Cataracts are one of the most common reasons for vision changes in adults over 50. They are caused by age-related changes to the crystalline lens of the eye. The lens is a clear, flexible disc made of proteins. It is located behind the colored part of your eye, and it helps focus light on your retina so you can see clearly.
Over time, the proteins in the lens change, making the lens cloudy. This leads to vision changes, such as blurriness, a dark or yellowish cast that makes it hard to see colors or details, or blank spots in your field of vision.
There isn’t any medical treatment that can prevent or reverse cataracts. Glasses with an updated prescription, bright indoor lighting, and increasing the size of the font on your computer or smartphone can help up to a point. But if cataracts impair your vision so much that it affects your ability to do everyday activities, it’s time to consider cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is among the safest, most effective procedures performed today. It’s an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. During the procedure, your surgeon will carefully remove your eye’s clouded lens and replace it with a perfectly clear artificial lens. The replacement lens offers vision correction like prescription contacts or glasses, so many people come out of cataract surgery with clearer, sharper vision than they have had in years.
At West Texas Eye Associates, we have years of experience performing cataract surgeries using advanced technology and compassionate care. Our eye doctors will guide you through every step of the process, from your first consultation to full cataract surgery recovery. We are here to ease any anxiety you have and help you get your best result.
Start With a Comprehensive Cataract Evaluation
Before cataract surgery, you will have a comprehensive consultation with your surgeon. Your doctor will start by taking a complete medical history, including asking about the symptoms caused by cataracts. They will explain how the surgery works, how to prepare for cataract surgery, and what vision improvements you can expect afterward. Be sure to bring your current glasses, medication list, and any questions you have — we’ll be sure to talk through what matters most to you.
In addition, you will have a full eye exam, including:
- Precision measurements (biometry/topography)
- Confirm cataracts and assess overall eye health
After checking your eyes, your doctor will ask about your lifestyle, hobbies, and night-driving needs. This information will help them recommend the right replacement lens to meet your vision goals.
2 to 4 Weeks Before Surgery
Choose Your Lens and Technology Package
At your initial consultation, your doctor will go over your options for replacement lenses, called intraocular lenses (IOL). Cataracts only affect the natural lens of the eyes, so replacing the clouded lens will completely eliminate the vision issues caused by cataracts.
Replacement lenses can also correct common refraction errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, reducing your need for glasses or contacts. There are even IOL options that can correct both close-up and distance vision, so you won’t even need reading glasses after surgery.
At West Texas Eye Associates, we use a high-speed femtosecond laser for exceptional precision and customized outcomes. You can choose from our range of conventional and advanced IOL options for complete reversal of cataract symptoms and improved visual acuity. We’ll match your goals to one of our options.
1) Multifocal Refractive Package — Odyssey® for Presbyopia (Age-Related Farsightedness)
- Designed to reduce dependence on glasses at near, intermediate, and distance.
- Great for readers who want correction at all distances, as well as everyday convenience.
- The treatment package includes IOL placement with femtosecond laser surgery for astigmatism management, plus LASIK/PRK, (common laser surgeries used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) if needed afterward.
2) Toric / Eyhance® Refractive Package
- Toric lenses correct vision in patients with significant corneal astigmatism (irregularities in the clear front surface of the eye that result in blurred vision).
- The Eyhance® lens is an extended-range IOL option that corrects vision at multiple distances. It offers correction for distance and intermediate distance.
- The treatment package includes IOL placement, femtosecond laser vision correction, and post-op laser vision correction if necessary.
3) Femto Eyhance® Package
- For patients who prefer a distance-focused result with a bit more corrected vision range than a standard replacement lens, though readers may still be necessary for fine print. (Monovision may be an option for the right candidates.)
- Treatment package includes femtosecond laser surgery and placement of the Eyhance® lens, plus laser vision correction if needed after healing.
4) Traditional Cataract Surgery (Monofocal)
- A time-tested option with a single focal point to correct either close-up or distance vision.
- Glasses are usually needed for reading and possibly for distance vision if you have astigmatism.
