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Cataracts & Cataract Surgery

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. The lens is normally clear and helps focus light onto the retina so you can see sharply. Over time, the lens can become cloudy, causing blurred or dim vision.

Cataracts are most commonly related to aging, but they can also develop due to:

  • Diabetes

  • Previous eye surgery

  • Eye injury

  • Long-term steroid use

  • UV light exposure

Cataracts are extremely common and a normal part of aging. Most people will develop them if they live long enough.

 
Common Symptoms of Cataracts

You may notice:

  • Blurry or cloudy vision

  • Glare or halos around lights, especially at night

  • Difficulty driving at night

  • Faded or yellowed colors

  • Frequent changes in glasses prescription

  • Needing brighter light for reading

Cataracts usually develop slowly and gradually worsen over time.

 
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

During a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist will:

  • Measure your visual acuity

  • Evaluate your glasses prescription

  • Examine the lens using a microscope (slit lamp)

  • Dilate your pupils to examine the retina

Surgery is considered when cataracts begin to interfere with your daily activities — such as driving, reading, watching TV, or working.

There is no eye drop, vitamin, or medication that can reverse or cure a cataract. Surgery is the only effective treatment.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and safest surgical procedures in medicine.

During surgery:

  1. The cloudy natural lens is removed.

  2. A clear artificial lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL) is placed in its position.

The procedure:

  • Takes about 10–15 minutes

  • Is performed under local anesthesia

  • Does not require general anesthesia in most cases

  • Is done as an outpatient procedure

Most patients notice improved vision within days.

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Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options

Modern cataract surgery does more than remove a cataract — it can also reduce dependence on glasses.

Monofocal Lenses

  • Designed to focus at one distance (usually distance vision)

  • Glasses are typically needed for reading

Toric Lenses

  • Correct astigmatism

  • Improve distance vision clarity

Presbyopia-Correcting / Extended Depth of Focus Lenses

  • Designed to provide a range of vision (distance and intermediate, sometimes near)

  • May reduce dependence on glasses

During your consultation, we will discuss which lens option best fits your visual goals, lifestyle, and eye health.

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When Should You Consider Surgery?

Cataract surgery is not based on a specific number or vision measurement alone. It is based on how your vision is affecting your life.

You may be ready if:

  • Driving at night feels unsafe

  • Reading is frustrating

  • Glare interferes with daily activities

  • Your quality of life is impacted

If you’re unsure, we can help you decide.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing symptoms of cataracts or have been told you have cataracts, we would be happy to evaluate you and discuss your options.

Early evaluation allows us to monitor progression and plan surgery at the right time for you.

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