Symptoms of Cataracts
You may benefit from cataract surgery if you experience:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Need for bright light to see or read
- Vision difficulty at night
- Frequent changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription
Cataracts can also make you see “halos” around lights or cause colors to appear faded or yellow.
After cataract surgery, I can now go out at night to see the moon, and during the day, I look up and see the sun. Now with everything I can see, it’s like I’m newly born.
— Abel Vargas, St. Cloud
Options for Your New Lens
Talk with your ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) or optometrist about choosing the best type of lens for your situation. With today’s advanced technology, not only can lens implants treat cataracts but they also can correct astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness.
| Objective |
Pros |
Cons |
Cost (above insurance) |
| Distance vision with traditional lens implant |
- Covered by insurance
- Treats the majority of basic nearsightedness and farsightedness
- Improved distance vision
|
- Many patients (especially those with astigmatism) will still require glasses for best corrected distance vision
- Will require glasses for reading or near activities (readers or bifocal)
|
No additional fee |
| Distance vision with correction of astigmatism |
- Corrects astigmatism as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness
- Provides better distance vision than a standard lens for patients with astigmatism
|
- Small chance it may rotate after surgery and need adjustment
- Small leftover correction possible
- Will require glasses for reading or near activities (readers or bifocal)
|
$1,200 |
| Distance and near vision |
- Provides both distance AND near vision
- Can minimize or even eliminate your dependance on glasses
|
- May provide slightly less crispness of vision than other lenses
- Some patients note glare or halos at night
- Some patients require vision correction afterward, such as LASIK
|
$2,595 |
Why choose us for cataract surgery?
Our team of eye surgeons has extensive training and expertise so that you can feel confident in the care you receive.
- We take the time to help you explore all your lens options. You may be eligible for advanced technology implants that correct astigmatism and/or provide both near and distance vision.
- Our facilities have top-of-the-line equipment, diagnostic tools and technology, some of which are scarce in Central Minnesota, particularly when it comes to advanced technology implants. This means we can provide you with high quality care and the best possible results.
- With cataract surgery locations in St. Cloud, Long Prairie, Willmar and Redwood Falls, you can select the location most convenient for you.
- CentraCare's universal electronic medical record makes communication between your doctors easy, which is especially important because eye issues can often be the first sign of other health problems. You can also easily access your eye care records and communicate with us through MyChart.
What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
You’ll receive eye drops to numb your eyes and prevent pain. Your care team may also offer medicine to relax you. Then, a surgeon will:
- Make a small incision along the side of your cornea
- Reach through the incision and remove your cloudy lens
- Insert the new lens
If you have cataracts in both eyes, the surgeon will perform two operations a few weeks apart. Each procedure takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll be in and out of the surgery center within three hours.
Eyesight is a gift, and after my cataract surgery, I have 20/20 vision. I feel like I have the vision of a teenager again!
— Linda C., Richmond
Recovery After Cataract Surgery
Any mild discomfort after treatment should fade in a couple of days. You’ll likely return to your activities the day after treatment. Look forward to the full benefits of surgery within six weeks.
My eye surgeon absolutely came through with everything he said he was going to do. The cataract surgery didn’t hurt, and I felt no pain.
— Peggy Arseneau, Sauk Rapids
Outcome of Cataract Surgery
About 95% of people see better after cataract surgery. You’ll likely rely less on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Expect to enjoy a greater sense of freedom and more independence.
My eye surgeon explained all my options and broke things down, recognizing it can be hard-to-follow, complex information. Most of all, he made me feel comfortable and at ease. Now my sight is wonderful. It’s truly a gift to see again without glasses.
— Terri Mische, St. Cloud
Understand the Risks
Cataract surgery is generally safe. It is a highly successful procedure and is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. But like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Talk to your doctor about:
- Potential benefits and risks
- Risk level based on your health, age and other factors
- Ways your care team works to keep you safe
- What you can do to improve your outcome
MyChart