, the surgeon will insert a new intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye. Traditional cataract surgery may result in needing glasses after surgery.

A PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO

Cataract Surgery in Rochester Hills

Our philosophy is to give every patient who is a candidate the option to choose to regain control of their vision and see the world without glasses or contacts after cataract surgery. With our extensive screening process, advanced lens technology, and fully accredited office-based surgery center, we are the leaders for cataract surgery in Rochester Hills and Troy areas. Even if you’ve been wearing corrective eyewear your entire life, we have the tools available to not only remove the cloudy cataract that is clouding your vision, and also reduce or eliminate your glasses. While some dream to be able to drive the scenic route without fussing with glasses, others want to play a match of golf or pickle ball without having encumbering eyewear getting in the way. Whatever your dream activity may be, we are here to help you achieve your goals of living life as it was meant to be – without glasses or contacts!

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Top 10 Reasons to Have Cataract Surgery

At Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center in Rochester Hills

Quad-A accredited office-based surgery center
Short wait times for surgery: typically 1-3 weeks
Experienced, Board-certified surgeon dedicated to exceptional results and patient satisfaction
5 Star Google Rating & “Top Docs” Annually Since 2014
Custom vision correction options to get out of glasses after surgery, including multifocus, extended depth of focus, and light-adjustable lenses
No IV or fasting required before procedure
Enhanced precision with advanced screening and astigmatism correction
Refractive enhancements included with vision-correction options
Friendly, helpful staff and family-like atmosphere
Accepts most medical insurances, including Medicare

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Vision Correction Options with Cataract Surgery

ADVANCED MULTI FOCUS

Full vision correction-distance, midrange & near
Premium multi-focus or adjustable lens + astigmatism correction
Minimal need for glasses in normal lighting conditions

ADVANCED SINGLE-FOCUS

Partial vision correction-distance & midrange
Premium single focus lens + astigmatism correction
No glasses for distance & midrange activities
May need reading glasses some or all of the time

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Common Questions About Cataract Surgery

Common symptoms of cataracts may include: blurry vision, cloudy vision, reduced color intensity, glare or halos from oncoming traffic lights, difficulty reading, difficulty seeing road signs, or large changes in glasses prescriptions. Sometimes cataracts grow without many symptoms, which is why it is important to have your eyes checked by an eye specialist. Symptoms may vary widely between individuals, and typically worsen gradually (not suddenly) over time.

Prior to cataract surgery, you’ll have a detailed pre-operative consultation with your surgeon. Here you will learn about the benefits and risks of the procedure, including the pros and cons of the various lens replacement options. Cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient, most commonly in our accredited, on-site, office-base procedure suite. Before your surgery we ensure you are feeling relaxed with a mild oral sedative (Valium), and numb the surface of the eye thoroughly with an eye drop. Rest assured, you will not feel pain or visualize the procedure being done. It takes about 10 minutes for the entire procedure, where Dr. Vrabec will carefully wash away the cloudy cataract lens through microscopic incisions before restoring and improving your vision with the artificial lens placement. With most cataract surgery, we correct one eye at a time in staggered fashion, between two days and two weeks apart, although exceptions can be made. Our goal is two-fold: a successful AND comfortable experience!

At the Clear Vision Center, we offer three vision correction options with cataract surgery. Read more about each option below:

Distance, Midrange & Near Vision Correction

For good candidates who want the optimal combination of high-quality vision and freedom from glasses, we recommend our top vision correction option: Advanced Multi Focus. Utilizing his 25+ years of experience with advanced technology lenses, Dr Vrabec carefully evaluates the health of your eyes and recommends a custom combination of lenses uniquely tailored to each individual. For each Advanced Multi Focus candidate, we focus on three main goals: achieve highest quality of vision possible, achieve greatest freedom from glasses possible, and achieve the least visual side effects (glare, halos, starbursts) possible. After assessing all of the information available about your eye health and goals, Dr Vrabec will discuss his specific recommendation for the optimal lens combination for you at your consultation. Common lenses utilized with this option are the Alcon PanOptix lens and the RxSight light-adjustable lens (LAL). Astigmatism correction is also included. Since not every lens will work well with every patient, we firmly believe this custom approach to vision correction with cataract surgery (rather than recommending one manufacturer’s lens technology to every patient) ensures the highest possible chance of success and patient satisfaction.

