What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye and is considered a normal part of the aging process. When light rays enter a healthy eye, they pass through the naturally clear lens where they are focused onto the retina to provide a clear image. When light rays enter an eye with a cataract, they are distorted, which creates a hazy or blurred image.
When is the time to think about cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is recommended once your vision starts to interfere with your daily activities. An examination by your eye doctor, along with a discussion of your vision complaints, will determine if it is time to proceed with surgery.
Some of the common symptoms patients with cataracts experience include:
- Sensitivity to glare from headlights
- Difficulty seeing a computer screen or phone
- Trouble reading without additional light
- Colors appearing dim or yellowed
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
How is cataract surgery performed at InSight Vision Center, Fresno?
Our surgeons, Eric J. Poulsen, MD, and Azhar I. Salahuddin, MD, are both board-certified and utilize advanced surgical methods to make the procedure quick and pain-free, with no need for stitches. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed with a technique called phacoemulsification. This process uses a small instrument that emits high-frequency ultrasound to break up and gently remove the cataract material. Once the cataract is completely removed, it is replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens implant (IOL). The entire surgery is completed in just 15 to 30 minutes, and when it’s over, most patients can almost immediately see an improvement in their vision.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
Every surgery, no matter the success rate, has certain complications and a risk factor associated. Keeping that in mind, cataract surgeries have a 98% success rate and have only improved with advanced technology and experienced surgeons available to perform them. It is safe to say that this type of surgery is extremely safe.
What Can I Expect after Cataract Surgery?
Immediately after the cataract surgery, you are bound to feel a slight irritation due to a build-up of pressure in the eye, but this will inevitably subside once you get adequate rest and stick to using the medication and eye drops prescribed by the doctor. You will also be recommended to wear dark glasses and have someone drive you home after the procedure.
Will I need glasses after my cataract surgery?
With today’s technological advances, patients have more options than ever when it comes to their vision after cataract surgery. Our surgeons offer a variety of intraocular lens implants (IOLs) that are designed to meet your different vision needs.
- Monofocal IOL – This lens implant is designed to correct vision for a single distance. After surgery, patients will still need glasses to see well at near. If the patient has astigmatism, they may also need glasses for driving and other activities that require sharp distance vision.
- Toric IOL – When light passes through a cornea with astigmatism, the image does not focus sharply on the back of the eye. The Toric IOL helps to correct the eye’s astigmatism. This lens will provide you with less dependence on glasses for distance, but you may still need glasses to see well at near after surgery.
- Multifocal IOL – The design of the multifocal IOL allows for clear vision at both distance and near. Most patients who choose to go with the multifocal lens implant have little or no need for glasses after cataract surgery.
Read more on this: – Types of Cataract Lens: Your Guide to Vision Restoration!
How long between cataract surgery on each eye?
The standard wait between cataract surgery on each eye is typically 1 to 4 weeks, though many surgeons schedule the second procedure in just 1–2 weeks if the first eye heals well, allowing time to monitor recovery, adjust for any issues, and ensure stable vision. Shorter gaps (a few days) or longer ones (up to a month or more) depend on individual healing, eye health, complications, and your optometrist’s or surgeon’s recommendation to minimize risks like infection while balancing daily vision needs. Always follow your eye doctor’s personalized timeline rather than general guidelines.
Read more on this: – Cataract Surgery for Both Eyes: How Long Should You Wait?
How Soon Will My Vision Improve after Cataract Surgery?
The surgery is bound to show its results soon after adequate rest is taken on the part of the patient. Vision tends to improve significantly within the first couple of weeks, and within a month, you will be able to enjoy absolutely clear vision.
What are the Long Term Effects of Cataract Surgery?
During the surgery, the outer lens is kept in place in order to hold up the artificial lens implant. There is a slight chance that the outer lens could start to cloud up 8 months to a year after the surgery. This can be cured painlessly and easily with the help of a YAG laser to restore vision.
Who performs the cataract eye surgery in Fresno & Madera, CA?
Dr. Eric J. Poulsen, MD, has over 25 years of experience in ophthalmology and cataract surgery at Insight Vision Center in Fresno, CA. Dr. Azhar I. Salahuddin, MD, brings over 25 years of overall medical experience, with more than 19 years specifically performing cataract surgeries at the center.
Insight Vision Center offers cataract surgery using advanced phacoemulsification and LenSx laser technology for precise, stitch-free procedures lasting 15–30 minutes. Their board-certified surgeons specialize in replacing the cloudy lens with intraocular lens implants (IOLs) like monofocal, toric, or multifocal options.
How Much Does Cataract Eye Surgery Cost in Fresno, CA?
The average cost of cataract surgery in Fresno, CA, is around $2,400–$3,000 per eye for standard procedures with a basic monofocal IOL, based on local medical pricing data. Medicare or most private insurance covers the standard procedure (surgeon, facility, anesthesia), leaving out-of-pocket costs at $300–$600 per eye after deductibles. Without insurance, expect $3,000–$5,000 per eye nationally, potentially higher locally for advanced options. Call (559) 449-5050 or book an appointment online to get the exact cost breakdown of the treatment
Contact our team at Insight Vision Center, the eye care center in Fresno to book an appointment for cataract eye surgery.
