testimonials

“It has been just one week after my second surgery for cataracts and I can’t go without posting what a great experience its been. I go for my annual check-ups to Dr. McClintock annually. He is excellent. When I was told I needed to have Cataract Surgery I was quite anxious. Dr. Bearman put me at ease and did the surgery. He is great. Its unbelievable how well I can see. The staff at Vision First Eye Center are very professional. You feel very important as if you are their only patient. Thank you Dr. McClintock, Dr. Bearman and staff. You are all awesome. Thank you.”

Janet M.

“After having cataract surgery with Dr. Bearman, everything has been great! He is really good at what he does.”

Gloria N.

“After using Vision First for many years for prescriptions and glasses, I recently used Vision First and Shelby Ambulatory Center with Dr. Bearman for cataract surgery. Result is great clear vision with mixed multifocal lenses perfect for my presbyopia. The experience was customized for my needs and definitely not an ‘in the box’ solution. The staff at Vision First, from checking in at the desk, seeing the staff who do the work ups, thro’ Dr. Bearman’s careful assessment of desired outcomes to Carol who schedules the surgery…all are knowledgeable members of a cohesive team. I am amazed at the way they trust and respect one another. Makes this such a great place for a patient to be in their care. Thank you to each member of the team. Finally, this: Sunrise and sunset are more beautiful than I’ve ever experienced. Glasses at 6 years of age replaced with these new lenses at 66…and I am not wearing glasses to write or post this two days after second surgery. Better than I ever hoped to achieve!”

Christine D.

“Had Laser surgery on both eyes. Vision improved and no longer need glasses.. Took some getting used to the cataracyts had stolen a lot of my vision. Worn glasses since High School but not anymore. The staff are complete professionals. The Doctor answered all of my questions before and after surgery.”

Brenda C.-Laser Cataract Surgery Patient

“My eyes were checked and new lenses were needed, and now I can see the best ever. I have been a patient for many years.”

Cleatus G.-Cataract Surgery Patient

“The staff at VisionFirst is very courteous and professional. Dr. Bearman has a great patient sense of what is needed. They are on the cutting edge of new tests and procedures. My mom and I have used VisionFirst for many years and are very happy with their professional staff and services. “

Michael F.

“All of the doctors and the staff are wonderful. They have taken care of all my family. My husband and I had cataract surgery and Dr. Bearman is the best.”

Robbie M.-Cataract Surgery Patient

“I just recently had cataract surgery in both eyes and they are the best. They explain everything to you and you don’t have to wait long for your appointment. The staff and doctors are very friendly and helpful. I would recommend them to everybody”

Linda S.-Cataract Surgery Patient

“I am very satisfied with VisionFirst Eye Center. I had eye cataract surgery and had excellent care.”

Charlotte H.-Laser Cataract Surgery Patient

“Fantastic doctors and staff. Have had laser cataract surgery with Dr Bearman would recommend these doctors to anyone they are definitely qualified, professional and caring in their treatment of patients. They are the greatest!”

Carolyn C.

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye, causing blurry or hazy vision and sensitivity to glaring light. There has never been a better time to have cataract surgery because of all the vision improvement options available. To our patients throughout the Birmingham area, once you have decided to have cataract surgery you and your doctor will work together to decide what type of artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is right for you. VisionFirst Eye Center was the first in Alabama to offer the revolutionary bladeless laser cataract surgery using the LenSx femtosecond laser.

Until recently, people who had cataract surgery had to settle for either distance or near vision, but not both. Combining LenSx laser and the newest artificial lenses, our patients can see BOTH at distance and at near. The new toric lens is used to correct vision in patients high levels of astigmatism. A multifocal lens is used to provide better near, far and intermediate vision, thus minimize or eliminate your need of reading glasses. These specialized lenses are available for an additional fee, usually not covered by your insurance. The monofocal lens, typically covered by insurance, provides distance or near vision, but some patients will need glasses after surgery.

Finding the right lens for your lifestyle – Now with Blade-Free Laser!

How do I know if I have a cataract?

A cataract is the result of a natural change inside your eye making your vision less sharp over time. Usually, cataracts form with age, but can also be caused by trauma, disease and family history. Your eye doctor will check for the presence of cataracts. The examination is important because it demonstrates what effects cataracts may be having on your visual acuity. It’s also possible that the cataract may not warrant medical treatment. Sometimes changing your glasses prescription may help.