Distance & Midrange Vision Correction

For those who desire HD quality distance vision and are comfortable wearing reading glasses after surgery, we recommend our Advanced Single Focus. For appropriate candidates, we utilize the advanced lens and surgical techniques such as limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) to maximize the quality of your distance vision for optimized highway driving, high contrast sensitivity, excellent depth perception, and the least chance of visual side effects. An advanced single focus lens will expand your depth of focus to typically allow for midrange (dashboard of car) without needing glasses. Common lenses used with this vision correction package are the J&J Eyhance Toric lens and the Rayner EMV lens, which both utilized advanced optical features to improve the range of vision compared to a basic single lens. Laser technology allows us to correct any residual refractive errors caused by astigmatism or nearsightedness 2-3 months after surgery. This results in > 99% success in achieving 20/20 vision for distance, and functional reading vision, with many patients achieving even better than this. As we are aiming for laser-focussed distance vision in both eyes with this option, reading glasses are still often required with this option.

Note: The Clear Vision Center and vision correction options cannot guarantee uncorrected 20/20 vision after this or any procedure. Discuss your visual potential and our surgical success and patient satisfaction rate with your surgeon prior to the procedure at your consultation.

Yes it can! With an advanced technology toric lens, or incisional management of astigmatism or limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs), we are able to reduce or eliminate astigmatism to non-visually significant levels. All advanced technology lenses such as PanOptix, Vivity, Eyhance Toric, and the Light-Adjustable Lens can also correct astigmatism in addition to their ability to correct distance and near vision.

In short, the answer is no! Cataract surgery is performed under something called topical anesthesia. Topical anesthesia means that we give you a very light sedation (typically a low-dose of Valium), and numb the surface of the eye with eye drops. In fact, these are the same eye drops you sometimes receive in the eye clinic as part of your routine exam! The combination of Valium and numbing eye drops means that we can remove the cataract painlessly. The incisions are so tiny, they can only be made while your surgeon is working under the microscope, and will never be visible to you or others aside from your eye doctor. During the rest of the procedure, you remain in a very content, relaxed state, and all you will notice are some bright, colored lights, some funny sounds coming from our cataract-removing ultrasound machine (the phaco), and the calming voice of Dr. Vrabec telling you that things are moving along nicely. After your surgery is over, the eye is typically quite comfortable, although some patients notice irritation, dryness, or watering of the eye for 3-4 hours after the procedure. In those cases, we recommend heading home for a short nap, which typically alleviates those symptoms quickly. The vast majority of patients feel that the eye is back to normal within 24-48 hours, although some will experience temporary dryness of the eyes for 2-4 weeks after surgery.

Most likely, the answer is no. Once the cloudy cataract lens has been removed, it does not come back. The new artificial lens is designed to stay with you and perform its job the rest of your life! This is why we remind patients to make a careful choice about what lens (and visual lifestyle) they are looking for in the decades to come. Despite a high success rate, less than 1% of patients heal differently than “normal” and are left with under-corrected or over-corrected vision. In many cases, we are able to correct these minor imperfections with glasses, contacts, or laser vision correction (LASIK), but in more significant corrective errors, we may need to re-align or even exchange the lens for a different size. If performed within the first two months after your original cataract surgery, this can be done as safely and comfortably as your original procedure in the office.

One likely occurance at some point after cataract surgery (regardless of the lens type chosen), is the development of a secondary cataract or posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This may cause some blurry vision and require an in-clinic touch up procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. Nearly 2/3 of all cataract patients will need YAG laser capsulotomy at some point following cataract surgery, and it is a procedure that is covered by your insurance.

Yes! Traditionally, having cataract surgery after LASIK can create lens prediction problems for the surgeon, leading to a higher rate of refractive surprises (under or over-correction of vision with the new artificial lens). However, with advanced pre-operative measurements, AI-based lens calculation formulas, and the advent of the light-adjustable lens (RxLAL), we are more precise than ever with our visual outcomes in patients whom have had previous LASIK. If you were happy with the glasses-free benefits of LASIK in the past and now need cataract surgery, chances are we have a solution for you! Since every patient is different, your specific lens options will be reviewed with you after your testing has been reviewed by our eye doctors.

A secondary cataract or posterior capsule opacification (PCO) occurs in >50% of patients undergoing cataract surgery. This occurs when a thin film of scar tissue develops behind the new lens implant, and begins to obstruct vision. The timeline for development of a PCO can vary from just a few months to many years. In mild cases, a PCO is asymptomatic and can be safely observed. However, if the PCO is significantly impacting vision, it can safely and painlessly be corrected with an in-office laser procedure called a YAG capsulotomy. If this happens to you, don’t worry! It is very common, covered by insurance like regular cataract surgery, and we can help you correct this right in our office.

