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Cataracts

Living with cataracts can be like trying to see through a cloud of fog. Even daily tasks can become difficult to accomplish.

At Monterey County Eye Associates in Monterey, CA, Salinas, CA, and King City, CA, we provide effective cataract treatment options.

Learn how our team of caring eye care specialists can improve your vision with advanced cataract surgery and intraocular lenses.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataract diagram

Behind our iris is a clear, natural lens that light passes through before reaching our retina. Age, injury, or illness can cause this lens to become progressively cloudier. This distorts the light that reaches our retina, causing vision issues. 

The condition is common among people who are 65 and older. Factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and high blood pressure can increase the risks of cataracts. 

Corrective surgery from Monterey County Eye Associates can restore your vision and greatly improve your quality of life.

Restore Your Vision Contact Our 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 will restore your vision to the point that you may no longer 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:

(831) 424-1150

The team at Monterey County Eye Associates is here to help

"Thoughtful and knowledgeable." 5-Star Patient Reviews

1

Felisa Gomez

2021

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(Translated by Google) It is the first time that my husband and I visited dr del piero, they are all very professional, the dr has a lot of experience, we are completely satisfied with his professionalism...

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1

Meghan Davis Mercer

2020

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Dr. Del Piero was professional and kind. He found two holes in my retina and fixed them with a barrage laser two days later. His staff were thoughtful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.

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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 the need for advanced treatment.

Cataract surgery can correct these symptoms:

  • Blurry vision
  • Cloudy vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Double vision
  • Dull-looking colors
  • Constant changes to eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Glare or halos caused by light
  • Difficulty driving at night

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. 

​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.

More 5-Star Patient Reviews

1

Tracy Gordon

2021

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I feel extremely fortunate to have Dr. Rosenblum taking care of my eyes. I have been his patient for twelve years, and he has always provided excellent care! I highly recommend him.

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1

Ian Watkins

2020

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Very professional staff and a clean facility. Dr. Del Piero gave me honest answers to the questions I had

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​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 types of IOLs, some of which can not only improve the clarity of your vision but can eliminate your need for glasses, as well. 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™
IOL
During an appointment at one of our three convenient eye care practices, we can review your IOL options to help you choose the best fit for your individual goals and budget.

Monofocal IOLs Compared to Premium/Multifocal IOLs

Choosing the right IOL is imperative for restoring your vision. There are two main types of IOLs to choose from:
Monofocal IOL

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 IOL

Premium 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. 

A Closer Look at Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery Timeline

The eye doctors at Monterey County Eye Associates perform cataract surgery at the outpatient Monterey Peninsula Surgical Center. If you need surgery on both eyes, we recommend treating one eye at a time. While every surgery is different, depending on the type of IOL selected and any other eye care needs you may have, generally the procedure includes:

You will notice a clear difference in your vision within 48 hours of cataract surgery.
You will notice a clear difference in your vision within 48 hours of cataract surgery.

Consultation and Exam

During your initial consultation, if you are a new patient with Monterey County Eye Associates, we will conduct a thorough eye exam to ensure there are no other issues with your cornea, retina, or optic nerve which may be affecting your vision. We will review your IOL options and answer any questions you may have about treatment before we proceed.

Preparation

On the day of surgery, our doctor will dilate your pupils and administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax depending on your level of anxiety.

Surgery

To provide the most accurate results and reduce recovery time, our doctors use an advanced technique for cataract surgery. Precise small 2 mm incisions are made in the cornea of the eye and a probe utilizing gentle ultrasound energy is used to remove the clouded lens. Laser-assisted options are also available. Once the clouded lens is removed, the IOL is implanted.

Recovery

Immediately after surgery, your vision will be blurry. You will need someone to drive you home. Over the next few days, you will begin to notice a marked improvement in the clarity and sharpness of your vision. Wearing sunglasses, a protective shield, or an eye patch can protect your eye while it heals. 

Follow-Up

In the days following surgery, resist the urge to rub or touch your eye, even if it is itchy. This can increase your risk of infection. Our doctors will schedule several follow-up appointments, the first a couple days post-surgery, the second a week after, and a third a month after, to make sure your eyes are healing well. It takes about eight weeks for your eye to heal completely.

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.

Office locations

Top Reviews For Our Ophthalmology Office

1

Vel “Velmont”

2021

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Dr Dautremont and her staff were amazing. I get really nervous in general and even more so in public places but she was very understanding. She had a few students helping her and you could tell they’re going to be just as good as Dr Dautremont. They stayed after closing time to help me even though they were hangry. Thank you for being patient with me.

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1

Heather Lang

2020

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I had a freak accident on New Years Eve with a cork hitting my eye (yes that actually happens to people LOL). I had traumatic hyphema but I was very fortunate that I didn't lose my eye. The ER referred me to follow up with Monterey County Eye Associates. When I called, they were able to get me in right away. Thank you MCEA!

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What to Expect After Cataract Surgery

After your cataract removal procedure, we recommend patients relax their eyes for at least a few days. Eye drops will help your eye heal after your surgery.

In the approximately eight weeks it takes for your eyes to fully heal, you can expect:

Slightly Blurry Vision Right After Your Surgery

Your eyesight will noticeably improve the next few days you leave our office.

Some Mild Soreness and Itchy Eyes 

Rubbing your eyes can cause retina detachment or infection. Antibiotic eye drops issued by our doctors can help manage the unpleasant after-effects of surgery. 

Sensitivity to Light for a Short Period 

Wearing sunglasses and avoiding sunlight can help minimize discomfort.

Patients will attend follow-up appointments so our doctors can track their recovery. If you are experiencing any pain, unusual itchiness, or swelling, contact one of our offices immediately

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.

Paying for Treatment

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. 

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

" was traveling and forgot my contacts, so I called Monterey County Eye Associates to see if they would provide me some samples on my way through town. Wendy and her colleagues were so helpful and professional over the phone when I was really stressed. They received my faxed prescription and gave me a few days worth of my daily contacts right when I arrived. Health care workers are going through a lot right now with the pandemic - this staff came through for me when I really needed it." Lisa W.
The team of doctors at Monterey County Eye Associates

Monterey County Eye Associates
Monterey Bay Eye Center

Our team of ophthalmologists provides state-of-the-art eye care using the latest technology. They are proud to be affiliated with: 

  • AAO: American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • ABO: American Board of Ophthalmology

To schedule an appointment at one of our four ophthalmologist office locations in Monterey, Salinas, and King City, contact us online or call (831) 424-1150.

Contact Us Today

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Monterey County Eye Associates Salinas Location

1441 Constitution Blvd
Bldg 400, Ste 100
Salinas, CA 93906

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Eric J. Del Piero, MD location

871 Cass St
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Monterey, CA 93940

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Monterey Bay Eye Center

21 Upper Ragsdale Dr
Ste 200
Monterey, CA 93940

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