Qualifying Vision for Cataract Surgery
We've mentioned many times that routine cataract surgery is scheduled when there is documented visual impairment related to the cloudy lens: difficulty driving, trouble reading, etc. That is to say, cataract surgery is performed when the patient (not the surgeon) decides the time is right.
That doesn't always mean that patients with 20/20 eyesight can have cataract surgery just because there is a little glare when driving at night. To prevent abuse some states have established minimum standards that qualify the procedure for insurance reimbursement. Yes, there are always waivers and exceptions for unusual circumstances, but the following states require best-corrected preoperative vision at or below these levels:
20/40 or worse: DE, DC, MD, PA, TX, VA
20/50 or worse: GA, ID, IN, KY, MT, NC, OH, SC, TN, WV
Don't worry! Your surgeon's staff will not schedule your cataract operation unless the procedure is already pre-authorized by the insurer.
Related Topics: WebMD Video: Focus on DSAEK Eye Surgery, Eye Health Center
Technorati Tags: cataracts, insurance benefits
That doesn't always mean that patients with 20/20 eyesight can have cataract surgery just because there is a little glare when driving at night. To prevent abuse some states have established minimum standards that qualify the procedure for insurance reimbursement. Yes, there are always waivers and exceptions for unusual circumstances, but the following states require best-corrected preoperative vision at or below these levels:
20/40 or worse: DE, DC, MD, PA, TX, VA
20/50 or worse: GA, ID, IN, KY, MT, NC, OH, SC, TN, WV
Don't worry! Your surgeon's staff will not schedule your cataract operation unless the procedure is already pre-authorized by the insurer.
Related Topics: WebMD Video: Focus on DSAEK Eye Surgery, Eye Health Center
Technorati Tags: cataracts, insurance benefits
3 Comments:
I notice a white shadow on the top and bottom of both my pupils. People have told me its Cataracts? Have you heard of this. Thanks
No, cataracts usually cannot be seen by "other people" or in the mirror (unless they are unusually dense, then you would be legally blind at this stage). A whitish arc on the cornea (the clear window in front of the iris and pupil-where a contact lens would go) is usually lipid deposits due to high cholesterol levels. Also can be related to the use of amiodorone, a medication for the heart.
In older individuals the deposits you are refering to (arculs senilis) are most often not related to high serum cholesteroal. See this quote from MayoClinic.com:
Arcus senilis is a grayish or whitish arc or circle visible around the peripheral part of the cornea in older adults. Arcus senilis is caused by lipid deposits in the deep layer of the peripheral cornea and not necessarily associated with high blood cholesterol.
However, a similar discoloration in the eyes of younger adults (arcus juvenilis) is often associated with high blood cholesterol. Such a finding in younger individuals warrants further evaluation by a doctor.
Post a Comment