Dropless Cataract Surgery

 

Island Eye Care introduces a new option to improve the patients’ cataract surgery experience. Dropless Cataract SurgeryTM is now available to eliminate the after cataract eye drop regimen. The goal with Dropless Cataract SurgeryTM is to improve the surgical outcome and provide the patient with least impact in their post surgical lifestyle.

 

The post cataract drop regimen has been a major concern of patients having cataract surgery. Historically cataract patients have been on a drop regimen of Ketorolac (NSAID), Moxifloxacin (antibiotic), and Prednisolone (steroid). This regimen may be up to 12 drops a day for two to four weeks. The effectiveness of the drops is directly related to patient compliance and ability to apply drops. Depending on insurance, these drops can cost patients up to $350.

 

We have introduced Dropless Cataract SurgeryTM in an effort to address compliance and convenience for our patients. This method will also reduce the direct costs for patients. At Island Eye Care, we use a new medication which is a compound mixture of steroid (Triamcinolone) with antibiotics (Moxifloxacin & Vancomycin) (“Tri-Mox-Vanc”) which is administered inside the eye at the time of surgery. Studies have shown that Tri-Mox-Vanc eliminate drops after surgery about 95%+ of the time. A small number of patients may have some inflammation that requires eye drops to be started, or may need a post-op prophylactic anti-inflammatory drops for certain pre-existing retinal diseases.

 

The advantage of using Tri-Mox-Vanc is that medication is administered into the eye at time of surgery, thus ensuring compliance. The postoperative course removes the inconvenience and expense of obtaining and placing drops in the surgical eye. We have partnered with Whidbey General Hospital to ensure that Tri-Mox-Vanc is incorporated into the hospital surgical fee. Dropless Cataract SurgeryTM is especially beneficial for patients with arthritis or who have difficulty administering drops.

 

Known side effects of Tri-Mox-Vanc can include the presence of floaters, which may appear cloud-like, as well as blurred vision in the 1-3 days immediately after surgery. These are discussed with patients during their pre-op appointment and reviewed again after surgery.

 

“The emergence of Dropless Cataract Surgery represents a greatly improved experience for our cataract surgery patients. We are excited to offer this new option as we bring this best-in-class patient care to Island Eye Care,” said Dr. Johnson. “The introduction of this important treatment option helps us improve the cataract experience for our patients by ensuring compliance, improving convenience, and reducing costs.”

 

About Cataract Surgery

 

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States with over three million procedures performed annually. A cataract is the clouding of the natural clear lens in the eye, resulting in hazy vision, unusual glare, poor night vision, and  reduction in color perception. During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed, and then replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

 

About Island Eye Care – Ophthalmology

 

Island Eye Care is a comprehensive medical and surgical Ophthalmology practice. We are patient focused and incorporate the latest technologies and clinical procedures as part of patient visits. Dr. Johnson provides care for an array of diseases specializing in Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathies, Infections, and Trauma.

 

Please give us a call for more information or to set up an appointment to get more information on this exciting new option in cataract surgery!

Contact Island Eye Care for More Information!

 

Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Johnson for your personalized evaluation to see if you are a candidate for Dropless Cataract Surgery.