1. What is a Cataract?
A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, scattering light and causing blurry vision. If this interferes with everyday tasks such as reading or driving, surgery may be advised. Cataracts affect nearly 60% of older adults and more than 24 million Americans. Common causes include aging, long-term sun exposure, diabetes, certain medications, and smoking.
Cataract surgery video
2. How Do Cataracts Affect Your Vision?
Cataracts cause vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses. They make everyday activities like reading, driving, and working harder, often leading to blurry vision and nighttime problems such as glare and halos. As cataracts progress and begin to seriously affect your vision and daily life, surgery is the only reliable way to restore clear sight.
CLOUDY OR BLURRY VISION
IMPAIRED NIGHT VISION OR GLARE
DISCOLORED VISION
FREQUENT NEED FOR NEW PRESCRIPTIONS
3. When is a cataract ready for surgery?
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Cataract Surgery:
- Do halos or glare at night make driving feel unsafe?
- Am I having trouble reading or watching television clearly?
- Have vision problems reduced my independence?
- Do bright lights cause discomfort or make it harder to see?
4. How are cataracts diagnosed?
AN EYE EXAM AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS ARE PERFORMED INCLUDING:
SLIT-LAMP EXAMINATION
A slit-lamp microscope is used to examine your eyes under magnification. This allows the Dr. Anderson to observe and assess the cataract in detail.
RETINAL EXAM
Advanced retinal cameras like Optos and OCT capture detailed images of the retina. These high-resolution scans help screen for diseases such as macular degeneration, enabling early detection and ongoing monitoring.
IOL MEASUREMENT
An IOL biometer carefully measures the eye to calculate the correct power of the intraocular lens (IOL) for cataract surgery. These measurements are essential for achieving the best possible vision after the procedure. While the testing process can take some time, it plays a critical role in determining how clearly you will see following surgery.
Macular Degeneration Screening
5. Where is cataract surgery performed?
Dr. Anderson performs cataract surgery at an ambulatory surgery center. While the procedure itself takes about 15 minutes, plan to spend 2–3 hours at the facility for preparation and recovery. Most patients are able to go home within 30 minutes after surgery. Dr. Anderson operates at Premier Surgery Center in Colorado Springs, a Medicare-certified facility that offers a safe and comfortable environment for your care.
aMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER
6. WHAT IS TOPICAL AND “TWILIGHT” ANESTHESIA?
Anesthesia
Cataract surgery is performed with conscious, or “twilight,” sedation.
This involves a mild form of anesthesia that helps you feel relaxed and drowsy while remaining comfortable throughout the procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from your surgery, and you should avoid driving for at least 24 hours afterward, including for your first post-operative appointment.
7. What are the steps of cataract surgery?
THERE ARE THREE STEPS TO CATARACT SURGERY:
- The first step is to make tiny, precise incisions through the cornea and into the capsule of the cataract.
- In the second step, ultrasound energy is used to break up and remove the cataract.
- Finally, a clear artificial lens is inserted to restore vision and focusing power.
8. What is laser cataract surgery?
Laser cataract surgery is growing in popuLARITY
Laser-assisted cataract surgery offers enhanced precision and safety compared to traditional techniques. By using advanced laser technology to perform key steps, this approach can improve surgical accuracy, and promote faster visual recovery for patients.
9. What cataract lenses are available?
During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens in your eye is replaced with a clear artificial lens (IOL). Dr. Anderson will help you choose the best lens for your vision needs. There are three main options:
1. Single Vision (Monofocal) – Covered by Insurance
Set for clear distance vision (driving, TV). You will still need reading glasses up close, and uncorrected astigmatism may require glasses full-time. If you have astigmatism, your vision may still be blurry both far away and up close without glasses.
2. Toric – Corrects Astigmatism (Additional Cost)
Corrects astigmatism for sharp distance vision without glasses. Reading glasses are still needed for close-up tasks. Not covered by insurance.
3. PureSee – Greater Freedom From Glasses (Additional Cost)
Provides clear distance and intermediate vision (driving, TV, computer, dashboard) plus useful near vision for tasks like checking your phone. Designed to minimize the halos and glare of some premium lenses, though readers may still be needed for small print. Also available in a toric version. Not covered by insurance.
Lens Types
SINGLE VISION DISTANCE
This lens improves distance vision but usually requires reading glasses for near tasks, or full-time bifocals if significant astigmatism exists.
SINGLE VISION TORIC
A single-vision toric lens corrects astigmatism to provide sharp vision at one distance, but reading glasses are still needed for close-up activities.
PURESEE
A new premium extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens designed to provide excellent distance and intermediate vision with some functional near vision after cataract surgery.
