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Cataract Surgeon – Fort Worth

Older man having his eyes examined

At Ophthalmology Associates, we take pride in providing exceptional eye care services, with a specific focus on cataract surgery. With a team of six highly specialized doctors dedicated to cataract treatment, you can trust us with your vision and eye health.

Our team of expert ophthalmologists has years of experience in diagnosing and treating cataracts, a common age-related eye condition that can cloud your vision. Whether you’re experiencing early symptoms or require advanced cataract surgery, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Take Our Cataract Self-Test To find out if You’re a Candidate

What are cataracts, and how do they affect vision?

Cataracts cloud the natural lens inside the eye, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The cloudy lens block or change the passage of light into the eye, resulting in blurred vision.

They can also affect your ability to see and perceive colors accurately and cause difficulty with night vision. When this progresses, it can interfere with daily activities and may require cataract surgery to remove the affected lens.

Cataracts form in various degrees and may eventually affect both near and distant vision. This condition is a common cause of vision loss in people over 60.

What are the common symptoms of cataracts?

You can tell you’re developing cataracts if you experience any of the common symptoms:

  1. Blurred or Hazy Vision: Your vision becomes cloudy or blurry, making it difficult to see clearly.
  2. Difficulty with Night Vision: Seeing well in low light conditions or at night becomes more difficult.
  3. Sensitivity to Light and Glare: You become more sensitive to bright lights or experience a halo effect around lights.
  4. Frequent Prescription Changes: Your prescription constantly changes, requiring you to change glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
  5. Double Vision in One Eye: Seeing a double image in one eye is often resolved when the other eye is closed.
  6. Fading or Yellowing of Colors: Colors may appear faded, dull, or have a yellowish tinge.
  7. Difficulty Reading or Performing Detailed Tasks: Struggling to read small print or perform activities that require clear vision.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination and cataract screening.

Ophthalmology Associates in Fort Worth, TX, offers a cataract self-test on their website, which can help you determine if you may be at risk. However, this self-test does not substitute for a full, professional eye examination.

Diagram of a normal eye without cataract
Diagram of an eye with cataract
Simulated Cloudy Vision
Simulated Night Vision
Simulated Vision Glare
Simulated Vision with Halos
Simulated Yellow Vision
Simulated Double

Our Cataract Surgeons

Ted Margo, M.D.

Ted Margo, M.D.

dr brian flowers. Glaucoma and cataract specialist at Ophthalmology Associates

Brian Flowers, M.D.

Robert Warren, M.D.

Unni Nair, M.D.

Sandy Iyer, M.D.

Derek Han, M.D.

Cataract FAQs

After having a cataract consultation, there are two main options to improve vision:

  1. Non-surgical treatment
    Non-surgical treatment options can help improve your vision and make living with a clouded lens easier. These options include:
    • New eyeglasses or contact lenses: A new prescription can help to sharpen your vision. A contact lens may be a better option to correct astigmatism or other vision problems.
    • Brighter lighting: Using brighter lighting at home and work can help you see better.
    • Anti-glare sunglasses: These can help reduce glare from headlights, sunlight, and other light sources.
    • Magnifying lenses: Magnifying lenses can help you see objects up close when reading or other activities.
  2. Cataract surgery
    Laser-assisted cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore your clear vision. In cataract surgeries, an ophthalmologist removes your clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

    Many different types of IOLs are available, so you have to discuss with your ophthalmologist which option is best for you. An intraocular lens can also correct other vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

    Surgery for lens implants is a very safe and effective procedure. It’s typically performed outpatient; most cataract patients recover their vision within a few weeks.

Your ophthalmologist will recommend surgery when your cataracts have progressed to the point where they impact your daily activities, such as reading and driving.

Other considerations for getting lens implants are:

  • Severity: Mild conditions can be managed with non-surgical treatment options. However, severe cases will likely need surgery to restore vision.
  • Overall health: Health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure might affect cataract surgery. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your health condition.
  • Lifestyle: If you are active in sports or other activities that could put your eyes at risk, laser cataract surgery may be a good option for you.
  • Budget: Laser cataract surgery can be expensive; however, financing options may be available.

