What Are CATARACT?

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.

Is cataract surgery always done with laser?

No, laser-assisted cataract surgery is an advanced technology option, but it is not required for every patient. Your surgeon will discuss whether it may be helpful for your eyes and goals.

Does every patient get Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA)?

No, ORA is an optional intraoperative measurement technology. It may be especially useful in certain cases, such as patients with astigmatism, prior LASIK or PRK, or those choosing advanced lenses.

Are advanced lenses required?

No, many patients do very well with a traditional monofocal lens. Advanced lens implants are optional and are designed for patients who want to reduce dependence on glasses or address specific visual goals.

Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

Possibly, cataract surgery improves clarity by removing the cloudy lens, but glasses may still be needed depending on your lens choice, astigmatism, eye health, and visual goals.

How do I know which option is right for me?

That is part of the cataract evaluation. We will review your eye measurements, lifestyle, vision goals, and the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.