Cataract surgery,
close to home.
Dr. Michael Rom provides cataract surgery, lens implants, and medical eye care at Insight Eye Center on Mentor Avenue.
Michael E. Rom, M.D.
Board-certified ophthalmologist · Cataract & lens implant surgeon
Dr. Rom examines each patient before surgery, performs the surgery himself, and follows their care afterward. Insight Eye Center is his single-doctor practice on Mentor Avenue, serving patients from Mentor, Lake and Geauga counties, and Cleveland's East Side.
Read Dr. Rom's full biography
Cataract surgery with Dr. Rom
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. It develops slowly, so many people adjust without noticing. A dilated eye exam shows whether a cataract is the cause of changes such as:
- halos and glare around headlights at night
- cloudy or dim vision, even with new glasses
- colors that look faded or yellowed
- a glasses prescription that keeps changing
Cataract surgery replaces the clouded lens with a clear implant. It is an outpatient procedure, done one eye at a time.
Try the vision simulatorAn optional illustration of cataract-related blur, glare and yellowing. It does not predict your surgical result or recovery.
Cataract blur (illustration)Clearer view
Move the slider to compare an illustration of cataract-related blur with a clearer view. This simulation is educational and does not predict your surgical result or recovery time.
The photograph is the practice's lens-simulation image of a park path, not a patient's view.
A dilated exam confirms the cataract and non-contact scans measure your eye for the implant. Dr. Rom goes over the lens options with you.
Numbing drops keep the eye comfortable; a mild sedative is available if you want one. Through a small self-sealing incision, the clouded lens is removed and the new lens is placed. Most patients go home the same day without stitches or a patch.
You use eye drops for a few weeks and come back the next day for a check; many patients are cleared to drive after that visit. Avoid heavy lifting, swimming and hot tubs for two weeks. A second eye is scheduled a few weeks later.
Our
services
Cataract surgery and lens implants are the focus of the practice. Dr. Rom also provides ongoing care for glaucoma and other medical eye conditions. Insight Eye Center does not perform LASIK.
An optional upgrade with the Alcon LenSx® laser
Dr. Rom also offers laser-assisted surgery with the Alcon LenSx® laser, which makes the incisions and softens the cataract before it is removed and can correct mild astigmatism at the same time. It is an optional upgrade; Dr. Rom will tell you whether it makes sense for your eyes.
One surgeon. One office. Close to home.
One surgeon, start to finish
Dr. Rom examines you before surgery, performs the surgery himself, and sees you for follow-up care. You are not handed from one provider to another.
Modern lens options
Standard, toric and extended-range lens implants — enVista, enVista Toric, enVista Aspire and TECNIS PureSee — plus laser-assisted surgery with the Alcon LenSx laser.
Close to home
One office at 9485 Mentor Avenue, open Monday to Friday, serving Mentor, Lake and Geauga counties and Cleveland's East Side.
Lens options for cataract surgery
Every cataract surgery includes a lens implant. There are three types to talk through with Dr. Rom, and your exam and measurements determine which ones suit your eyes.
Reading glasses for close work. Covered by Medicare and most plans when surgery is medically necessary; deductibles and coinsurance still apply.
A standard-style lens that also corrects astigmatism. An additional out-of-pocket cost.
Designed for distance and arm's-length tasks, with some near vision. An additional out-of-pocket cost.
Upgraded lenses and laser-assisted surgery are an out-of-pocket cost. CareCredit and Alphaeon financing is available; ask the office about current terms. Insight Eye Center does not perform LASIK.
Compare the lens options in detailThe four lenses Dr. Rom implants, side by side.
| Lens | Type | Distance | Arm's length | Near | Astigmatism | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| enVista® Bausch + Lomb | Standard monofocal | Yes | Partial | Reading glasses | Correctable with incisions at surgery | Medicare and most plans |
| enVista® Toric Bausch + Lomb | Toric monofocal | Yes | Partial | Reading glasses | Built in, including low amounts | Out-of-pocket upgrade |
| enVista® Aspire™ Bausch + Lomb | Intermediate-optimized monofocal | Yes | Designed for arm's-length tasks | Reading glasses for fine print | Toric version available | Out-of-pocket upgrade |
| TECNIS® PureSee™ Johnson & Johnson | Extended depth of focus | Yes | Yes | Some | Ask about options | Out-of-pocket upgrade |
TECNIS PureSee is a refractive (non-diffractive) lens designed to keep halos and glare low; in Johnson & Johnson's clinical study, 97% of patients reported no very bothersome visual disturbances. That figure comes from the manufacturer's study, not from this practice's patients. enVista Aspire is described by Bausch + Lomb as designed for a broader range of focus than a standard monofocal; it is not a multifocal lens.
Not sure which type to ask about? Try the optional Lens FinderFour questions give you a starting point for the conversation. Your answers do not decide which lens you can have.
After cataract surgery, what would you like your eyes to do?
Have you been told you have astigmatism?
Standard lenses are covered by Medicare and most insurance, subject to your deductible and coinsurance. Upgraded lenses are an additional out-of-pocket cost. Which sounds like you?
If you could skip glasses for one more thing, what would it be?
Common questions
Does insurance cover cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery with a standard lens is medically necessary and is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, subject to your deductible and coinsurance. Premium lenses, astigmatism correction and laser-assisted surgery are an additional out-of-pocket cost. The office can go over costs and financing before you decide.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Numbing drops keep the eye comfortable during surgery, and a mild sedative is available. Patients usually describe pressure or bright light rather than pain, and some scratchiness for a day or two afterward is normal.
How long is recovery?
Many patients are cleared to drive after the next-day check and return to most normal activities within days. Use the drops as prescribed and avoid heavy lifting, swimming and hot tubs for two weeks. Dr. Rom will give you instructions for your eyes.
Other eye conditions we treat
Dr. Rom also provides ongoing care for glaucoma and other medical eye conditions. Insight Eye Center does not perform LASIK.
- GlaucomaDrops, monitoring and Kahook Dual Blade surgery
- YAG laserClears haze that can develop after cataract surgery
- Dry and itchy eyesDiagnosis and treatment
- Diabetic eye examsAnnual dilated exams
- Macular degenerationMonitoring and management
- Flashes and floatersPrompt retinal evaluation
- Retinal detachmentUrgent assessment
What our patients say
Dr. Rom is very patient and takes the time to answer all your questions.Kathleen S. · cataract surgery
Dr. Rom is exceptional at what he does; his staff also is very helpful.Grace F. · cataract surgery with LRI
Excellent communication and professional disposition of Dr Rom and staff.Joe W.
Request an appointment
Tell us how to reach you and the office will call to schedule a cataract evaluation or an eye exam. A cataract evaluation is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, subject to your deductible and coinsurance.
