Cataract
Surgery

Removal of cataracts is crucial to preventing severe vision loss and the debilitating effects that this common condition can cause.

What Are Cataracts?

Our eyes function very much like a camera. You have two natural lenses in each eye. One lens is on the surface (cornea) of your eye, and a second lens is within your eye, called the crystalline lens. Together, these lenses focus images inside the back of your eye on the retina. At birth, our crystalline lens is clear. As we begin to age, it yellows and begins to harden. When it becomes cloudy, it is defined as a cataract and begins to interfere with the quality of our vision.

What is the Cause of Cataracts?

Everyone will eventually develop cataracts as they age. Age-related cataracts may develop during middle age, but typically, they only begin to affect vision after age 60.

Health conditions like diabetes, eye injuries, prolonged use of steroid medications, UV ray exposure, and tobacco use also cause cataracts. Symptoms of cataracts include blurred images, dull, bright colors, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts may also be the reason your glasses do not seem to help keep things in focus as well as they used to. As cataracts begin to develop over time, people tend to accept and adjust to the decline in their lifestyles.

Treatments for Cataracts

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, or if you are worried that you may have an undiagnosed cataract in either eye, the best thing to do is consult your eye doctor. It is also important to monitor your vision for significant vision loss or an inability to perform daily tasks like driving. If this occurs, you should come in to see our ophthalmologists and discuss the next steps and your options for potential surgery.

Dropless Surgery

We are proud to offer “No Drop, No Prescription” cataract surgery for your convenience and cost savings. We were the first center in the state of Texas to offer this exciting convenience to our patients. Not only does it save often hundreds of dollars in eye drops, but it also means not having the inconvenience of using multiple drops before and after the cataract surgery. This helps in both monetary and self-convenience!

No IV Surgery

Typically, the most painful part of cataract surgery is getting an intravenous (IV) placed in your hand or arm. That is why here at Southwest Eye Institute we eliminated IVs for most patients! We offer a unique combination of oral medication to reduce anxiety and/or provide sedation to give you a comfortable experience, usually without an IV. However, if you do prefer the additional sedation offered by an IV, our anesthesiologist will be happy to provide that for you.

Glaucoma Treatment During Cataract Surgery

If you have glaucoma, we can often treat your glaucoma at the same time as your cataract surgery by performing “micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)” by placing an iStent® at the time of surgery. In our experienced hands, this usually adds less than one minute to your cataract surgery but helps lower your eye pressure significantly. Many patients are able to stop glaucoma drops after our cataract surgery with MIGS.

Dedicated Eye Surgery Center

Adjacent to the Southwest Eye Institute is the Vista Surgery Center, the area’s only center dedicated 100% to surgery of the eyes. We also boast an extremely high patient satisfaction rate, a zero percent infection rate, and an amazing compassionate team dedicated to your health and comfort.

As you can see, we have an attention to detail and an approach to cataract surgery that is unparalleled. We look forward to helping you obtain better vision; that’s the VIP way! Please click here to schedule your cataract surgery consultation today

Advanced Technology for Cataracts Learn More

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Light Adjustable Lens

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How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

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Actual Cataract Patient

“I opted for the Tecnis Symfony lenses, and I am glad I did. I can now read the smallest font on my smartphone and drive my car, all without my readers or my contact lenses! Simply amazing! The Tecnis Symfony lens is truly a blessing, as are the staff at Southwest Eye and of course, Dr. Ellman. Thanks again, Doc!”

David S.

Actual Cataract Patient

I have received a gift of life because now I can see far and near and this has made my life so much better. I traveled from Puebla to El Paso for my operation because of the reputation of the Southwest Eye Institute. They treated me great, I felt comfortable and calm as the doctor and his team gave me great confidence. I often speak of my experiences and everyone is surprised at the treatment I received, the rapid recovery, the technology they had, and how well I can see.

Eloisa W.