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Cataract

Older couple relaxing together

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a normal occurrence in an aging eye: your transparent eye lens begins to cloud over with the gradual build-up of naturally-occurring proteins in the eye. Instead of allowing light to enter properly, the cloudy lens creates a foggy appearance to everything you see.

This process does not happen overnight. It is typically a slow development that makes it increasingly difficult to see things clearly and perform daily tasks.

Cataract Evaluation

01

Visual Acuity

Assess your distance and near vision clarity to establish a baseline for treatment planning.

02

Refractive Error

Measure your current glasses prescription and determine if an updated prescription is all that's needed.

03

Lens Assessment

Examine the presence, severity, and exact position of any cataracts affecting your vision.

04

Retinal Health

Evaluate the back of your eye through a dilated exam for a thorough retinal examination.

05

Eye Pressure

Measure intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma and other pressure-related conditions.

06

Overall Health Review

Review your general health and medical history to ensure a complete understanding of your eye care needs.

LENSAR® Laser System

The doctors at NewView Eye Center offer advanced cataract surgery using the LENSAR® Laser System, a laser designed to make cataract treatment more precise than traditional methods. It helps create accurate incisions, gently remove the cloudy lens, and place the new intraocular lens (IOL) with greater accuracy. This advanced technology allows for a more customized procedure, may help reduce astigmatism, and can improve vision results while lowering the risk of complications. Schedule a cataract evaluation to find out if this treatment is right for you.

Benefits of
Cataract Treatment

Cataract surgery isn't just about clearer sight — it's about reclaiming your independence and quality of life.

Restored clear vision

Remove the cloudy lens causing blurred, hazy sight and replace it with a crystal-clear artificial lens tailored to you.

Lifestyle lens options

Premium intraocular lenses can correct distance, intermediate, and near vision — potentially reducing your need for glasses.

LENSAR laser precision

Our advanced LENSAR laser system delivers highly accurate, bladeless cataract removal for better outcomes and faster recovery.

Improved quality of life

Drive more safely, read effortlessly, enjoy hobbies, and participate in sports again — without struggling through foggy vision.

Prevent blindness

Untreated cataracts are the world's leading cause of blindness. Early intervention protects your vision for years to come.

Experienced surgeons

Dr. Griffiths and Dr. Callahan bring decades of combined expertise, ensuring safe, effective results at both our VA locations.

Understanding Cataract Lens Implants

Watch Dr. Griffiths explain the lens implant options, how the right lens is selected, and what can be done if your vision changes later.

Video 1

Why Choosing the Right Cataract Lens Implant Matters

Video 2

The Main Types of Cataract Lens Implants Explained

Video 3

How Your Surgeon Helps You Choose the Right Cataract Lens

Video 4

Can You Change Your Cataract Lens Later? YAG and Lens Exchange

What to Expect During Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a quick outpatient procedure that can restore years of clear vision. You'll arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled time, receive dilating and anesthetic drops, and remain comfortably relaxed throughout the process.

01

Preparation

Dilation drops and local anesthetics are applied. You'll be given medication to relax but remain awake.

02

Lens Removal

A small corneal incision is made and the cloudy lens is gently broken up with ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and removed.

03

IOL Placement

Your pre-chosen replacement lens is inserted through the same incision. It's permanent and feels natural.

04

Recovery

Rest in our post-op area, then head home with a driver. Wear an eye shield while sleeping as you heal.

NewView doctor discussing lens options with a patient

Lifestyle Lenses

During cataract surgery, your natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). Today's Lifestyle Lenses can provide vision at multiple distances and may reduce or even eliminate the need for reading glasses or bifocals after surgery.

Multifocal IOLs
EDOF IOLs
Trifocal IOLs
Toric IOLs

Cataract Payment
Information

Cataract surgery is an investment in years of clear vision. Our team helps you understand your coverage and flexible payment options so cost never stands between you and better sight.

