Q: I just found out today I have a cataract in my right eye and a start in the left. I am a healthy 66-year-old female except for occasional migraines. My doctor is suggesting a multifocal lens at $1700 per eye, plus whatever they charge the insurance company. I am not sure if I should wait until the cataract gets worse or if I should have it done right away. Should I have another opinion? I read your column all the time and need your advice.
A: Let’s delve briefly into what a cataract is before we get into finances. Each eye has a lens similar to that of a camera. A cataract is a clouding of the lens that results in diminished ability to see clearly. Cataracts can form in one or both eyes but one will not spread to the opposite, as can be the case with other medical conditions. They begin slowly. You may initially find it difficult to drive at night because of oncoming headlights and might opt for stronger eyeglasses without realizing what is happening. Colors may fade, you may have double vision and your eyesight may appear blurry.
There are several types of cataracts – those that are congenital and may develop at birth or during early childhood; those from trauma following an injury to the eye; those that occur from diseases such as diabetes, exposure to toxic substances/radiation/ultraviolet light (such as sunlight without eye protection), from using corticosteroids or diuretics; and lastly, those that are age related.
When your vision can no longer be corrected with stronger lenses in your glasses and your quality of life is altered, your ophthalmologist will likely recommend surgery. More than 15 million such procedures are done each year, almost all of which improve vision. And that’s just it. As I have indicated many times over, no reputable doctor should even recommend this or any other procedure until the benefits outweigh the risks. The surgery is commonly done as a same-day that involves removing the opacified lens and replacing it with a synthetic one. An improvement in vision is noted rather quickly so while you will not be able to drive yourself home following the surgery, you should get your life back to normal promptly.
I may be incorrect in assuming because you are 66, Medicare, is your primary insurance. Whether or not this is so, my guess is your doctor is charging you for a service insurance will not cover – thus, the out-of-pocket expenditure. If it has been determined you require multifocal lenses, that is what you should be getting. If you find the fee out of reach, you might ask for a payment plan whereby you can pay a specific amount each month until the bill is cleared. Never be afraid to approach your doctor (or likely a member of his or her office staff) regarding a financing matter.
If you still have concerns that cannot be answered to your satisfaction regarding the timing of the proposed surgery or of the additional expense, I recommend you consult another eye specialist for a second opinion. You only have one set of eyes and they should receive the best attention possible.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com
