Cataract Surgery

Modern-day cataract surgery can be a life-changing procedure for many patients. If you are struggling with blurry vision, light sensitivity, difficulty driving at night, or double vision caused by cataracts, cataract eye surgery can help.

Request a Consultation

Learn more about Cataract Surgery

What Causes Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Most individuals are born with a clear lens within the eye that is partially responsible for focusing light on the retina (the back of the eye). With time, the lens can become cloudy and block light from entering the eye, decreasing the quality of our vision and causing glare. 

Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process; however, they can be brought about earlier by exposure to UV light, uncontrolled diabetes, trauma, or a family history of cataracts at a young age. Cataracts are a progressive condition meaning that without treatment, your symptoms will continue to worsen over time.

Cataract symptoms can include:

  • Glare while driving at night
  • Cloudy or blurry vision that glasses or contacts cannot correct 
  • Decrease in the vibrancy of colors

What is Cataract Eye Surgery and How Does it Work?

Cataract eye surgery is a procedure that removes the lens of the eye and replaces it with a new, unclouded one. In addition to traditional cataract surgery, we also provide laser-assisted cataract removal, a procedure we can utilize for patients who want to correct vision issues such as astigmatism alongside cataract removal. Laser-assisted cataract surgery takes an already safe and precise treatment, making it more accurate, predictable, and better than ever.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery utilizes a femtosecond laser to perform some of the crucial steps of cataract surgery, such as opening the lens capsule and fragmenting the lens nucleus, traditionally performed using a handheld surgical blade. The laser is also able to create precise relaxing incisions in the cornea, which have the effect of reducing astigmatism. This treatment is a form of refractive eye surgery. 

Some patients will choose to have a premium intraocular lens (IOL) placed in their eyes to improve their vision further so they can reduce their dependency on glasses or contacts. During refractive cataract eye surgery, the surgeon will use a device that analyzes the eye after the cataract is removed, which allows them to precisely pick the power of the IOL so the patient can see their very best following cataract surgery. 

What Causes Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Most individuals are born with a clear lens within the eye that is partially responsible for focusing light on the retina (the back of the eye). With time, the lens can become cloudy and block light from entering the eye, decreasing the quality of our vision and causing glare. 

Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process; however, they can be brought about earlier by exposure to UV light, uncontrolled diabetes, trauma, or a family history of cataracts at a young age. Cataracts are a progressive condition meaning that without treatment, your symptoms will continue to worsen over time.

Cataract symptoms can include:

  • Glare while driving at night
  • Cloudy or blurry vision that glasses or contacts cannot correct 
  • Decrease in the vibrancy of colors

What is Cataract Eye Surgery and How Does it Work?

Cataract eye surgery is a procedure that removes the lens of the eye and replaces it with a new, unclouded one. In addition to traditional cataract surgery, we also provide laser-assisted cataract removal, a procedure we can utilize for patients who want to correct vision issues such as astigmatism alongside cataract removal. Laser-assisted cataract surgery takes an already safe and precise treatment, making it more accurate, predictable, and better than ever.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery utilizes a femtosecond laser to perform some of the crucial steps of cataract surgery, such as opening the lens capsule and fragmenting the lens nucleus, traditionally performed using a handheld surgical blade. The laser is also able to create precise relaxing incisions in the cornea, which have the effect of reducing astigmatism. This treatment is a form of refractive eye surgery. 

Some patients will choose to have a premium intraocular lens (IOL) placed in their eyes to improve their vision further so they can reduce their dependency on glasses or contacts. During refractive cataract eye surgery, the surgeon will use a device that analyzes the eye after the cataract is removed, which allows them to precisely pick the power of the IOL so the patient can see their very best following cataract surgery. 

How Can I Benefit From Cataract Eye Surgery?

Cataract eye surgery can provide long-term benefits and improve the quality of life for many patients. Cataracts can significantly affect an individual’s vision, meaning removal can improve a patient’s eyesight. With refractive cataract eye surgery, underlying issues that impact a patient’s vision, including astigmatism, can be corrected and reduce or eliminate the need for contacts and glasses.

 Some of the benefits of cataract eye surgery can include:

  • More vibrant and clear vision
  • Reduced glare when driving at night
  • Corrected astigmatism 
  • Corrected nearsightedness 
  • Corrected farsightedness
  • Corrected presbyopia 

What to Expect During Cataract Eye Surgery

On the day of your procedure, you will need to arrive one to two hours before the surgery so our staff can help prepare you for treatment. Your nurse will administer eye drops, check your blood pressure, and possibly start an IV. We will then administer anesthesia so you will be as relaxed as possible but not unconscious. This type of anesthesia is often referred to as “twilight” anesthesia.

We will then bring you to the operating suite, where your surgeon will remove the cataract and implant a new lens. During surgery, you will likely experience swirling lights of colors and patterns. You may also hear the hum of machines in the room, as well as the voice of the surgeon, letting you know what to expect next. 

The procedure is entirely painless, and many patients report enjoying the light show during the surgery. Sometimes, due to the relaxing medications, patients do not remember the surgery at all.

The incisions made during cataract surgery are small and created in such a way that they are self-sealing. For that reason, sutures are usually not necessary following cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home after treatment. It is best to arrange for someone to drive you home before you come in for treatment so you can focus on relaxing after your procedure.

How Can I Benefit From Cataract Eye Surgery?

