Cataracts
Living with cataracts can be like trying to see through a cloud of fog, making even daily tasks difficult to accomplish.
Monterey County Eye Associates provides treatment options to help you see clearly again.
Learn how our team of eye care specialists serving the greater Monterey, CA, area can improve your vision with advanced cataract surgery and intraocular lenses.
What Are Cataracts?
Behind the iris is a clear, natural lens that light passes through before reaching the retina. Age, injury, or illness can cause this lens to become progressively cloudier. The clouding is referred to as a cataract. It distorts the light that reaches our retina, causing vision issues.
Cataracts are very common among people who are 65 and older. Factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Corrective surgery from Monterey County Eye Associates can restore your vision and greatly improve your quality of life.
Signs You May Have a Cataract
Not everyone who has a cataract needs surgery. Eyeglasses and contact lenses can improve your vision, making your cataract more manageable. However, some symptoms may indicate it's time for advanced treatment.
Cataract surgery can correct these symptoms:
- Blurry vision
- Cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Double vision
- Dull-looking colors
- Glare or halos caused by light
- Difficulty driving at night
- Constant changes to eyeglasses or contact lenses
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact one of our offices in Salinas, Monterey, or King City, CA. Our ophthalmologists can review your eye health and see if you're a good candidate for cataract surgery.
Cataracts Will Not Go Away on Their Own
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It's important to remember that while glasses, contacts, and certain lifestyle changes can slow the progression of symptoms, they are not a cure for cataracts. The condition will worsen over time and continue to affect your vision. Cataract surgery and lens replacement with an IOL is the only permanent solution.
The Benefits of Cataract Surgery Are Clear
If you suffer from blurry vision caused by cataracts, surgery at Monterey County Eye Associates can improve the symptoms affecting your eyesight and reduce your need for glasses. The benefits of addressing cataracts with surgery at our eyecare practice include:
Restored Clear Vision
A cataract is a clouding of the lens, which is responsible for focusing light on the retina of the eye. Our doctors use the latest advancements in ophthalmology to treat the symptoms of cataracts, removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens known as an IOL (intraocular lens).
Improved Quality of Life
Following surgery, you can get back to getting the most out of the life you want to live. Thanks to your new artificial lenses, you will be able to resume all of your favorite indoor and outdoor activities, from hiking to tennis or golf. Basic day-to-day necessities like driving also become much safer and easier.
Reduced Risk of Falling
Left untreated, cataracts can lead to further loss of vision and eventually blindness. As this condition progresses, it can be increasingly difficult to see objects that pose a tripping hazard. Replacing a clouded lens can decrease the risk of tripping and falling over an object that you cannot see due to poor eyesight.
Work With a Board-Certified Specialist You're in Good Hands at Monterey County Eye Associates
Our Monterey-based practice has assembled a team of professionals who embody true excellence in eye care. When you choose us for your cataract surgery, it will be performed by one of the following highly qualified doctors:
Whether you visit our ophthalmology offices in Monterey, King City, or Salinas, your care will be handled by a trusted specialist who has distinguished themself through education, training, and a track record of superior patient results.
We invite you to request your initial consultation for cataract surgery today. You can send us a message online or call us at:
(831) 424-1150
Our doctors have many decades of combined experience and remain at the forefront of innovation in surgical and non-surgical eye care. When you turn to us, your cataract surgery will be handled by an expert in ophthalmology.
Insurance Coverage for Cataract Surgery
Conventional cataract surgery performed via ultrasound is typically covered by insurance, but laser cataract surgery is not. Choosing a premium multifocal or toric IOL will add to your treatment costs, but the results are well worth it if they align with your individual needs.
The doctors at Monterey County Eye Associates believe eye health is important and that treatment should be accessible.
Our offices are flexible when it comes to paying for treatment. In addition to accepting nearly all insurances, Monterey County Eye Associates accepts most major credit cards. Our staff will work with your insurance to see that you get the most for your coverage.
Am I a Good Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, our compassionate eye doctors can review your candidacy for surgery during a consultation at one of our ophthalmology offices in Monterey, Salinas, and King City, CA. With few complications and a number of incredible benefits, surgery can have a significant impact on improving your life. The basic requirements to qualify for cataract surgery are relatively straightforward and include:
Good Overall Health
While cataract surgery is relatively straightforward, it is important to be in good general health before proceeding with treatment—as with any significant medical procedure.
Vision Impeding Your Quality of Life
If symptoms of cataracts, such as double vision, halos, or blurred vision, are impeding your independence, surgery can replace your clouded lens to provide you with a new lease on life.
Reliance on Bright Lights
Advanced cataracts can make it difficult to see without bright lighting or other visual aids. This reliance on additional aids may be a sign that cataract treatment is necessary.
Restore Your Vision With Cataract Surgery Contact Our California Offices Today
If you're having trouble seeing the road while you're driving at night or constantly upgrading your eyeglasses, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. An IOL placement from our board-certified ophthalmologists can restore your vision to the point that you may no longer even need contact lenses or eyeglasses after surgery.
Monterey County Eye Associates have fluent Spanish-speaking team members at our King City, Monterey, and Salinas offices.
To learn if cataract surgery is right for your eyes, request a consultation online or call:
5-Star Patient Review
"There is no more professional nor competent (nor friendly) clinic anywhere that I have encountered in my 76 years. All the docs and the staff are top notch. They engage the whole person. Patients aren't just platforms with problems to them. There is no sense of being rushed through nor any sense of having been forgotten. Just old fashioned attention, care, and kindness. Bravo!" Gianni Grassi
What Is an IOL?
