Cataract Surgery

Experience Matters!

The most important decision you can make regarding cataract surgery is your choice of surgeon. With over 40 years performing world-class eye surgery, Whitten Laser Eye offers you the kind of experience that you can trust. Our team is here to deliver you safe and personalized care, with great visual results.

We are committed to offering patients the most advanced cataract surgery and technology with a personalized approach and great vision results.

Honesty

Whitten Laser Eye will advise you on the best way to improve your vision and explain your options in detail – including all associated costs. We value transparency and honesty and keep each patient’s best interest central to our care.

Convenient Locations

We offer convenient locations in Charlotte Hall, Chevy Chase and Richmond.

At Whitten Laser Eye, we perform both traditional and laser cataract surgery. The main difference between the two methods is how the incision is made:

• Traditional Cataract Surgery: our provider makes the incisions and uses ultrasonic energy to break up the cloudy lens.
• Laser Cataract Surgery: our provider takes a 3D image of your eye to determine the cataract’s location and precise measurements. A computer controlled laser uses this information to make the incisions and break up the lens into pieces.

Both methods remove the eye’s cloudy lens and replace it with an Intraocular Lens. Incisions in both methods are typically so small they do not require sutures. We will talk with you about which type of surgery is best for your specific needs.

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Before Your Surgery

Before your surgery, we will discuss various types of lens implants with you. How you see after surgery will depend on the type of lens implant used. It is vital that you discuss your lifestyle and vision expectations so that we can determine the right premium lens implant for you.

During Your Surgery

Cataract surgery is relatively “patient-friendly.” It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure requiring only a few minutes. “Phacoemulsification” is the microsurgical technique used. It requires a tiny incision and breaks up the cataract with ultrasound waves.

• Eye drops are applied for anesthesia.
• The surgeon makes an incision and uses ultrasound waves to break up the hard, yellow proteins that form the cataract, leaving the lens membrane in place.
• Next, a soft, flexible synthetic Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted into the lens capsule of the eye.
• The lens is a permanent fixture that helps your eye to focus. You will not be able to feel or sense the implanted lens in any way.

After Your Surgery

Because there are no needles or injections, only a tiny incision, stitches and an eye patch are not required after the surgery. In most cases, the incision is so small that the eye heals rapidly, with little or no discomfort, and the patient experiences a quick visual recovery. Patients can typically return to normal activities the following day.

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Our doctors will work with you to decide when your cataracts must be removed and which type of IOL is best for your visual needs. We use three basic types of lenses, each designed for a specific corrective function.

During the first 25 years that lens implants were used for vision correction, the goal was to correct distance or far vision as best as possible (single-focus). The very latest in premium multifocal and toric lenses can improve vision for various distances all at once. This means not having to wear glasses following your procedure and regaining your important reading vision:

• Multifocal Lens: Designed to give patients the best distance and near vision with less dependence on glasses after surgery. We use the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal Lens, which is the first and only trifocal lens available in the United States. Over 100 million lenses and counting have been implanted. And 99% of people surveyed with the PanOptix Lens would choose the same lens again. Compared to the older "monofocal" intraocular lenses (IOLs), the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix®  provides an extended depth of focus, producing enhanced near and intermediate vision to reverse the effects of presbyopia. The PanOptix Lens enhances quality as well as range, so your vision will be as sharp and vivid as it is complete. Our doctors will discuss your day, night and reading vision expectations following surgery.

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• Toric Lens (Astigmatism): Toric lenses deliver clear distance vision with less dependence on prescription glasses for patients with moderate to high astigmatism. Near and intermediate vision will still require glasses.
• Single-Focus Lens (Basic): The single-focus lens is inexpensive and effective in clearing vision. If you receive a single-focus lens, the focus will be set for distance and you will regain your ability to see objects that are far away. After surgery, patients will likely need to wear corrective lenses, especially for activities like reading and driving.

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The RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens is the first and only intraocular lens (IOL) that can be customized after cataract surgery. Whitten Laser Eye is proud to be one of the only practices in the Southern Maryland region to provide this cutting edge technology to our cataract surgery patients.

The Light Adjustable Lens is made of a special photosensitive material that can be adjusted in response to ultraviolet (UV) light. This optimization is done by your eye doctor in the weeks following lens implantation through a series of non-invasive light treatments that take only a few minutes each. You will have the unique ability to adjust and preview your vision until it meets your personal desires and lifestyle requirements. The Light Adjustable Lens delivers superior vision outcomes that non-adjustable IOLs cannot match.

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Having the best surgeon does not have to cost the most! At Whitten Laser Eye, our pricing is always competitive when compared to other providers in the region, especially considering our advanced technology and unmatched experience.

Medicare and most insurance plans cover the costs for cataract surgery with single-focus lenses, with an additional charge for multifocal and toric lenses. Patients find the extra expense for well worth the exchange for freedom from glasses or contacts.

Financing is also available for a portion of the premium lens charge. The Whitten Laser Eye staff will review all of this information with you before your surgery.

We offer several payment options to suit your needs:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): You can save up to 30% by using tax-free dollars to pay for your cataract surgery. Many employers offer an FSA or Health Savings Account.
• Financing: Whitten Laser Eye is pleased to offer up to 24 months’ special financing for vision correction procedures, such as cataract surgery, with approved credit through CareCredit.
• Credit Cards: Many patients opt to pay for their procedure using a personal credit card. This may be a good option, especially if you have a card that carries a low interest rate or offers points and other rewards.

Our financing relationships offer an array of monthly payment options, allowing you to move forward today without delay. Subject to approved credit.

• CareCredit
• Wells Fargo
• ALPHAEON CREDIT card

Talk with the Whitten Laser Eye staff about the best financing options for you.

Ask a question about financing options for cataract surgery or call us at 301-895-2020 (Charlotte Hall), 301-825-5755 (Chevy Chase) or 804-527-1963 (Richmond).

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding that develops in the eye’s crystalline lens. As the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 60 or older, cataracts impair vision, making everyday activities increasingly difficult. 

Is Cataract Surgery Effective?

Yes! Many patients report vision that is even better than before they developed cataracts. Modern cataract surgery is considered one of the most effective medical procedures used today. And these results are permanent. Once removed, the cataract won’t reoccur.

Where is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Your cataract procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes In most cases patients can resume daily activities such as driving or reading, almost immediately.

Does Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?

Yes. Medicare and most insurance plans cover approved cataract surgeries. There is an additional charge for advanced technology lenses. The Whitten Laser Eye staff will review all of this information with you. Learn more about financing options.