Cataract eye surgery can provide long-term benefits and improve the quality of life for many patients. Cataracts can significantly affect an individual’s vision, meaning removal can improve a patient’s eyesight. With refractive cataract eye surgery, underlying issues that impact a patient’s vision, including astigmatism, can be corrected and reduce or eliminate the need for contacts and glasses.

 Some of the benefits of cataract eye surgery can include:

  • More vibrant and clear vision
  • Reduced glare when driving at night
  • Corrected astigmatism 
  • Corrected nearsightedness 
  • Corrected farsightedness
  • Corrected presbyopia 

What to Expect During Cataract Eye Surgery

On the day of your procedure, you will need to arrive one to two hours before the surgery so our staff can help prepare you for treatment. Your nurse will administer eye drops, check your blood pressure, and possibly start an IV. We will then administer anesthesia so you will be as relaxed as possible but not unconscious. This type of anesthesia is often referred to as “twilight” anesthesia.

We will then bring you to the operating suite, where your surgeon will remove the cataract and implant a new lens. During surgery, you will likely experience swirling lights of colors and patterns. You may also hear the hum of machines in the room, as well as the voice of the surgeon, letting you know what to expect next. 

The procedure is entirely painless, and many patients report enjoying the light show during the surgery. Sometimes, due to the relaxing medications, patients do not remember the surgery at all.

The incisions made during cataract surgery are small and created in such a way that they are self-sealing. For that reason, sutures are usually not necessary following cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home after treatment. It is best to arrange for someone to drive you home before you come in for treatment so you can focus on relaxing after your procedure.

Recovery Timeline for Cataract Eye Surgery

Recovery from cataract surgery is relatively quick. The average patient achieves drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Mild corneal swelling or inflammation is normal, which may result in hazy vision for the first few days following cataract surgery. As the eye heals, the vision may fluctuate slightly for the first few weeks, after which the vision stabilizes.

We will provide you with medicated eye drops to prevent infection or inflammation. Eye drops are taken four times per day for the first week and then slowly weaned over the next few weeks. For 14 days following cataract surgery, you should avoid heavy lifting, straining, swimming, and eye rubbing. Additionally, you should wear eye shields after surgery to prevent accidentally rubbing or bumping the eyes.

Who Can Have Cataract Eye Surgery?

Most patients who find that their cataracts impair their vision and interfere with their daily life are candidates for cataract eye surgery. Not all individuals can have cataract surgery. During your in-person consultation, Dr. Lara Dudek and her team will assess your candidacy for treatment.

Recovery Timeline for Cataract Eye Surgery

Recovery from cataract surgery is relatively quick. The average patient achieves drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Mild corneal swelling or inflammation is normal, which may result in hazy vision for the first few days following cataract surgery. As the eye heals, the vision may fluctuate slightly for the first few weeks, after which the vision stabilizes.

We will provide you with medicated eye drops to prevent infection or inflammation. Eye drops are taken four times per day for the first week and then slowly weaned over the next few weeks. For 14 days following cataract surgery, you should avoid heavy lifting, straining, swimming, and eye rubbing. Additionally, you should wear eye shields after surgery to prevent accidentally rubbing or bumping the eyes.

Who Can Have Cataract Eye Surgery?

Most patients who find that their cataracts impair their vision and interfere with their daily life are candidates for cataract eye surgery. Not all individuals can have cataract surgery. During your in-person consultation, Dr. Lara Dudek and her team will assess your candidacy for treatment.

Cataract Surgery FAQ

During the procedure, patients do not see the surgeon, the surgeon’s hands, instruments, or anything else in the room. Patients usually see swirling lights of different patterns and colors during the procedure. Interestingly, everyone sees something slightly different.

Not at all! The eye will be entirely numb through the use of numbing eye drops.

We understand that surgery can sometimes make us feel anxious or scared. Your nurse or anesthesiologist will administer medicine to help with relaxation, and our Heart of Texas Eye Care team will do everything possible to help comfort you before and during your treatment. Most patients report enjoying the procedure and feeling relaxed during the whole process. 

Visual recovery occurs most rapidly in the first 24 hours, then slowly over the next few weeks. Physical recovery typically takes two weeks. Patients should avoid heavy lifting, straining, eye rubbing, and swimming during this time.

With any surgery, there will be some amount of risk involved with treatment. The most common risks following cataract surgery are swelling and inflammation, though most patients experience corneal swelling and inflammation to some degree. This typically clears up within the first few days with healing and the use of medicated eye drops. Infection and severe side effects are rare.

Unlike a basic lens, a premium IOL can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (the loss of the ability of the eye to focus on nearby objects). With a premium lens, you can achieve clearer vision and reduce your dependency on or need for glasses or contact lenses.

When a patient is using medical insurance, they are required to have the surgery done on different days for each eye. When the patient is paying for their surgery out of pocket, they may elect to have the surgery done on each eye on the same day.

Take the
Next Step

Would you like to learn more about cataract eye surgery and take the next step toward a clearer future? Then please fill out our online form below or call us at (512) 213-2220 to get started with an in-person consultation at Heart of Texas Eye Care. Our courteous staff and board-certified ophthalmologists are here to assist you through every step of your journey!

Request a Consultation

Clearer Vision
Starts Here

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.

View Our Financing Options

Clearer Vision
Starts Here

View Our Financing Options

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.