Cataracts

Helping you get back to your normal life

Any kind of eye surgery can be intimidating, but cataract surgery is a relatively common procedure that many people go through. Our cataract doctor has extensive experience helping patients get their clear vision back.

During your operation, our doctor will carefully replace your clouded lens with a new lens, letting you see without issue. As an outpatient surgery, most patients find that they recover quickly.

Contact us now if you have any questions about cataracts.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a common eye condition characterized by the clouding of the natural lens inside the eye, leading to decreased vision quality. It occurs when proteins in the lens start to clump together, causing the lens to become opaque or hazy. As cataracts progress, they obstruct the passage of light into the eye.

Visual changes caused by cataracts may include blurry vision, difficulty seeing in low light conditions, increased sensitivity to glare, reduced color perception, and a need for frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses. Cataracts can significantly impact one's quality of life and ability to perform the activities you enjoy

What are the common symptoms of cataracts?

  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Glare or light sensitivity
  • Halos or starbursts around lights
  • Fading or yellowing of colors
  • Double vision
  • Increased need for light
  • Glasses not working as well

What increases my chance for developing earlier cataracts?

  • Excessive exposure to sunlight or UV light
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Nearsightedness or myopia
  • Eye injuries
  • Steroid medications

How are cataracts treated?

Cataracts can only be removed with surgery. Fortunately, advancements in technology and techniques have made cataract surgery one of the most commonly performed and safest surgeries in the United States.

Will I still need to wear glasses after cataract surgery?

We pride ourselves on providing the most advanced and safest possible surgery for all of our patients. Depending on what technology you choose, you may have the option to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses at the time of surgery.

A basic, or traditional cataract surgery will make the vision better, but will still require corrective eyewear for your best clear vision.

We may be able to correct your astigmatism using the advanced femtosecond LenSx laser system and toric lens implants, allowing you to see exceptionally well at distance without the need of glasses.

We may also be able to use those advancements with range-of-vision correcting lenses to enhance the functional range of your eyes, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses for most tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a procedure performed to remove a cloudy lens (cataract) from the eye and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision.
 
How do I know if I need cataract surgery?

If you experience symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing in low light conditions, glare or halos around lights, or if your vision significantly affects your daily activities, it is recommended to consult with an eye doctor who can determine if cataract surgery is necessary.
 
Is cataract surgery safe?

Cataract surgery is a safe and commonly performed procedure. However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. It is essential to discuss the risks and benefits with your eye surgeon before making a decision.
 
How long does cataract surgery take?

The actual surgical procedure usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes per eye. However, you should plan to spend a few hours at the surgical center or hospital to allow for pre-operative preparations and post-operative recovery.
Is cataract surgery performed under local or general anesthesia?


Cataract surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and IV sedation. There will be no pain with the procedure, and the IV sedation takes care of the normal anxiety associated with any eye procedure. We refer to this as "twilight" sedation, you will be relaxed and most people find they drift in and out of sleep
 
Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?

No, cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home on the same day.
 
How long is the recovery period after cataract surgery?

The initial recovery period is relatively short, typically a few days to a week. Most patients experience improved vision within a few days, but complete healing and stabilization of vision may take a few weeks to months.

 
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?

The need for glasses after cataract surgery depends on various factors, including the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used and your specific visual needs. Some patients may still require glasses for certain activities, while others may achieve clear vision without glasses in most situations. Our expert surgeons will guide you through the best options for your eyes.
 
Are there any restrictions or precautions after cataract surgery?

Your eye surgeon will provide specific instructions for post-operative care. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, not rubbing your eyes, using prescribed eye drops, and attending follow-up appointments. It's important to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome.
 
Can cataracts return after surgery?

Once a cataract is removed, it does not return. However, in some cases, a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) can develop, causing similar visual symptoms. PCO can be easily treated with a quick laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.
 

Contact the cataract specialists at Michigan Vision Institute

The cataract surgery specialists at Michigan Vision Institute are committed to providing Flint and Genesee County with compassionate care and state of the art treatment. Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment with our expert surgeons.