Cataract and Refractive Surgery

We offer state-of-the-art cataract and refractive procedures, including advanced lens implants and LASIK, to restore clear vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, preventing light from passing through clearly. Just like a foggy camera lens blurs an image, cataracts blur your vision & make daily tasks—such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces – more difficult.

Cataracts may develop naturally with age, but can also be caused by eye injuries, previous eye surgeries, long-term medication use (such as corticosteroids), or health conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure. Lifestyle factors such as excessive sunlight exposure, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also increase risk.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Clouded, blurred, or dim vision
Difficulty with night vision and glare
Sensitivity to bright light
Needing brighter light for reading or other tasks
Fading or yellowing of colors
Seeing halos around lights
Double vision in one eye
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions

Types of Cataracts

Age-related cataracts: The most common type, associated with natural aging.
Congenital cataracts: Present at birth or early childhood; may need removal if vision is affected.
Secondary cataracts: Linked to conditions like diabetes or caused by certain medications.
Traumatic cataracts: Develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.

Diagnosis

Our ophthalmologists perform comprehensive eye exams to confirm the presence and severity of cataracts. This may include:

Visual Acuity Test – measures how clearly you can see.
Slit Lamp Examination – provides a magnified, 3D view of the eye to detect lens abnormalities.
Retinal Exam – evaluates the retina and checks for lens clouding.

Treatment Options

The only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery. If vision loss begins to interfere with your daily life, cataract surgery may be recommended.
Cataract Extraction Surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, our surgeons are leaders in advanced cataract techniques, including femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery, which improves precision, reduces astigmatism, and enhances recovery.

Lens Implant Options

We offer a range of IOLs to suit different vision needs and lifestyles:

Monofocal IOLs – Provide clear vision at a single distance (usually distance vision), with glasses needed for near tasks.

Accommodating IOLs – Move or change shape within the eye to allow both distance and intermediate vision, reducing dependence on glasses.

Toric IOLs – Specifically designed for patients with astigmatism, improving sharpness at near or distance.

Multifocal IOLs – Provide vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far), though some patients may notice halos or reduced clarity in certain light conditions.

Your surgeon will guide you in selecting the best option based on your eye health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

FAQ

What is a cataract, and how does it affect vision?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is located behind the iris and pupil. Over time, this clouding can make vision blurry, dim, or hazy, much like looking through a foggy window. It often develops slowly with age but can also result from injury, certain medications, or medical conditions like diabetes. Early on, you might notice trouble driving at night or reading small print, but cataracts don’t cause pain.

When is surgery recommended for cataracts?

Surgery is typically recommended when cataracts interfere with daily activities, such as reading, watching TV, or driving. There’s no rush if symptoms are mild—eye drops or brighter lighting can help temporarily. Most people opt for surgery when vision drops below 20/40, but it’s a personal decision based on lifestyle needs. The procedure is safe and outpatient, taking about 15-30 minutes per eye.

What happens during refractive surgery like LASIK?

Refractive surgery corrects common vision problems by reshaping the cornea using a laser. For LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea, the laser removes tiny amounts of tissue underneath to adjust focus, and the flap is repositioned. It’s quick, with most people seeing better within a day, but not everyone is a candidate—factors like thin corneas or dry eyes may steer you toward alternatives like PRK.

Are there risks or side effects after cataract or refractive surgery?

Both surgeries are very safe, with success rates over 95%, but temporary side effects can include dry eyes, light sensitivity, or mild discomfort. Rare risks for cataract surgery include infection or posterior capsule opacification (treatable with a quick laser touch-up), while refractive surgery might cause halos around lights at night. Your surgeon will discuss these and how to minimize them with post-op care like eye drops.

How long does recovery take, and what results can I expect?

Recovery from cataract surgery is fast—most return to normal activities in a day or two, with full vision stabilization in 4-6 weeks. Refractive surgery recovery is similar, though you might need a few days off screens. Expect sharper, clearer vision without glasses for distance in many cases, but reading glasses may still be needed. Regular follow-ups ensure the best long-term outcomes.