Custom Match
One attractive option is using a single-vision lens in one eye and a full-range lens in the non-dominant eye, providing clear distance and near vision while helping reduce nighttime halos.
Single Vision LENS VIDEO OVERVIEW
With a standard single-vision lens, cataract surgery typically provides clear distance vision, but reading glasses are still needed for close-up tasks. If you have astigmatism, you may also need glasses to sharpen both distance and near vision.
10. What if I Don’t Want to Wear Eyeglasses?
If you want to reduce your dependence on glasses after surgery, you can consider laser cataract surgery with a toric or full vision lens. These advanced lenses and procedures are not covered by insurance. A toric IOL can correct astigmatism to provide clear distance vision, but you may still need reading glasses for near tasks.
| NEAR | INTERMEDIATE | DISTANCE | ASTIGMATISM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Monofocal
Clear vision at one distance Need glasses for near vision Does not correct astigmatism |
+ | ++++ | ||
|
Toric
Optimizes vision in the distance Need glasses for near vision Corrects astigmatism |
++ | +++++ | ✓ | |
|
PureSee
Max range of vision Reduced need for glasses Toric Model Corrects Astigmatism |
+++ | ++++ | +++++ | ✓ |
After Cataract Surgery Using Traditional Monofocal Lens
After Cataract Surgery Using Advanced Full Vision Lens
11. What is The puresee lens?
The PureSee is a new lens implant, approved in March 2026. It’s designed to give you clear distance and intermediate vision (think driving, computer screens, and seeing across a room) while greatly reducing your dependence on glasses, though you may still need readers for fine print. Unlike many lenses that improve range at the cost of nighttime visual side effects, PureSee preserves contrast and clarity comparable to a standard lens — and 97% of patients reported no very bothersome halos or glare. If you’re considering cataract surgery and want a balance of broader vision and minimal visual disturbances, PureSee is the correct choice.
12. What are the side effects of full vision lenses?
Full vision lenses provide an improved range of vision but may cause nighttime halos and a reduction in contrast. Most patients find these effects manageable, and they often improve with time. The new PURESEE IOL can help minimize these nighttime symptoms. You can view the sample night images below or use the Cataract Simulator to see how these changes might appear.
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13. What is Monovision?
Monovision corrects near vision loss by focusing one eye for distance and the other for near tasks, reducing the need for reading glasses. The dominant eye is set for distance, while the non-dominant eye is made nearsighted. However, some patients may experience side effects such as reduced depth perception, difficulty with night driving, or balance issues.
14. How can I decide with so many options? Use this IOL Selection Guide
1. Insurance-Covered Option
Do you want a lens covered by insurance?
» Choose: Single-vision (monofocal) IOL for clear distance vision.
» Glasses Needed: Reading glasses for near tasks.
» If significant astigmatism: With high astigmatism, full-time eyeglasses are needed.
Enhancement: Laser-assisted cataract surgery recommended for most precise placement.
2. Best Distance Vision (Driving Priority)
Goal: Sharpest distance vision (e.g., driving).
» Choose: Toric single vision IOL focused on distance + reading glasses for near.
Enhancement: Laser-assisted cataract surgery recommended for most precise placement.
3. Monovision (One Eye for Distance, One Eye for Near)
Goal: Reduce dependence on glasses by correcting one eye for distance and the other for near.
» Choose: Monofocal IOLs set for different focal points.
» Glasses Needed: May still need glasses for some tasks or to fine-tune vision.
» Important: Only recommended if you have successfully used monovision for several years without side effects such as poor driving vision or lack of depth perception.
Enhancement: Laser-assisted cataract surgery recommended for best accuracy.
4. Best Full-Range Vision (Minimal Glasses Use)
Goal: Crisp near, intermediate, and distance vision with maximum spectacle independence.
» Choose: PureSee.
Enhancement: Laser-assisted cataract surgery recommended for best results.
Lens Selection Summary
| Your Priority | Recommended Lens | Glasses Needed | Laser-Assisted Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance-covered | Monofocal (single vision) | Reading glasses; bifocals if high astigmatism | Not included |
| Best distance (e.g., driving) | Toric monofocal (distance-focused) | Reading glasses for near | Recommended for precise placement |
| Monovision (for patients with prior tolerance) | Monofocal IOLs set for different focal points (one eye distance, one eye near) | May still need glasses for driving or extended reading; only if previously tolerated without poor driving vision or loss of depth perception | Recommended for best accuracy |
| Best full-range (near, intermediate, far) | PureSee IOL | Minimal or no glasses | Recommended for best results |
15. What eye drops do I need?
Dr. Anderson prescribes two drops twice a day for 30 days. These will be sent to your local pharmacy. There is also an option for a combination drop thru OSRX.
