What are cataracts? Cataracts are a common age-related condition that causes the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy, leading to blurred vision. While cataracts can affect people of all ages, they primarily affect adults over 50 and worsen with age. If you have cloudy vision, trouble seeing clearly at night, or if your vision just isn’t what it used to be you may be experiencing the early stages of cataracts. You’re also not alone. Nearly 90% of adults in America develop cataracts by age 65. Common symptoms include:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Difficulty reading or seeing at night
• Seeing halos around bright lights
• Multiple (double) vision
• Colors that seem to be faded
• Distortion of vision in either eye

The development of cataracts begins when the proteins within the lens of the eye break down. 
The lens becomes cloudy and inflexible, causing your vision to blur, colors to become dull, 
and your vision to deteriorate. Cataracts typically grow slowly. The first signs you may notice are decreased vision and increasing glare at night. However, as cataracts grow, blurry vision can cause difficulty with everyday tasks and seriously hinder enjoyment of life. How are cataracts treated? Once symptoms begin, the only way to restore clear vision is to have the cataracts surgically removed. Without surgery, your vision will continue to worsen over time. Cataract surgery is a common, safe, and effective outpatient procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). With over 4.2 million procedures performed each year, cataract surgery is known for its high success rate and rapid recovery. Best of all, improved vision is achieved almost immediately. What is the typical recovery time? Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and only requires minimal sedation and a local anesthetic. The procedure usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes with recovery lasting one to two hours. You will likely have a follow-up appointment a few days later. In the days and weeks following surgery, your vision will continue to stabilize and life without cataracts will be yours to enjoy. A Closer Look at Lenses Should you decide to have cataract surgery, you and your doctor will decide on a type of lens implant that’s right for you and your lifestyle. Monofocal Lens The most basic type of implant used in cataract surgery are monofocal lenses. These traditional lens implants provide either distance or near vision. Multifocal Intraocular Lens Multifocal lenses are designed to provide a full range of bright, sharp vision. These lenses can correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. By choosing a multifocal lens implant, you can enjoy clear vision at ALL distances without relying on glasses. Astigmatism-Correcting Intraocular Lens For patients with an astigmatism, corrective Toric lens implants are also available. Toric intraocular lenses treat both cataracts and astigmatism and can treat your astigmatism while replacing your clouded natural lenses. Better eyesight begins at Wellspire. Contact your Wellspire ophthalmologist today for a one-on-one consultation and examination. We’ll test your eyes, discuss your lifestyle needs, and help you determine the kind of intarocular lens that’s best for your vision goals. Want to learn more? Watch these videos for further insight. Cost, payment, and financing options The cost of your cataract surgery will depend on your insurance and the type of lens you choose. We accept cash/money orders/cashier checks, most major credit cards, and flexible spending accounts 
(FSA) as payment. Or, if you’d rather pay in installments, we are proud to offer our patients 
CareCredit® with financing plans starting at 0% APR. You’ll get low monthly payment plans 
for medical procedures not commonly covered by insurance, including all levels of cataract 
surgery and lens replacement. *Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Not all promotional financing options are available at all enrolled providers. Ask yours for details.