What is a cataract?

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This cloudiness can make vision appear as though you are looking through a foggy or frosted window, making it harder to read, recognize faces, or drive.

Cataracts usually form gradually and may not cause noticeable vision problems at first. However, as they progress, they can significantly impair eyesight. If left untreated, cataracts can eventually result in significant vision loss.

Cataracts are especially common with age, and more than half of Americans over 80 have either developed cataracts or undergone surgery to remove them.

Symptoms

  • Cloudy or blurry vision

  • Fading or yellowing of colors

  • Trouble seeing at night

  • Increased sensitivity to bright lights

  • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions

  • Double vision in one eye

  • Difficulty reading small print or recognizing faces

Risk Factors

  • Aging

  • Eye injury or trauma

  • Genetic factors

  • Systemic medical conditions

  • Long-term steroid use

  • Excessive UV light exposure

  • Smoking

What happens during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery involves carefully extracting the eye’s clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The entire process usually takes about an hour and is generally painless.

Patients are typically awake during the operation. While they might perceive shifting lights or movement, they are unable to see the details of the procedure. Medications are available to help keep patients comfortable and relaxed throughout.

The procedure includes several key steps:

  • Application of numbing eye drops so the patient does not feel pain

  • Use of specialized microsurgical tools to make a tiny incision, fragment, and remove the cloudy lens

  • Insertion and precise placement of the artificial lens inside the eye

Once the new lens is positioned, patients spend a short period recovering outside the operating suite. Before being discharged, the surgical team examines the eye to ensure there are no immediate post-operative issues.

Risks of cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is considered highly safe and effective, but no procedure is entirely without risk. The chance of experiencing complications during or after surgery is under 1%. Although it is not possible to list every potential issue, some examples include infection, swelling or detachment of the retina, injury to the iris, and ongoing corneal swelling, as well as other less frequent concerns. Fortunately, most complications are minor and respond well to further treatment or additional surgical care. Even in cases where a complication occurs, vision following surgery is almost always greatly improved compared to vision with a cataract.

If you have any questions or concerns at any point before, during, or after your cataract surgery, please contact our office at (806) 353-2323. Every question matters, and no symptom is insignificant. The aim is to provide you with a seamless surgical experience and excellent vision outcomes.

Lens Options

During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant. This new lens is positioned inside the eye behind the iris. Once implanted, it is not felt or seen, except for the improvement in vision it provides.

Modern cataract patients have a wide selection of lens implants, allowing them to tailor their choice based on personal lifestyle preferences and the level of freedom they desire from glasses. Below is an outline of the available lens types so you can make an informed decision that best fits your vision goals and day-to-day needs.

At your cataract consultation, detailed measurements of your eyes are taken, and advanced calculations are performed to determine the ideal lens power for each eye. Thanks to modern advancements, patients have much greater input into what their vision will be like after surgery.

Conventional lens

Conventional lenses are the most common lenses used in cataract surgery, designed to provide clear vision at one distance—typically for seeing far away. While they often reduce the need for distance glasses, you will still need reading glasses and/or bifocals for reading, computer work, and other close tasks. These lenses are considered medically necessary and are usually covered by insurance or Medicare.

Some patients may choose monovision, where one eye is set for distance and the other for near vision. This approach can reduce reliance on glasses but is best for those who have previously adapted to monovision with contact lenses. Even with monovision, glasses might still be needed for some tasks, and good overall eye health is important for success.

Clareon® Toric lens

The Clareon® Toric (IOL) is a specialized artificial lens used in cataract surgery to replace the eye’s natural lens while also correcting astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, leading to blurred or distorted vision. By addressing both cataracts and astigmatism simultaneously, the Clareon® Toric IOL aims to provide patients with clearer and more stable vision, potentially reducing the need for corrective eyewear.

Key qualities of this lens:

  • Designed for those with astigmatism

  • Achieve clear vision at far distances, and functional vision in your intermediate range

  • In long-term clinical studies, these were reported as glistening-free over 3 and 9 years

AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® lens

Unlike standard lenses that mainly improve distance vision, PanOptix® is a trifocal lens designed to provide clear vision at near, intermediate (such as computer or tablet use), and far distances. Many patients experience reduced dependence on glasses after surgery, and the lens is designed to give a natural, balanced visual experience across different lighting conditions.

Key qualities of this lens:

  • Provides clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances

  • Optimized for natural intermediate vision at about 60 cm

  • Designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery

  • Uses special ENLIGHTEN® optical technology to balance light for all distances

  • Allows a high percentage of light to reach the retina, improving vision quality

  • 99% of patients report high satisfaction and would choose the same lens again

Light adjustable lens from RxSight®

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the first and only intraocular lens (IOL) that allows post-surgery vision customization. Made from a special photosensitive silicone material, the LAL can be adjusted in response to ultraviolet (UV) light, enabling precise fine-tuning of vision after cataract surgery. This unique feature provides patients with the opportunity to achieve optimal visual outcomes tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Adjustments are made through a series of painless, non-invasive UV light treatments administered in our doctor's office.

Key qualities of this lens:

  • Can be adjusted after cataract surgery to fine-tune vision

  • Require 3-5 additional postoperative, nonsurgical treatment visits to adjust the lens using a UV light

  • Patients must wear UV-blocking glasses at all times during the adjustment period

  • Patients are twice as likely to achieve 20/20 vision at 6 months without glasses compared to those with a standard IOL