16. What Does Cataract Surgery Cost? Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is medically necessary and covered by most health insurance plans.
Patient costs vary based on your copay and deductible. For example, Medicare covers 80% of cataract surgery costs after the deductible is met, and most supplemental plans cover the remaining 20%. Self-pay cataract surgery with Dr. Anderson ranges from $3,000 to $5,500 per eye.
17. What are the risks and complications of Cataract Surgery?
According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), about 4.5 million cataract surgeries are performed each year, with a success rate of 98%. Although uncommon, possible complications include infection, retinal detachment, or the need for additional surgery.
18. Can Cataract Surgery Prolong Your Life
A RECENT STUDY SHOWED A 60% LOWER RISK OF DEATH.
A 20-year study of 74,000 women found a 60% lower risk of death in those who had cataract surgery. Improved vision can increase mobility, medication safety, and visual contrast—helping prevent fatal accidents
19. What is posterior capsule opacification (PCO)
A PCO IS A THICKENING OF THE LENS CAPSULE.
PCO
20. What is the preoperative preparation for cataract surgery?
PLEASE AVOID ANY FOOD FOR 12 HOURS PRIOR TO SURGERY.
Before surgery, arrange for a ride to and from the center. Do not eat or drink for 12 hours before your procedure. Take blood pressure or heart medications with a sip of water if needed. The visit will take about 2–3 hours. Wear comfortable clothes and avoid eye makeup.
DON’T EAT FOR 12 HOURS BEFORE SURGERY
21. What the post-operative instructions after cataract surgery?
Post-Surgery Care Instructions
Protect your eye: Avoid touching or rubbing the eye. A clear shield will be placed to prevent accidental rubbing while you sleep for 24 hours.
Activity at home: You may move around the house, but avoid strenuous activity. Do not lift more than 25 pounds, as this may increase eye pressure. Normal activities can usually be resumed by the end of the first week.
Exercise: Light exercise (such as treadmill walking) may be 5 days after surgery. Avoid swimming for at least two weeks.
Bathing: You may bathe carefully, but try to avoid getting a direct stream of water into your eyes.
Online Instructions: [Click here for additional cataract surgery instructions]
22. Setting Realistic Expectations
No surgery is perfect. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens inside your eye, but it cannot correct every other part of your visual system. Other eye conditions commonly affect vision both before and after surgery, including dry eye, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. These can limit how clearly you see even when surgery goes exactly as planned and the lens is positioned perfectly. Dr. Anderson will check for them beforehand and discuss how they may affect both your results and your lens choice.
If you have had LASIK, PRK, or RK. Previous refractive surgery changes the shape of your cornea, and because the measurements used to select your implant depend on corneal shape, the lens power calculation is less predictable in these eyes. Even with careful planning and additional measurements, there is a greater chance of ending up slightly nearsighted or farsighted, needing glasses for some tasks, or occasionally needing a further procedure to fine-tune the result. Radial keratotomy (RK) eyes are the least predictable of all, and vision after RK can fluctuate during the day. Let Dr. Anderson know about any previous eye surgery before your measurements are taken, and bring records of the procedure if you have them.
Keratoconus, high astigmatism, and irregular astigmatism. The cornea does most of your eye’s focusing, so when its shape is irregular, as in keratoconus and irregular astigmatism, the sharpness of your vision is limited by the cornea itself no matter which implant is chosen, and measurements are less predictable. High astigmatism that is regular can usually be corrected well with a toric lens, but irregular astigmatism cannot be fully corrected by any implant, and glasses or a specialty contact lens may still be needed after surgery to see your sharpest.
Personality matters more than most patients expect. Patients who are detail-oriented, precise, or particular about their vision tend to notice small imperfections that others never mention, such as halos around lights at night, mild glare, or a slight difference between the two eyes. If that describes you, a straightforward monofocal lens with glasses for near work is often more satisfying than a full-range lens, even though it offers less freedom from glasses. Being honest with Dr. Anderson about your expectations and how you use your eyes helps him recommend the lens you are most likely to be happy with.
23. What’s the recovery time and time off work after cataract surgery?
Most patients are able to return to work within 3 days after cataract surgery, depending on their recovery and the type of work they do. For desk or computer-based jobs, many return in 3 days. However, those with physically demanding jobs, heavy lifting, or exposure to dusty environments may need a week or longer. Your surgeon will give personalized guidance based on your healing and lifestyle.
“Most people are back to work within a week.”
Considering cataract surgery? Book an evaluation with Dr. Anderson.
If you have cataracts, it’s important to consult an eye care professional to discuss your specific needs and treatment options. With Dr. Anderson’s advanced expertise and comprehensive services, you can be confident in receiving personalized, effective care.