Laser cataract surgery questions, answered

A femtosecond laser, preferably the robotic LENSAR system, maps the eye and helps make the incisions and soften the cloudy lens. The surgeon stays in control and then places your new lens implant.

At a surgery center in Beverly Hills. Consultations and many visits take place at our Beverly Hills and Westlake Village offices.

Medical insurance and Medicare can apply to cataract surgery when it is a covered medical service under your plan. We accept PPO plans only. We do not accept HMO plans or Medi-Cal. Laser assistance and premium lens upgrades are often elective, so we check your benefits before surgery.

If you have Medicare, you may be asked to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice before a service Medicare may not cover, such as a premium lens. It is a notice, not a bill.

Options include monofocal, enhanced monofocal, extended depth of focus, multifocal or trifocal lenses, and the Light Adjustable Lens.

Often, yes, with laser arcuate incisions, a toric lens or both, depending on your measurements.

If you have Medicare or insurance, your surgery is billed to your plan; contact the office about your benefits. For self-pay (cash) patients only, cataract surgery is $187.50 per eye per month for 24 months for qualified applicants.

Medicare and insurance patients book a covered annual eye exam or medical evaluation; insurance rules apply. Self-pay (cash) patients can book a VIP consult.

Most people notice improvement within days and use eye drops for a few weeks. Your recovery guide lists drops, activities and when to call.