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?
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.
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 eye care practice serving Monterey, Salinas, and King City, CA, include:
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, replacing a compromised lens with an artificial lens known as an IOL (intraocular lens).
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.
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.
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
"Thoughtful and knowledgeable." 5-Star Patient Reviews
Felisa Gomez
2021
(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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Meghan Davis Mercer
2020
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.
View On GoogleSigns 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
Tracy Gordon
2021
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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Ian Watkins
2020
Very professional staff and a clean facility. Dr. Del Piero gave me honest answers to the questions I had
View On GoogleWhat 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™
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
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.
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.
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 Office
Vel “Velmont”
2021
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.
View on GoogleHeather Lang
2020
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!
View on GoogleWhat 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.