Cataracts develop slowly and painlessly and you may not realize your vision is changing. Symptoms of cataracts include the following:

Blurred vision
Poor night vision
Faded color vision
Double vision
Sensitivity to light

Choosing the Right Lens Implant

Laser Cataract Surgery

A premium experience for your eyes only.

VisionFirst Eye Center introduced the LenSx femtosecond laser to Alabama. This is the first laser of its kind approved by the FDA for cataract surgery. This also gives our patients throughout the greater Birmingham areas premier cataract treatment services.

Dr. Mark Bearman and Dr. Carolyn Hebson, ophthalmologists at VisionFirst, were the first to offer this blade-free laser cataract surgery in Alabama. The LenSx femtosecond laser uses 3-D image-guided technology that maps the patient’s eye. The laser then uses this computer-guided image to perform precise incisions. The LenSx can also be combined with a premium lens implant such as the ReSTOR or Toric Lens for further freedom from glasses.

With over 50 years of combined experience in performing cataract surgery and state-of-the-art vision correction techniques, Dr. Bearman and Dr. Hebson are elated to perform this revolutionary laser cataract surgery at Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

Procedure

How to Prepare

Your cataract evaluation at VisionFirst will include a comprehensive eye exam, diagnostic testing and medical history review. We will walk you through the procedure and make sure all your questions are answered. You and your doctor will decide on which artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is right for you. We only operate on one eye at a time. Before the surgery, you will begin administering prescription eye drops.
The Surgery

The typical cataract surgery lasts 20 to 30 minutes and the entire process that day takes just a few hours. The entire procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the surgery center.

Your eye will be anesthetized and you will receive a mild sedative so you will stay relaxed and comfortable during your procedure, but you won’t be put to sleep. Our surgeons use minimally invasive state-of-the-art technology and micro-incision techniques (no-stitch). During this procedure, using an ultrasonic hand piece, the lens is removed from the eye and an IOL is folded, delivered through a small incision, unfolded and fixed into position once inside the eye. This is a minimally invasive technique conducted under local anesthesia; it involves no sutures, resulting in faster healing and fewer complications than conventional surgical methods.
After the Surgery

It is time to enjoy your newly restored vision! Your doctor will prescribe a personalized recovery schedule and specific instructions. You will be prescribed medications to put in your eye based on this schedule. You typically will return for a follow-up the next day, one week, three weeks and three months after surgery to make sure your eye is healing properly. If you're interested in cataract surgery, call VisionFirst at (205) 949-2020 today. We perform cataract surgery in outpatient care centers in Trussville, Alabaster and Birmingham, AL.

FAQ

When is the best time to treat cataracts?

Many people believe cataracts have to be "ripe" before they can be removed. This is no longer true. Today, cataract surgery is a routine procedure that can be performed as soon as your vision interferes with your quality of life.

What happens if cataracts go untreated?

Over time, the clouded areas of your lens can become larger and denser, causing your sight to become worse. This can take anywhere from a few months to many years. Eventually, though, your entire lens can cloud over and cause blindness.

How do I know which lens implant is right for me?

No single lens works best for everyone, and only your eye doctor can determine the most appropriate option for you, based on your lifestyle, eye health and visual needs.

Do all lenses let you see at different distances?

No - only presbyopia-correcting lenses such as multifocal IOL give you a full range of clear vision, near to far, and everywhere in-between.

Can cataracts come back?

Once a cataract has been removed, it cannot return. So, the lens you choose is usually the one you will have for the rest of your life. However, over time, patients may notice that their vision has once again become cloudy. This condition is known as a secondary cataract, and it can be easily and rapidly treated by a laser procedure in our office.

Will my insurance cover cataract surgery?

All Medicare and most insurance plans generally cover cataract surgery. Please contact our office for specific information. You typically have to pay the extra costs for the premium IOLs and LenSx blade-free laser. We offer financing through CareCredit and you may also use “flexible spending account” health care programs.

Surgeons

Mark G. Bearman, MD Alabaster, Trussville and Pell City

Carolyn Hebson, MD Cornea Specialist - Birmingham, Trussville and Alabaster

Financing

We’re pleased to offer financing through CareCredit. Financing can let you begin your procedure immediately-then pay for it over time with convenient monthly payments, up to 24 months 0% APR.