A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night) or see the expression on a friend’s face.
Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb your eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision.
At first, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help you deal with cataracts. But if impaired vision interferes with your usual activities, you might need cataract surgery. Fortunately, cataract surgery is generally a safe, effective procedure.
Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include:
Exciting new options for cataract lens implants include the PanOptix Multifocal Lens and the Acrysof Toric IOL.
New Braunfels Vision Center is one of the first ophthalmology clinics in Texas to offer the ORA System for cataract surgery. Speak with our doctors to learn how the ORA system is improving cataract surgery outcomes and reducing our patients’ dependence on glasses.
The procedure is performed at Christus Santa Rosa Surgical Center New Braunfels. Our patients remain awake and comfortable during their procedure and are able to return home within minutes of having surgery.
1. My optometrist said that I need to go to San Antonio for cataract surgery, is this true?
No! We perform all of our surgeries and post-operative exams here in New Braunfels.
2. Why did another ophthalmologist quote me thousands of dollars to have my cataracts removed?
Cataract surgery does not need to be expensive and the procedure is often entirely covered by your insurance provider. Some doctors will attempt to upsell their patients on lens implants and procedures that they may not necessarily want or need. At New Braunfels Vision Center we are committed to explaining to our patients ALL of their options, not just the most expensive ones.
3. What’s laser cataract surgery? Should I pay more to have my cataracts removed by laser?
There is no cataract surgery available which is 100% performed by laser. In laser-assisted cataract surgery only approximately 10% of the procedure is performed by laser and the rest is performed manually. Many ophthalmologists offer their patients the option to pay an additional fee to use the laser for the initial portion of their surgical procedure; however, in most cases, the patient’s visual outcome is exactly the same with or without laser.
If you are curious as to whether you may need cataract surgery, schedule a cataract evaluation with one of our doctors.