Your vision is an integral part of your everyday life. At Waite Vision, we are passionate about preserving and enhancing your sight. Our commitment to you is that your vision is our passion. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Custom Lens Replacement Surgery (CLR) Costs in Utah, and how Waite Vision is dedicated to offering the best possible vision outcomes for our patients. As technology and medicine continue to evolve, it’s important to stay informed about the latest advancements in vision correction procedures and how they can impact your eye health and overall well-being.
Waite Vision is at the forefront of providing state-of-the-art refractive eye surgery, laser vision correction, cataract surgery and other vision correction procedures in Utah. Whether you are dealing with nearsightedness, farsightedness, cataracts, presbyopia, astigmatism, or any other eye conditions, Dr. Waite and his dedicated staff will guide you through every step of the process – from the initial consultation to the recovery process. We are committed to offering personalized solutions, including custom lens replacement surgery, to ensure you achieve your vision goals and lead a life less dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Your health is an investment, and with Waite Vision, you can be confident that you are making the right choice for your eye health and future.
How Much Does Custom Lens Replacement Surgery Cost in Utah?
Custom lens replacement otherwise known as refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a method to surgically correct the vision, like LASIK, so you can function without glasses or contact lenses. This procedure is viewed as elective and is not covered by medical insurance. Despite this, it is one of the best investments you can make in your quality of life.
The cost of lens replacement surgery in Utah varies based on several factors, including the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, the type of lens implanted, and the technology used during the surgery. Additional expenses such as pre-operative eye exams, post-operative care, and any required medications or over-the-counter drugs should also be considered. At Waite Vision, we offer the complete range of lens options available, including multifocal IOLs, toric IOLs, and the light adjustable lens. Our price is all inclusive. It includes whatever technology lens will work best for you, post-op medications, post-op visits and any potential enhancements. At the writing of this article, Waite Vision charges $4950 per eye for CLR. As with the cost of all things currently, this price will likely increase over time.
While health insurance typically subsidizes the cost of cataract surgery, it will not cover custom lens replacement, as it is considered an elective procedure. If you have a visually significant cataract, your health insurance will usually cover a portion of your cataract surgery. If you have the goal of living life without glasses or contact lenses after your cataract surgery, your health insurance will not cover the cost of the vision correction since that portion is considered elective. You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help cover any out-of-pocket expenses with either cataract surgery or CLR.
Another consideration in cost is the long-term savings and benefits associated with lens replacement surgery. While there are upfront costs, investing in CLR can lead to substantial savings over time by reducing or eliminating the need for glasses, contact lenses, and future cataract surgery. Moreover, it will enhance your overall quality of life by providing a broader range of vision and reducing dependence on corrective lenses.
At Waite Vision, we understand that the cost of lens replacement surgery is a significant consideration for our patients. We are committed to providing transparent and comprehensive information about all aspects of the procedure especially the cost. That is why we are happy to list our price in this article. During your initial consultation, our team will explore any available financing options to help make the procedure more accessible to you. Ultimately, our goal is to help you achieve the best possible vision outcomes and lead a life less dependent on glasses or contact lenses.
Financial Benefits of Custom Lens Replacement Surgery
Custom Lens Replacement (CLR), also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), involves the removal of the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. This procedure not only corrects refractive errors like near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism but also eliminates the need for reading glasses, bifocals, and cataract surgery in the future. These are some of the long-term financial benefits of custom lens replacement surgery.
1. Reduction or Elimination of Expenses on Corrective Eyewear: Custom lens replacement surgery can significantly reduce, if not entirely eliminate, your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. This means that over time, you will save a considerable amount on the recurring expenses associated with corrective eyewear, such as purchasing new glasses, contact lenses, and contact lens solutions.
2. Avoidance of Future Cataract Surgery: Since the natural lens is removed during the procedure, it prevents the development of cataracts in the future.
3. Long-term Investment in Quality of Life: While it is difficult to put a price on the quality of life, it is undeniable that clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses can significantly enhance your daily life. Whether it’s the convenience of not having to search for your glasses every morning, the freedom to participate in outdoor activities without the worry of contact lenses, or the confidence that comes with improved vision, the long-term benefits are invaluable.
