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It's a Whole New Outlook for Cataract Patients
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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 "The lens is creating two focal points at any given time," Chang added. "It's like we're here talking, and there's music playing in the background. At any point, you could tune me out and listen to the music, or you could pay so much attention to what I'm saying that you're not aware of the music at all."
Another type of lens is designed to move and flex in response to the eye muscles that control focus. "Unfortunately, it doesn't allow them to focus from the farthest pint to the nearest point, like a young person's lens," Chang said. "But compared to the conventional lens implants, it again provides more range of focus, allowing the patient to wear glasses less."
There remains one significant barrier to access to these new technologies -- cost.
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Medicare will cover cataract surgery with standard replacement lenses, but the newer and more revolutionary lens designs are considered luxury items, Salz said. Patients may have to pay $800 to $900 for the additional cost of the lens implant, and another $700 to $1,500 extra to the surgeon, he said.
More information
To learn more about cataracts, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
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Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last updated 10/3/2008
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SOURCES: Jim Salz, M.D., clinical professor of ophthalmology, University of Southern California, and spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology; David F. Chang, M.D., clinical professor of ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, chairman, Cataract Preferred Practice Pattern Committee, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and chairman, Cataract Clinical Committee, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery; U.S. National Eye Institute; Mayo Clinic
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