As you age, it’s natural for the lens in your eye to become cloudy, which can affect your vision and quality of life. If you’re experiencing blurred vision, difficulty reading, or trouble driving at night, you may have cataracts. Nearly everyone develops cataracts eventually, typically after age 60.
Cataract surgery is a simple, safe, and virtually painless procedure that can restore your vision and help you see the world clearly again. At Longwood Eye & LASIK Center, our experienced surgeons have helped thousands of patients regain their vision and independence through modern cataract surgery.
What Is a Cataract?
When you’re born, the lens in your eye is perfectly clear. But over time, it naturally begins to yellow, harden, and become cloudy.
This cloudiness is what we call a cataract, and it interferes with the lens’s ability to allow light to pass through easily. As a result, your retina receives blurry or distorted images.
Cataracts are primarily caused by the natural aging process. However, certain factors, such as sun exposure, smoking, and specific health conditions, can accelerate their development. While a good diet, UV protection, and avoiding smoking can help delay cataracts, they cannot be prevented entirely.
Do You Have Cataracts? Common Symptoms
You may be experiencing cataracts if you notice any of these signs:
- Difficulty reading in low light
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Double vision
- Colors appearing dull or faded
- Halos around lights
- Glare when driving, especially at night
- Frequently needing to change your glasses prescription
- Sensitivity to bright lights
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. Our team can diagnose your condition and help you understand your treatment options.
When Should I Consider Cataract Surgery?
Here’s an important fact: surgery is the only treatment for cataracts. No eye drops, medications, or exercises can reverse or remove them.
You should consider cataract surgery when your vision loss begins to interfere with your daily activities.
- Are you having trouble reading?
- Struggling to drive safely?
- Missing out on hobbies you love?
These are all signs that it may be time for surgery. Left untreated, cataracts can progress until there is complete loss of vision in the affected eye.
However, cataract surgery can restore your vision and is one of the most sucessful procedures performed today.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a straightforward outpatient procedure that typically takes just a few hours from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:
During the procedure, your surgeon removes your clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). We use a technique called phacoemulsification, which uses high-energy ultrasound waves to gently break up and remove your cataract.
In most cases, we use only numbing eye drops for anesthesia. This means no needles or injections required. It also allows for the fastest possible recovery.
The procedure itself is virtually painless, and many patients are amazed at how easy and quick it is. You’ll be awake during surgery, but you won’t feel any discomfort. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours at the surgery center, though the actual procedure is much shorter.
Recovery and Results: What to Expect
After a short stay in the recovery area, you’ll be ready to go home. You’ll need someone to drive you, as your vision may be blurry immediately after the procedure.
Everyone heals differently, but most patients can return to their normal activities the day after surgery. You’ll need to return to our office for a follow-up visit the day after surgery, and you’ll likely notice a significant improvement in your vision right away.
Over the next month or so, your vision will continue to sharpen and stabilize. Many patients describe the experience as life-changing:
“I cannot say enough about how impressed and pleased I was with my entire experience with Longwood Eye & LASIK Center. My results are outstanding and I have never experienced this level of professionalism and care.” — Michael M., Cataract Surgery Patient
Once your cloudy lens is removed, colors will appear brighter and more vivid. Everything will be clearer and sharper. It’s not uncommon for patients to see dramatically improved vision within just a few hours of their procedure.
Choosing the Right Lens Implant
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL) for your lifestyle and vision goals. Today’s advanced lens technology offers options that go far beyond basic vision correction.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the various IOL options available. Your surgeon will take the time to understand your lifestyle, daily activities, and vision goals to recommend the lens that’s best for you.
Why Choose Longwood Eye & LASIK Center?
When it comes to your vision, experience and expertise matter. Our board-certified ophthalmologists, Dr. John F. Warren, Dr. Aaron Fay, and Dr. Nisarg Chhaya, have performed thousands of successful cataract surgeries and are committed to providing exceptional care.
We combine cutting-edge technology with a warm, personalized approach to ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire experience. From your first consultation to your follow-up appointments, you’ll receive the highest standards of medical and surgical eye care in a welcoming environment.
Our patients consistently tell us that the level of professionalism, care, and attention they receive exceeds their expectations.
Take the First Step Toward Clearer Vision
If you’re struggling with cataracts and want to see the world clearly again, we’re here to help. Our experienced surgeons will evaluate your vision, answer all your questions, and recommend the best treatment plan for your unique needs.
Call us today at 1-855-286-2020 or request a consultation online to schedule your evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I pay for cataract surgery?
Most of the cost of cataract surgery is typically covered by Medicare and many private health insurance plans. During your evaluation, we’ll review your coverage to help you understand your benefits. If you choose a premium multifocal lens implant, there may be additional costs. We offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit, including interest-free options for up to 12 months, to make your care affordable.
What are the early signs of cataracts?
Early signs include blurry or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, seeing halos around lights, and needing brighter light for reading or close work. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam so we can evaluate your vision.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
It depends on the type of lens implant you choose. With traditional monofocal lenses, many patients still need reading glasses for close-up tasks. However, if you choose multifocal or accommodating lenses, you may be able to see clearly at all distances with little to no dependence on glasses. Your surgeon will help you choose the best option for your lifestyle.
Can cataracts return after surgery?
No, cataracts cannot return once they’ve been removed. However, some patients may develop a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can cause your vision to become cloudy again. If this happens, we can easily treat it with a quick, painless laser procedure.
What are the risks associated with cataract surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved, including infection, retinal detachment, increased eye pressure, reactions to medications, and vision changes. However, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures, with an excellent success rate. Your surgeon will discuss all risks and benefits with you before your surgery.
Are there any side effects after cataract surgery?
Common side effects include mild redness, scratchiness, and light sensitivity. Some patients experience temporary glare, halos around lights, or blurred vision, which may make driving at night or working in low light more difficult for a short period. These side effects generally resolve on their own as your eye heals.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The surgery itself is quite quick, but you should plan on being at the surgery center for about 2-3 hours total. This includes preparation time, the procedure, and a short recovery period before you go home.
Where will my surgery be performed?
Your cataract surgery will be performed by one of our experienced surgeons in an outpatient surgery center or hospital facility.
How often should I have my eyes checked for cataracts?
You should schedule an eye exam every one to two years, especially after age 60, to monitor for cataracts and other age-related eye conditions. Regular eye exams help us catch problems early when they’re easiest to treat.
Can cataracts be prevented?
While most cataracts are a natural part of aging and can’t be completely prevented, you can take steps to delay their development. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, and avoiding smoking can all help keep your eyes healthier longer.