4. Financing Options: Waite Vision offers financing options to make the cost of the procedure more manageable. These financing options can help break down the cost of surgery into affordable monthly payments.
While there is an up front cost of custom lens replacement surgery, it is important to consider it a long-term investment in your quality of life, health, and financial well-being. By reducing or eliminating the need for corrective eyewear, avoiding future cataract surgery, and enhancing your overall quality of life, the financial benefits of custom lens replacement surgery make it a worthwhile investment.
Are you ready to take the next step in your vision journey?
What is Custom Lens Replacement?
CLR = RLE. CLR is a surgical procedure that involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens, or intraocular lens (IOL), to correct refractive errors and improve vision. This procedure is the same technique as cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a new artificial lens. However, in the case of CLR, the natural lens is replaced before it becomes a cataract with the goal to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
At Waite Vision, we offer a range of custom lens replacement options to suit the individual needs and vision goals of our patients. Dr. Aaron Waite, is highly experienced in lens replacement surgery having performed thousands of cases. He is dedicated to providing personalized care and achieving the best possible outcomes for each patient.
Types of Lenses Available
There are several types of intraocular lenses available, and the best one for you will depend on your specific eye condition, lifestyle, and vision goals:
1. Monofocal Lens: This is a single focus lens that provides clear vision at one distance, either near, intermediate, or far. Most patients who choose a monofocal lens will have clear distance vision but may still need to wear reading glasses for near tasks.
2. Multifocal IOL: This lens has multiple focal points and provides clear vision at near, intermediate, and far. It reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.
3. Toric Monofocal IOL: This lens is designed to correct astigmatism and provides clear vision at one distance, either near, intermediate, or far.
4. Toric Multifocal IOL: This lens corrects astigmatism and provides clear vision at all distances, near, intermediate, and far.
5. Light Adjustable Lens IOL: This lens is a monofocal IOL with the ability to adjust the lens power and astigmatism afterwards using UV light. This offers flexibilty in the best focus after surgery.
The Procedure
The lens replacement surgery is performed in our office surgical suite. The procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes for each eye, and each eye is usually done a week apart, sometimes sooner, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation and the patient’s preference.
1. Pre-operative Assessment: Before the surgery, a comprehensive eye exam will be conducted to assess your eye health including multiple complete scans of your eye. This helps determine the appropriate lens implant. Your surgeon will discuss the different intraocular lens options and recommend the best one for your individual needs and vision goals.
2. Anesthesia: Before the procedure begins, anesthetic eye drops will be applied to numb the surface of the eye and ensure your comfort during the surgery. In some cases, a mild sedative may also be given to help you relax.
3. Lens Removal: A small incision is made on the side of the cornea. Using a technique called phacoemulsification, ultrasonic waves are used to break up the natural lens into small pieces, which are then gently removed from the eye.
4. Lens Implantation: The new artificial lens is folded and inserted through the same small incision. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds and is positioned into place. The incision is self-sealing and does not require any stitches.
5. Post-operative Care: After the surgery, we check the eye and start you on your post-operative drops. You will be given a bottle of antibiotic/anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
The recovery process is relatively quick, with most patients experiencing improved vision within a few days after the procedure. It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.
Custom Lens Replacement at Waite Vision is a personalized and advanced option for those seeking to improve their vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. With a range of intraocular lens options available and a skilled and experienced surgeon, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your vision goals and enhance your quality of life.
Unlock a Brighter, Clearer Future with Waite Vision
Custom Lens Replacement provides a permanent solution to common vision problems such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. With the added advantage of preventing future cataract development, it proves to be a cost-effective and good long-term investment. At Waite Vision, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care, using the latest technology and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve your vision goals. Dr. Aaron Waite, has helped thousands of patients improve their vision and quality of life with refractive surgeries like Custom Lens Replacement. If you are tired of the limitations of glasses or contact lenses and are looking for a permanent solution to your vision problems, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take the first step towards a brighter, clearer future. Your journey to visual freedom begins with a single step. Take it with confidence at Waite Vision.
