Frequently Asked Questions About
Lens Replacement for Presbyopia

How is the Alcon ReSTOR lens different from the Crystalens?

The ReSTOR lens does not depend on a hinge and is not mobile inside the eye like the Crystalens. The ReSTOR lens
has a multifocal optic, splitting up the light for a near focal point and a distance focal point. This has advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that it gives more reproducible near vision, as it is less dependent on movement, which can vary from individual to individual. A disadvantage would be some loss of contrast sensitivity and a mild halo effect at night.

Isn’t LASIK a less expensive option?

Whether to go with lens replacement or LASIK depends not only on the patient’s age, but the amount of correction they need. If the patient has a high amount of astigmatism, they are better served with LASIK surgery. Also, individuals with low nearsightedness do quite well with LASIK up until about age 60 if they have no signs of cataracts. Farsighted individuals do much better with lens replacement surgery starting at about age 45.

Does insurance or Medicare cover the cost for lens replacement?

Insurance or Medicare does not cover the cost of lens replacement for presbyopia patients. However,
if a patient has developed visually significant cataracts, insurance or Medicare will cover the cost of surgery for a standard IOL. For an additional charge, patients may opt to upgrade to the newer presbyopia correcting lenses.

Flex Spending Account
Your company may offer a Flex Spending Account, which allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for your medical expenses.

How it works
Money set aside in an Flex Spending Account escapes both federal and state income tax and also Social Security tax. By law, the maximum amount you can contribute to an FSA is $5,000, but most companies limit contributions to $2,000 or $3,000.

FSAs are not just a savings account. They save you money by decreasing the amount of taxes you pay. For instance, if you make $35,000 per year and pay 16% Federal Tax; 6% State Tax, and 7.65% FICA Tax, your total payroll taxes would be $10,377. However, if you contribute $3,000 to your FSA you would pay the same percent of taxes on only $32,000. This would give you net savings of approximately $900. The higher your tax bracket, the more you save.

Flex Spending Account Savings Calculator
Use our FSA Savings Calculator to find out how much you can save by using your FSA to pay for iLASIK. Enter your income, tax filing status, and estimated cost of iLASIK to see how a flexible spending program can save you up to 30%* off the cost of iLASIK.

How is astigmatism compensated for with lens replacement?

Dr. Oursler can address small amounts of astigmatism with relaxing incisions. Higher amounts of astigmatism may require a LASIK touchup.

Is lens replacement an option for patients with previous LASIK or RK?

Yes, depending on the corneal topography and degree of astigmatism present.

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