Refractive vs. Traditional Surgery

What’s the Difference?

Dr. Balin performs both Refractive Cataract Surgery and Traditional Cataract surgery using the most advanced surgical technique, phacoemulsification. The difference between the two surgeries is in the lens selection.

Happy older couple

Refractive Cataract Surgery

In Refractive Cataract surgery a multifocal or accommodating lens is used to provide a full range of vision from near to far, and in-between. Most patients will be able to greatly reduce or eliminate glasses for both distance and reading vision following the procedure.

Traditional Cataract Surgery

In a traditional cataract surgery, a monofocal lens is used to provide vision at one set point. A monofocal lens can be selected to provide a patient with one range of vision set at distance or near or in-between. Most patients who are choosing to have a traditional monofocal lens will select to have the lens set at distance vision. Following their surgery, most patients will greatly reduce or eliminate their need for distance vision glasses, but they will most likely require reading glasses for close up tasks and computer vision.

Today there are a number of lens options available for cataract patients. Selecting the proper lens and determining your candidacy for cataract surgery requires specific testing, calculations, and guidance from an experienced surgeon. At Balin Eye & Laser Center we offer comprehensive cataract evaluations. At this visit Dr. Balin will personally evaluate your candidacy for cataract surgery and make recommendations for lens selection based upon your exam and lifestyle needs.

Please contact our office at 413-584-6666 to set up a comprehensive cataract exam or if you have any questions.

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