CareCredit® Financing

No money down. 0% interest for up to 24 months, longer terms with low rates, low monthly payments, and no pre-payment penalties.

FSA & HSA

Use pre-tax earnings from your Flexible Spending or Health Savings Account to lower your overall cost through tax savings.

CareCredit® Financing

No money down. 0% interest for up to 24 months, longer terms with low rates, low monthly payments, and no pre-payment penalties.

Close-up of an eye before YAG laser capsulotomy

YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Posterior capsule opacity (PCO) is the most common post-cataract complication — a hazing of the lens capsule, not a new cataract. YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick, painless in-office procedure that permanently restores clear vision in a single session.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about cataracts and how NewView Eye Center can help.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens caused by the gradual build-up of proteins over time. Instead of letting light pass through cleanly, the cloudy lens creates a foggy or hazy appearance in your vision. It is a normal part of aging and develops slowly over many years.

Age is the most common cause, but cataracts can also develop from eye injury, certain medications such as long-term steroids, medical conditions like diabetes, or, more rarely, be present at birth. Your doctor will review your history to understand what may be contributing to your cataracts.

Common signs include blurred or foggy vision, increased glare or halos around lights, difficulty seeing at night, colors appearing faded, and needing brighter light to read. If everyday tasks are becoming harder, it may be time for a cataract evaluation.

Untreated cataracts are the world's leading cause of reversible blindness. Because cataract surgery is highly effective, vision loss from cataracts can nearly always be corrected. Early evaluation lets your doctor recommend the best timing for treatment.

Cataract surgery is a quick outpatient procedure. Through a tiny corneal incision, the cloudy lens is gently broken up and removed, then replaced with a clear intraocular lens (IOL) chosen for your vision needs. Most patients are comfortably relaxed and awake throughout.

Yes. Our surgeons offer advanced cataract surgery with the LENSAR® Laser System for bladeless, highly precise incisions and lens fragmentation. This technology allows a customized procedure that may help reduce astigmatism and improve visual outcomes.

Many patients notice clearer vision within a few days, with continued improvement over the following weeks. You'll go home the same day with a driver and wear a protective eye shield while sleeping. Your doctor will provide detailed aftercare instructions; recovery varies by individual.

Medically necessary cataract surgery is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, though premium lifestyle lenses may involve additional out-of-pocket cost. Our team will verify your benefits and review financing options like CareCredit®, FSA, and HSA.

Please note: This page is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Any decision about cataract surgery — including whether to have it, the surgical approach, and your lens choice — is made individually between each patient and their doctor after a personal evaluation.

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Hear From Their Experience

“I feel like I'm seeing in HD, and I'm so grateful.”


Patricia Shank

“I still have 20/20 vision, and this was like a miracle to me in my life.”


Dr. Renee Yingling

“They were able to keep the monovision, and I am absolutely thrilled.”


Carol

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What our Patients Says

Dr. Callahan has been thoughtful, kind, and informative for my entire family. Her care is excellent, and we highly recommend her to anyone seeking compassionate, professional eye care.

Jaclyn Jenkins

Dr Griffiths and team are great. Dr Griffiths is a great doctor. She was recommended by my daughter. Excellent choice.

Mary Dean

I had cataract surgery with Dr. Callahan and it was great. She was friendly, answered all my questions, and I had no pain. Even after moving away, she kindly answered my questions by email.

Steven S

I needed general anesthesia for cataract surgery, and other providers couldn’t help. Dr. Callahan got it approved. After my first surgery, I have 20/20 vision! Amazing results—she’s worth the wait!

Therese Silvent

Always on time, friendly staff, and Dr. Callahan answers all questions clearly. The office is very clean, and several of my family members also go here. An all-around great practice.

Bernadette Amos-Watts

I’ve been a NewView Eye Center patient for over 10 years. Dr. Griffiths and her staff are highly knowledgeable, professional, and provide top-quality care. I give this practice 5/5 for excellence.

Constance Washington

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