In most cases, yes! Provided that you have a visually-significant cataract as determined by your eye surgeon, most insurance companies will cover basic cataract surgery: removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with a basic, single focus lens (CPT code 66984). However, basic cataract surgery does not include any vision correction (reducing or eliminating the need for glasses). In short, Medicare and Insurance companies are perfectly content with you wearing glasses after cataract surgery, and vision correciton after cataract surgery it is not as simple as using one lens vs another to achieve vision correction. Additional testing, techniques, and tools (not to mention a highly experienced surgeon in vision correction) are required.

If you wish to not wear glasses most/all the time after surgery, even if you don’t currently wear glasses, then vision correction services will be required. While many people can function reasonably with a basic lens, every eye is different, and you may have certain factors such as astigmatism that will require correction to see without glasses. If seeing without glasses after cataract surgery is improtant to you, then you may wish to consider one of our vision correction packages: Advanced Multi-focus with the PanOptix or Light-adjustable lens, or Advanced Single Focus with the Eyhance or Rayner EMV lens. Correcting your vision beyond the limitations of a basic monofocal lens will require additional out-of-pocket costs, but most of our patients are happy with their decision to reduce or eliminate glasses for years to come. We will review these costs with you and provide a fully transparent quote to you of the costs involved prior to your procedure.

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Cataract surgery has continued to evolve over the past 40 years. In the past decade, laser technology has entered as an option to replace many of the manual steps of cataract surgery. Femto-second laser (fast pulse) allows for highly precise incisions, cataract removal, and highly accurate IOL (lens) placement. In addition, it can actually help correct your vision itself through the use of limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) which may correct up to 1 D of astigmatism. At Clear Vision Center, we believe in the benefits of both computer-guided manual surgery as well as laser cataract surgery as a means to better surgical results and the safest possible procedures. We are happy to discuss the pros/cons of both approaches to surgery with you at your consultation, and let you know if laser cataract surgery is right for you.

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Explore Your Cataract Surgery Lens Options in Rochester Hills

Light-Adjustable Lens

Light-Adjustable Lens

A light-adjustable lens allows you to customize your vision after the procedure. We use a revolutionary lens implant that can be adjusted or fine-tuned to your liking in the weeks following surgery. This allows us to correct your astigmatism after the eye has healed, and with blended vision we can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses. More Information On Light-Adjustable Lens

PanOptix Trifocal IOL

Advanced Multifocus IOL

With skilled selection and placement by an experienced surgeon, a multifocus IOL corrects distance, intermediate (computer), and near vision. It also corrects mild-moderate degrees of astigmatism. Patients may in some cases require mild readers for very tiny print, particularly in dim lighting conditions. Nighttime glare and halos are a possibility, but in most cases do not impact your ability to drive at night. Examples of this lens are the J&J Tecnis Multifocal, J&J Synergy, Alcon PanOptix, and Alcon Vivity IOLs.

Advanced Single Focus IOL

With skilled selection and placement by an experienced surgeon, an advanced single focus lens goes beyond traditional (basic) lens optics to provide not only higher quality distance vision, but also corrects astigmatism and provides extended depth of focus. Two examples of this advanced technology are the Rayner EMV lens and the J&J Eyhance toric lens, which expand the traditional range of focus to include distance & midrange vision (computer), and in many cases moderate sized near print. (Most will still require reading glasses for fine print with this option). The improved distance quality and increased depth of focus without creating nightime driving glare and halos make this upgrade a very popular option for our patients.

What Our Patients Say

“Before my cataract surgery, I was very nervous. Dr. Vrabec and his team made me feel very relaxed and comfortable. Dr. Vrabec’s reassuring manner and clear explanation of the procedure put me at ease. The procedure for my eyes has had the most wonderful results. Everything has become bright and clear, even on the darkest and dreariest of days. I see things in nature I have not noticed in a long time. The color of the leaves, the dew on the branches, even the sunsets look more intense with their spectacular light show of colors. I can now drive without any problem of the oncoming light. I felt like I was just a number with my previous ophthalmologist, but Dr. Vrabec made me feel like I am important to him as a patient.”

DH – Surgery Patient

“Totally Amazing & Unbelievable” is how I felt the day after eye surgery, especially when the office measured my eye sight as 20/20. I could hardly wait to schedule surgery for my other eye. No more glasses or contacts. I was able to work on my computer the same day, right after surgery. My vision is now perfect, colors more vivid. Dr Vrabec was the second eye surgeon that I visited regarding my cataracts. He removed all my concerns by explaining throughly and clearly each process. We discussed my options and I opted for the PanOptix Lens implant. The surgery was totally without discomfort during or after surgery. Dr. Vrabec is an excellent eye surgeon with a compassionate demeanor. His personal follow up is reflective of the pride he takes in helping his patients improve their vision.”

RG – Surgery Patient