The natural lens of the eye focuses incoming light onto the retina, which then processes the light into distinct images. In order for your vision to be sharp and clear, the lens must be transparent so that the light can pass through.
A cataract occurs when the natural lens becomes clouded. This can happen because of traumatic injury, radiation, or the use of certain drugs, among other things. For most people, though, cataracts occur due to the natural aging process that happens within the eye.
As you age, the proteins inside your natural lens begin to break down and clump together. Over time, this causes your lens to become cloudy, affecting your vision and everyday life.
Cataracts typically develop slowly over several years. In some cases, you might not even notice any changes to your vision at first.
However, as cataracts advance, you may begin to experience a number of symptoms. The most common are:
Blurry vision
Seeing double or "ghost-like" images in your field of vision
Halos or starbursts around lights
Increased glare
A decrease in the vividness of bright colors
There are several types of IOLs to match a variety of budgets, vision goals and lifestyles. At Missouri Eye Institute, our cataract surgeons offer the following IOLs:
Unlike monofocal (standard) IOLs that allow you to see at only one distance, the Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL is designed to allow improved vision at various distances. EDOF IOLs typically provide excellent distance acuity with added intermediate and in some cases near vision. These IOLs accomplish this by lengthening your focal range, resulting in an increased depth of focus to your vision at various distances.
Multifocal intraocular lenses are designed by creating different focal points within the implant. This is the only design that allows for distance, intermediate and near vision to be corrected at the same time, thus greatly reducing your need for glasses following surgery. Most people choose multifocal intraocular lenses to enjoy freedom from or less dependency upon eyeglasses and contact lenses for activities such as watching television, driving, reading, mobile devices, etc.
Cataract patients with irregular-shaped corneas (astigmatism) have an added obstacle to clearer vision. Even after cataract treatment, they may still encounter some blurriness with their eyesight at all ranges of vision. The Toric IOL helps alleviate that issue. This lens implant contains special markers on the edges of the lens, which the surgeon uses to rotate and align the inserted lens to neutralize the astigmatism from the cornea.
Dr. Chuck Jansen is recognized by “Who’s Who” as one of the most experienced eye surgeons in the United States, having performed more than 35,000 procedures. Dr. Jansen is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Medical Association, the Missouri Medical Association, and the Greene County Medical Society. He is recognized by his peers in southwest Missouri as a “Top Doc” in eye surgery.
Dr. Dan Osborn has practiced in Springfield since 1996, and in that time has established himself as one of the most experienced cataract and refractive surgeons in the region. Among his many innovative accomplishments, he has been recognized as introducing Intralase Bladeless LASIK surgery, as well as a no-needle topical anesthesia technique for cataract surgery. Dr. Osborn’s specialty areas include refractive (LASIK, PRK) procedures, microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), modern cataract surgery, including laser-assisted cataract surgery, monofocal, multifocal, and toric cataract procedures, and corneal transplant procedures.
Dr. Larry Meyer is Missouri Eye Institute’s ophthalmologist serving the Branson area. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Louisiana State University’s Shreveport School of Medicine as Chief Resident. Dr. Meyer is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Lucas Lenci joined Missouri Eye Institute in 2019 as an anterior segment surgeon specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. Lenci completed his residency training at one of the top ophthalmology training programs in the country—the University of Iowa—where he served as chief resident and was awarded best resident teacher. His specialty areas include modern cataract surgery (including laser-assisted cataract surgery), monofocal, multifocal, and toric cataract procedures, laser vision correction (LASIK and PRK), microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), corneal transplants (including DMEK and DSEK), and eyelid plastic surgery (Blepharoplasty).
Dr. Andrew Osborn joined Missouri Eye Institute as an anterior segment surgeon in August 2022. He was raised in Springfield, Missouri, and is the son of ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel R. Osborn. He graduated cum laude honors from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine. While at Mizzou, he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Many people look at no-interest financing programs available through CareCredit or other providers. With these options, you can spread your payments over 24 months without accruing any interest as long as the minimum monthly payment is met and the balance is paid in full by the end of the term. If you prefer an extended payment plan, there are options available for 36, 48 or 60 months with accrued interest.
Another option is to take advantage of your tax-free flexible savings account (FSA), or health savings account (HSA). Both of these accounts are built on pre-tax dollars, saving you money right away. LASIK surgery, as well as refractive cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange surgery is one of the eligible medical expenses for your FSA. If you have remaining funds in your FSA toward the end of the year, only $500 of unused FSA funds can rollover into March of the following year before you lose the benefit.
1531 E Bradford Parkway Suite 100
Springfield, MO 65804
1000 James F. Epps Rd Suite 2
Branson, MO 65616
4500 E 32nd St
Joplin, MO 64804