Frequently Asked Questions about Custom Lens Replacement Surgery Costs Utah
Can Custom Lens Replacement Surgery correct my astigmatism?
Yes, Custom Lens Replacement Surgery can correct astigmatism. A special type of intraocular lens called a Toric lens is used to correct astigmatism. The Toric lens has different powers in a specific meridian of the lens to correct the shape of the cornea that causes astigmatism. During your consultation, we will determine the appropriate lens for your specific needs and vision goals.
Is Custom Lens Replacement Surgery covered by insurance in the United States?
In the United States, Custom Lens Replacement Surgery is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, the cost of the procedure may be partially covered if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). It is recommended to check with your insurance provider and discuss your payment options with the staff at Waite Vision during your consultation.
What is the difference between LASIK and Custom Lens Replacement Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and Custom Lens Replacement Surgery are both refractive surgeries designed to correct vision problems and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK involves reshaping the cornea using a laser to correct refractive errors, while Custom Lens Replacement Surgery involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens to correct refractive errors and improve vision. During your consultation at Waite Vision, we will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and discuss your vision goals to recommend the most appropriate procedure for you.
Will I still need to wear progressive lenses after Custom Lens Replacement Surgery?
Custom Lens Replacement Surgery can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses for most distances. However, some patients may still prefer to wear corrective lenses for certain tasks, such as reading fine print or night driving. Your surgeon at Waite Vision will discuss your vision goals and recommend the most appropriate lens option for your individual needs.
How will Custom Lens Replacement Surgery affect my visual acuity and will it correct my blurred vision?
Custom Lens Replacement Surgery can significantly improve your visual acuity and correct blurred vision caused by refractive errors or cataracts. The procedure involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with a new artificial lens, which provides clear, focused vision. Most patients experience a significant improvement in their visual acuity and a reduction or elimination of blurred vision after the surgery. There may be visual adaptation needed after your procedure for best results. Your surgeon at Waite Vision will conduct a thorough eye exam and discuss your vision goals to recommend the most appropriate lens option for your individual needs.
What is the difference between photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and Custom Lens Replacement Surgery?
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of laser eye surgery that involves removing the outer layer of the cornea and reshaping the underlying cornea with a laser to correct refractive errors. Custom Lens Replacement Surgery involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens to correct refractive errors and improve vision. Both procedures can provide excellent vision outcomes, but Custom Lens Replacement Surgery also has the added benefit of preventing future cataract development.
What is the role of the retina in the human eye in Custom Lens Replacement Surgery?
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into nerve signals that are sent to the brain for interpretation. The human eye works by focusing light onto the retina through the cornea and the natural lens. Custom Lens Replacement Surgery involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens, which helps to focus light more accurately onto the retina and improve vision. Your surgeon at Waite Vision will conduct a thorough eye exam and discuss your vision goals to recommend the most appropriate lens option for your individual needs.
What is the risk of retinal detachment or bleeding during Custom Lens Replacement Surgery?
The risk of complications such as retinal detachment or bleeding during or after Custom Lens Replacement Surgery is very low. However, like any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks involved and the risk is not zero. Retinal detachment is a serious condition, but it is extremely rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases. Your surgeon at Waite Vision will take all necessary precautions and use the latest technology to minimize any risks and ensure the best possible outcome for your vision.
Can I get an eyeglass prescription after Custom Lens Replacement Surgery?
After Custom Lens Replacement Surgery, most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision and may no longer need glasses or contact lenses for most distances. However, some patients may still prefer to wear glasses for certain tasks, such as reading fine print or night driving. If needed, your eye doctor at Waite Vision can provide you with an eyeglass prescription after your surgery.
What is the role of optometry in Custom Lens Replacement Surgery?
Optometry is a field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision problems and eye diseases. An optometrist is a healthcare professional who is trained to conduct eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment for common eye conditions. Your optometrist may refer you to Waite Vision for Custom Lens Replacement surgery. Your ophthalmologist at Waite Vision will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to assess your eye health, measure your refractive error, and determine the appropriate lens implant for your specific needs and vision goals and then perform your refractive surgery.