In addition to lens replacement to treat cataracts, we offer astigmatism care for improved vision after surgery. For mild astigmatism, we can perform a laser-guided procedure to relax the curvature of the eye. For more severe astigmatism, we recommend choosing a toric IOL and precision laser astigmatism marking to optimally align the IOL.
Review Medications and Health
Our staff will go over any changes to your health and review what medications you take. You may need to change your medication routine, so check with your primary care doctor to discuss the situation.
- Blood thinners/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, apixaban, aspirin): Do not stop unless your prescribing doctor and surgeon agree. Many patients proceed safely without stopping, but your doctor can tell you what is the safest option for you.
- Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin/Flomax): Tell us if you take them now or ever have; they can affect pupil behavior during surgery.
- Diabetes: Aim for steady glucose control; bring recent labs if requested.
- Allergies to medications or adhesives: Share early so we can prepare alternatives.
One Week Before Surgery
One week before surgery, you will come in for your final pre-procedure visit. We will go over treatment plans, perform any final measurements, and have you fill out consent forms and other paperwork.
At this visit, we will go over some important things you should plan before your procedure date, such as:
- Arranging for a friend or loved one to drive you home after surgery
- Plan ahead for simple meals and help at home if needed.
- Confirm your follow-up appointments.
2 to 3 Days Before Surgery
The days before your procedure, you should take care of your eyes and the surrounding skin to prevent irritation or infection:
- Don’t use eye makeup for 2 to 3 days before surgery.
- Avoid lash extensions or remove them ahead of time.
- Keep lids and lashes clean (we may recommend gentle lid wipes).
We will also check in to confirm your appointment and go over important details, including:
- Arrival time
- Location
- Parking
- A reminder to bring your ID, insurance, medication list, and payment method
The Night Before
The night before your procedure, relax and follow your surgeon’s instructions.
- Use any eye drops your doctor prescribed as instructed
- Avoid alcohol
- Unless instructed otherwise, no food or drink after midnight
- Get a full night’s rest
Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, our staff will be waiting to take care of you.
- Nothing to eat/drink as directed
- No makeup, lotion, or perfume; wear comfy clothing
- Arrive early; we’ll dilate and numb the eye and keep you relaxed
After Surgery: What To Expect
Cataract surgery typically takes less than an hour. Most patients can go home within a couple of hours. Mild scratchiness or light sensitivity for a day or two is common and should get better with time. You should be able to resume regular activities within 24 to 48 hours, but follow your surgeon’s guidance about driving.
Your vision may be clearer within hours to days. It will continue to improve gradually over the next several weeks.
Be sure to use prescription eye drops as directed to prevent infection. Wear your eye shield or sunglasses and avoid rubbing your eyes.
You’ll need to come in for a series of follow-up appointments so we can check how your eyes are healing and track vision improvements. Once your vision has stabilized, we’ll finalize glasses if needed.
If you notice increasing pain/redness, worsening vision, new floaters/flashes, or discharge from your eyes, call your doctor immediately. These symptoms could indicate infection or complications.
West Texas Eye Associates enhancement policy:
If a fine-tune is needed to further correct your vision after cataract surgery, our packages include laser vision correction after healing, as needed.
Preparing With Confidence in West Texas
From Odyssey® presbyopia-correcting solutions to Eyhance® extended-range options and femtosecond laser precision, West Texas Eye Associates delivers customized cataract care— plus post-op laser vision correction if needed — so you can see clearly again.
Schedule your cataract consultation and let’s build a plan around your vision, your habits, and your life.
FAQ: Preparing for Cataract Surgery
Will I be awake?
Yes—numbing drops and light sedation keep you comfortable.
Can I drive home?
No. Please bring a driver.
How soon will I see better?
Many patients notice improvement quickly, with continued sharpening over weeks.
Do I need to stop taking my medication?
We can discuss your medications during your consultation. We’ll coordinate with your doctors before changing any medication.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures. Most patients have excellent outcomes and are happy with their results.