Frequently Asked Questions

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. The lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil, normally functions like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. As cataracts develop, the lens becomes progressively cloudier, making it difficult for light to pass through clearly. This results in blurry, hazy, or less colorful vision.

Cataracts are extremely common, especially as people age. In fact, by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. The good news is that cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures available today.

While aging is the most common cause of cataracts, several factors can contribute to their development:

• Age: The most common cause, as proteins in the lens break down and clump together over time
• UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun
• Diabetes: High blood sugar can cause changes in the lens
• Smoking: Significantly increases cataract risk
• Eye Injury or Surgery: Trauma to the eye can cause cataracts to develop
• Prolonged Steroid Use: Certain medications can increase cataract formation
• Family History: Genetics can play a role in cataract development

Cataract symptoms typically develop gradually. Common signs include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Seeing halos around lights
• Faded or yellowed colors
• Double vision in one eye
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
• Difficulty reading or performing daily activities

If you're experiencing any of these cataract symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye examination to determine if cataracts are the cause.

While you can't completely prevent cataracts, especially age-related cataracts, you can take steps to slow their development:

• Wear UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors
• Quit smoking or don't start
• Maintain healthy blood sugar levels if diabetic
• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables)
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Have regular eye examinations to catch cataracts early
• Manage other health conditions that increase cataract risk

The decision to have cataract surgery depends on how much your cataracts are affecting your daily life and vision quality. Consider cataract surgery when:

• Your vision loss interferes with daily activities like reading, driving, or watching TV
• Cataracts prevent you from doing your job effectively
• You're having trouble with hobbies you enjoy
• Glare from lights makes it difficult to drive, especially at night
• Your quality of life is significantly affected

During your consultation, Dr. Ma will evaluate your cataract severity and discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your situation.

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. Over 3 million cataract surgeries are performed each year with a success rate exceeding 95%. Serious complications are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases.

As with any surgery, there are potential risks, but these are minimal when the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist like Dr. Ma. She will discuss all potential risks and benefits during your consultation.

The actual cataract surgery procedure typically takes only 15-20 minutes per eye. However, you should plan to be at the surgical center for approximately 2-3 hours to allow time for pre-operative preparation and post-operative monitoring.

Most patients are surprised at how quick and comfortable the procedure is. You'll be awake during surgery but won't feel pain thanks to local anesthesia and medication to help you relax.

No, cataract surgery is not painful. You'll receive numbing eye drops and sometimes a mild sedative to help you relax. During the procedure, you may feel slight pressure but no pain. Most patients report that the surgery is much more comfortable than they anticipated.

After surgery, your eye may feel slightly scratchy or irritated, similar to having an eyelash in your eye, but this is typically mild and resolves within a few days. Any discomfort is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Both traditional and laser cataract surgery are highly effective, but they differ in technique:

Traditional Cataract Surgery: The surgeon uses handheld instruments to create incisions and break up the cloudy lens using ultrasound (phacoemulsification). This proven method has been refined over decades and produces excellent results.

Laser Cataract Surgery (FLACS): A femtosecond laser performs some of the most critical steps of surgery with computer-guided precision, including creating incisions and softening the cataract. This can result in greater accuracy and potentially faster healing.

Dr. Ma offers both options and will help you decide which is best based on your specific eye anatomy and needs.

Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, though often at different rates. If both eyes have cataracts, you'll likely need surgery on both eyes eventually, but not at the same time.

Typically, we perform cataract surgery on one eye first, allow it to heal for a few weeks, and then operate on the second eye. This approach is safer and allows you to maintain some functional vision during recovery. In most cases, patients notice such improvement after the first eye that they're eager to have the second eye done.

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that replaces your natural lens during cataract surgery. The IOL is made of biocompatible materials designed to last a lifetime. Once implanted, the IOL requires no maintenance and becomes a permanent part of your eye.

The IOL serves the same function as your natural lens - focusing light onto the retina to provide clear vision. Unlike your natural lens, however, an IOL will never develop another cataract.

Several types of IOLs are available, each with different benefits:

• Monofocal IOLs: Provide clear vision at one distance (usually far). Most patients need reading glasses after surgery.
• Multifocal IOLs: Allow clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far), reducing dependence on glasses.
• Toric IOLs: Correct astigmatism in addition to cataracts, providing sharper vision.
• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs: Provide a continuous range of vision with fewer side effects than traditional multifocal lenses.

Dr. Ma will help you choose the IOL that best matches your lifestyle, vision goals, and eye health.

It depends on the type of IOL you choose:

With Standard Monofocal IOLs: You'll likely need reading glasses for close work, though your distance vision will be clear. Some patients choose "monovision," where one eye is set for distance and the other for reading.

With Premium Multifocal or EDOF IOLs: Many patients significantly reduce their dependence on glasses for most activities, though you may still need glasses occasionally for very fine print or certain tasks.

During your consultation, Dr. Ma will discuss your vision goals and help you select the IOL option that minimizes your need for glasses based on your lifestyle.

Cataract surgery recovery is typically quick and smooth. Here's what to expect:

Day 1: Your vision may be blurry immediately after surgery. You'll need someone to drive you home. Rest and use prescribed eye drops as directed.

Days 2-7: Vision improves daily. You may experience mild irritation, light sensitivity, or the sensation of something in your eye. Continue using eye drops and avoid rubbing your eye.

Weeks 2-4: Most patients experience significant vision improvement. You'll have follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

1-3 Months: Complete healing occurs. Final glasses prescription (if needed) is determined.

Most patients can resume many normal activities within a few days, but some restrictions apply during early recovery:

• Immediately (same day): Light activities like watching TV, reading, eating normally
• Next Day: Walking, light household chores (avoid bending and heavy lifting)
• After 1 Week: Driving (with doctor approval), working at a computer, showering (keeping water out of the eye)
• After 2-4 Weeks: Exercise, swimming, wearing eye makeup, yard work

Dr. Ma will provide specific instructions based on your individual healing progress.

Most patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours after cataract surgery, though initial vision may be cloudy or blurry as your eye adjusts to the new IOL. Vision continues to improve over the following days and weeks.

Some patients see clearly within hours, while others take a few days. Complete visual recovery and stabilization typically occurs within 4-6 weeks. Factors affecting recovery time include your overall eye health, the IOL type chosen, and your healing ability.

Cataract surgery cost varies depending on several factors:

• Type of surgery (traditional vs. laser-assisted)
• Type of IOL selected (standard vs. premium)
• Your insurance coverage
• Facility fees and surgeon fees

With Insurance: Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Your out-of-pocket costs would be limited to copays and deductibles.

Premium Options: Laser-assisted surgery and premium IOLs (multifocal, toric, EDOF) are considered upgrades and require additional out-of-pocket payment. These costs can range from $1,500 to $4,000+ per eye.

Our office will provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific situation and insurance coverage.

Yes, Medicare and most private insurance plans cover medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard monofocal IOL. Coverage typically includes:

• Pre-operative evaluation and testing
• The surgical procedure
• Standard monofocal IOL
• Post-operative care and follow-up visits

What's Not Covered: Insurance typically doesn't cover premium upgrades like laser-assisted surgery, multifocal IOLs, or toric IOLs. However, many patients choose to pay out-of-pocket for these upgrades to reduce their dependence on glasses.

Our staff will verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage before surgery.