An intraocular lens is an artificial lens of the eye that can replace a lens clouded by cataracts. There are many different IOLs available today, some of which can improve the clarity of your vision and reduce or eliminate your need for reading glasses at the same time. At Monterey County Eye Associates in Monterey, Salinas, and King City, CA, our ophthalmologists offer a wide range of IOLs including premium brands:
- Alcon AcrySof® Toric IQ IOL
- Alcon Acrysof® IQ Vivity® IOL
- PanOptix Trifocal IOL
- J&J TECNIS Eyhance™
- J&J TECNIS Symfony™
- J&J TECNIS Synergy™
During an appointment at one of our eye care offices, we can review your IOL options to help you choose the best fit for your individual goals and budget.
The Three Main Types of IOLs Monofocal, Multifocal, and Toric
Selecting the right IOL is imperative for restoring your vision. There are two main types of IOLs to choose from:
Monofocal
A monofocal lens has a single focus strength and is usually designed for patients with clear distance vision. Patients usually still need glasses to help with up-close tasks like reading. Cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is generally covered under insurance plans, potentially eliminating out-of-pocket expenses.
Multifocal
A multifocal lens has different refractive focusing strengths that can adapt for near, medium, and long-distance vision. Choosing a premium lens may increase your treatment costs, but many patients find the benefits are worth the extra price.
Toric
Toric lenses can be either monofocal or multifocal. What makes them different is that they can improve both distance vision and astigmatism, a problem with the eye's curvature that causes blurred vision. In the past, those with both astigmatism and cataracts had limited options for addressing these issues simultaneously. With a toric IOL, you can improve multiple aspects of your vision during one procedure.
A Closer Look at Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery can either be performed with ultrasound waves, the conventional method, or with laser technology, a newer treatment option. During the procedure, the ultrasound or light waves segment the eye's clouded lens into small pieces, which are then gently suctioned away. After the natural lens is removed, your surgeon will implant an IOL to replace it.
5-Star Review From a Cataract Surgery Patient
"Was treated courteously by staff and thoughtfully by Patrick and, of course, Dr. Shi. My cataract surgery went well and I will be returning to pick up my new Rx. I'll recommend the Eye Center any chance I get." Tom Peck
Cataract Surgery Timeline
The eye doctors at Monterey County Eye Associates perform cataract surgery at the outpatient Monterey Peninsula Surgical Center and the Salinas Surgery Center. If you need surgery on both eyes, we recommend treating one eye at a time. While every surgery is different and depends on the type of IOL selected and any other eye care needs you may have, the procedure generally includes:
You will notice a clear difference in your vision within 48 hours of cataract surgery.
The procedure is virtually painless. We'll thoroughly numb your eye with anesthetic eye drops and ensure your full comfort before beginning.
Risk Factors
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There are a few potential complications to watch out for after your cataract surgery. Infection, retinal detachment, or increased pressure in the eye may occur, but the instances of these complications are extremely rare. Our doctors will take every precaution to minimize risk factors during your surgery to ensure a problem-free recovery.
Contact Monterey County Eye Associates If You Have Declining Vision
If you have a cataract or are experiencing a noticeable change in your eyesight, the doctors at Monterey County Eye Associates can examine your vision to determine if surgery can improve your sight.
If left untreated, cataracts can greatly reduce your vision and negatively impact your life. With locations in King City, Salinas, and Monterey, CA, our expert ophthalmologists offer some of the most sophisticated eye treatments in the area.
Fill out our quick contact form or call us at:
(831) 424-1150
Top Reviews FOR OUR OPHTHALMOLOGY TEAM
"I've been coming here for over 20 years and have always found Dr. Rosenblum to be caring, thorough and willing to explain fully any issues. He also seems very happy in his work and that puts me at ease."
Michael Shaw
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
We recommend patients relax their eyes for at least a few days after the cataract removal procedure. Eye drops will help your eye heal after your surgery.
You can expect the following in the approximately eight weeks it takes for your eyes to fully heal:
Slightly Blurry Vision Right After Your Surgery
Your eyesight will noticeably improve over the course of the next few days.
Some Mild Soreness and Itchy Eyes
Rubbing your eyes can cause retinal detachment or infection. Our doctors can prescribe antibiotic eye drops, which can help manage any uncomfortable after-effects of surgery.
Sensitivity to Light for a Short Period
Minimize discomfort by wearing sunglasses and avoiding direct sunlight.
You'll attend follow-up appointments so our doctors can track your recovery. If you are experiencing any pain, unusual itchiness, or swelling, contact one of our offices immediately.
Maintaining Your Results
In addition to attending follow-up appointments, patients can maintain the results of their cataract removal surgery by:
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Wearing Protective Eye Gear
Sunglasses can block harmful UV rays and prevent your eyes from being overwhelmed by bright light. If you're engaged in an activity where something can hit your eyes, wear protective glasses.
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Eating a Healthy Diet
Green, leafy vegetables and foods that contain healthy fats can improve your eye health. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can also prevent further vision problems.
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Quitting Smoking
Studies show that tobacco use increases your risk of developing cataracts and other eye diseases.
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Maintaining an Active Lifestyle
Obesity and high blood pressure can lead to cataracts and other vision issues, so maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Will LASIK Fix My Cataracts?
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LASIK is a great surgery for correcting vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. However, LASIK reshapes the cornea and will not fix the clouded lens of the eye caused by a cataract.
We Thank Our Patients For Their High Praise
"Dr. Shi is both professional and personable. The same can be said for the assistant and office staff. My visit was a very positive experience." Xinhua Zha
