Denver eye surgeon Dr. Lewis and his team rely on patient education to help people achieve a high level of comfort during their visit and when questions or concerns arise. Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions regarding Tecnis™ :
Does a patient need to wear glasses following the implant of a Tecnis™?
Does a patient need to wear glasses following the implant of a Tecnis™?
The results will vary depending upon one’s vision, lifestyle and the anatomy of one’s eyes. Most people find that they need glasses to read small type or perhaps to drive at night. Most people, however, can go to the store or conduct almost all of their day’s activities without depending on glasses at all. In the cases studied, 92% of those who received the technology in Tecnis™ Multifocal lenses “never” or only “occasionally” needed to wear glasses.
Who makes a good candidate for Tecnis™?
Who makes a good candidate for Tecnis™?
Dr. Stuart Lewis will be able to answer this question only after a thorough eye exam. Generally, however, patients who need cataracts removed, who suffer from presbyopia, or who have difficulty seeing close objects may qualify. Patients who experience chronic glare problems, drive at night frequently, work as airline pilots, or who have had Radial Keratotomy should not have the Tecnis™ procedure.
What is the Tecnis™ zone system?
What is the Tecnis™ zone system?
Tecnis™ technology uses the zone system to divide the small lens into various sections that activate under certain lighting conditions (pupil size) and focal depths. There are five zones, each addressing a differing set of specifications. With this variety, a wide range of light situations and focusing distances can be accommodated for and clear vision carried out successfully.
What is the adjustment period with Tecnis™?
What is the adjustment period with Tecnis™?
Most Tecnis™ patients will experience vision stability within 3 months. Initially, patients report a glow around point sources of light. This, however, tends to fade with time. Patients are encouraged to be patient as his or her optical system is getting used to the new focal capabilities.
Is the Tecnis™ lens covered by health insurance?
Is the Tecnis™ lens covered by health insurance?
Most insurance plans including Medicare cover lens removal (if it is a cataract that interferes with vision) as well as the operating room and anesthesiologist. Refractive upgrades like addressing one’s astigmatism or electing to have the latest technology multifocal lens are not covered. Thus, at this point in time there is an out of pocket expense associated with these new technologies.