Cataract Surgery in Colorado Springs

Clearer vision Starts Here

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. When we are young, the lens is usually clear. Over time, proteins in the lens can clump together, causing it to become hazy and reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina. The result is vision that gradually becomes blurry, dim, or washed out.

Cataracts are extremely common — they affect most people to some degree by age 60 and are the leading cause of treatable vision loss worldwide. In many cases, updating your glasses prescription can help early on. But once cataracts begin to significantly interfere with your daily life, surgery is the only effective long-term solution.


Common Cataract Symptoms

Patients describe cataract symptoms in many ways. Some of the most frequently reported include:


If you recognize several of these symptoms, a cataract evaluation at The Wright Eye Center can help determine whether cataracts are the cause and what options make sense for your situation.


How Cataract Surgery Works

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States, with a strong track record of safety and effectiveness. The goal is straightforward: remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens implant (called an intraocular lens, or IOL).

At The Wright Eye Center, cataract surgery is performed in our attached outpatient surgery center — a 100% physician-owned facility located right next to our clinic. Patients are not sent to a hospital or third-party facility. This means a more coordinated, familiar environment from your first visit through your follow-up care.

Surgery is performed one eye at a time. Most patients are at the surgery center for a few hours total, including preparation and recovery, and return home the same day. The procedure itself is typically brief.


Step-by-Step: What Happens During Surgery



Lens Implant Options

Choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL) is one of the most important decisions in the cataract surgery process. The right lens depends on your vision goals, eye measurements, lifestyle, and whether you have astigmatism.


Standard Monofocal Lenses

A traditional monofocal lens is designed to focus clearly at one distance — most commonly distance vision but can also be chosen for near. Many patients with monofocal lenses still wear glasses for reading or computer work after surgery. This is a reliable, time-tested option that is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.

Advanced Lens Implants

Advanced IOLs are designed to expand your range of vision and reduce dependence on glasses after surgery. Options may include multifocal lenses, extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses, and toric lenses for astigmatism correction. These are elective upgrades not covered by Medicare, but many patients find the added out-of-pocket cost worthwhile for the lifestyle benefits. Our team will review the pros, cons, realistic expectations, and pricing of each option during your evaluation.


Advanced Technology Options

Standard cataract surgery already delivers excellent outcomes for most patients. For those who want additional precision or are choosing an advanced lens implant, we offer two optional technology upgrades:


Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses a femtosecond laser to perform certain steps of the procedure with high precision — including the incision, lens fragmentation, and astigmatism correction. It is not required for every patient, but may be recommended depending on your eye measurements and goals.


ORA Intraoperative Measurement (Optiwave Refractive Analysis)

ORA is a technology that takes real-time measurements of your eye during surgery to help confirm or refine the lens power selection. It can be particularly useful for patients with prior LASIK or PRK, significant astigmatism, or those choosing advanced lens implants.


Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery when it is deemed medically necessary — which means cataracts are significantly affecting your vision and daily function. Standard surgery with a monofocal lens implant is covered, subject to your deductible and coinsurance. Upgrades such as advanced lens implants, laser-assisted surgery, and ORA are elective enhancements and are not covered by Medicare. However, the base surgery cost is still covered, and patients pay only the upgrade difference. Our team will walk you through the cost breakdown clearly before you commit to anything. Most major commercial insurance plans follow similar coverage guidelines. We will verify your benefits before your surgery date.


Recovery: What to Expect After Cataract Surgery

Most Colorado Springs patients notice meaningful improvement in their vision within the first one to three days after cataract surgery. Full visual stabilization typically takes a few weeks as the eye heals and adjusts to the new lens. Common, temporary experiences during recovery include:


Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions covering eye drops, activity restrictions, driving, and what symptoms warrant a call to the office. Most patients return to light daily activities quickly, with driving typically resuming once your surgeon confirms your vision is appropriate.


Why Choose The Wright Eye Center for Cataract Surgery in Colorado Springs?


Cataract surgery is a significant decision. Our goal is to make sure you understand your options, have realistic expectations, and feel confident before you move forward. Schedule an evaluation and start the conversation.


→ Learn about cataract lens implant options    → What to expect before, during & after surgery→ Advanced cataract technology    → Cataract FAQs