Cataract Surgery

When your cataract dramatically impairs your vision, surgery is the only treatment option. If surgery is necessary, you’ll work with the same ophthalmologist (who is also an eye surgeon) you already know and trust.

Procedure

Prior to your surgery, your eye surgeon will test to measure the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of the eye.

Just before your surgery, you’ll be placed under local anesthesia to completely numb your eyes. Your experienced ophthalmologist will safely remove your eye’s lens and replace it with a state-of-the-art artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Surgery is usually highly effective in relieving long-term symptoms of cataracts. However, prescription eyewear may be necessary after the procedure, particularly if you have macular degeneration, glaucoma, or other eye conditions.

The operation usually lasts less than an hour and is nearly painless.

Recovery

After your operation, your eye surgeon will place a patch over your eye and monitor you shortly for any problems. You’ll be able to return home on the day of your surgery. We will schedule a follow-up exam to make sure your eye is healing properly.

Results

After your surgery, you’ll be able to return to many everyday activities. Your eye needs time to heal and adjust to focus properly with your other eye, so your vision may be blurry. Your eye surgeon will provide you with specific care instructions.

After your IOL is implanted, colors may seem brighter. Your IOL is clear, unlike your natural lens that may have had a yellowish tint. After a few months, you should grow used to improved color vision.

Contact us if you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts and would like to learn more about your treatment options. One of our board-certified ophthalmologists will meet with you, properly diagnose the type of cataracts you have, and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Cataract surgeons Dr. John Berestka, Dr. Timothy Ehlen, Dr. Matthew Ramsey, Dr. Stan Walker, and Dr. Mrunalini Parvataneni (pediatric cataracts) have the skill and experience to guide you through your cataract surgery and help you select the right IOL.

Like any surgery, cataract surgery has risks and varying results. Your eye surgeon will explain and discuss these with you, and answer any questions you have before your procedure.