When choosing a cataract surgeon, you should seek someone with the right qualifications and extensive experience. Some things to consider are the following:

  • Education and training: The surgeon should be a board-certified ophthalmologist who has completed medical school, a residency in ophthalmology, and a fellowship in cataract surgery.
  • Experience: The surgeon should have experience performing cataract surgery. Find out how many cataract surgeries they’ve performed and their complication rate.
  • Reputation: It’s also a good idea to ask your friends, family, and other healthcare providers for recommendations. You can also read online reviews of cataract surgeons in your area.

In addition to these qualifications, finding a surgeon you trust and feel comfortable with is essential.

Talk to the surgeon about their experience and philosophy of care. Ensure you know the risks and benefits of cataract surgery and that you’re comfortable with the surgeon’s approach.

The two main types of cataract surgery are phacoemulsification (phaco) and extracapsular cataract extraction surgery.

  • Phacoemulsification: This is the most common type of cataract surgery. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens removed by suction.
  • Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE): It’s a less common type of cataract surgery, typically used for people with more severe cataracts or other eye conditions. During ECCE, the surgeon makes a larger incision in the eye and removes the cloudy lens in one piece.

In both types, an IOL is implanted to replace the clouded lens. IOLs come in various types, including monofocal, multifocal, accommodative, and toric lenses. The choice entirely depends on your preference, lifestyle, and any existing vision issues.

  • Monofocal IOLs: Offer clear vision at one distance. But you may still need glasses may be needed for other distances.
  • Multifocal or Accommodative IOLs: Provide clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, far), reducing your dependence on glasses.
  • Toric IOLs: Used to correct astigmatism aside from cataracts.

You can expect the following during the cataract surgery procedure:

  • Preparation: You will be given eye drops to dilate your pupil. You may also receive medications to help you relax. Local anesthetics will be used to numb your eye. Once you’re relaxed, the surgeon will start the procedure.
  • Procedure: For laser-assisted cataract surgery, the surgeon will use a laser to make a tiny incision in the front of your eye. Once the incision has been made, the surgeon will insert a small probe into the eye that emits ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens. The broken-up lens is then suctioned out.
  • Lens insertion: Your natural lens will be replaced with an intraocular lens. This new lens is folded and inserted through the original incision, allowing it to heal naturally without requiring stitches.
  • Post-Surgery: After the procedure, a protective shield may be placed over your eye to keep it safe during recovery. The surgery usually takes less than an hour, and you can usually go home the same day.

Your eyesight may be blurry for a few days after surgery since your eye is still healing and adapting to the new IOL. Regular follow-up appointments will be required to ensure your eye is healing correctly and your vision is improving.

Recovery for most patients is usually 4 to 6 weeks. Some blurriness or discomfort may still be experienced as your eye adjusts to the new IOL implant. Strenuous activities such as swimming and contact sports should be avoided, and your doctor’s care instructions should be followed.

Wearing sunglasses outdoors is also highly recommended to protect your eyes from bright light, which can be uncomfortable for the first few weeks after surgery. Your doctor may also recommend using artificial tears to help keep your eyes lubricated during recovery.

Wearing reading glasses or contact lenses will depend on the type of IOL. Monofocal IOLs usually provide clear vision at one distance, but you may still need glasses to see clearly at other distances.

However, multifocal and accommodative IOLs can reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Toric IOLs, meanwhile, can correct astigmatism as well. You can discuss all your options with your surgeon and choose the type of IOL that best suits your lifestyle and needs.

Because it’s considered a necessary medical procedure, most health insurance plans cover part or all cataract surgery costs. Coverage may vary widely, depending on your specific insurance plan and the type of IOL selected.

Ophthalmology Associates caters to a wide range of insurance providers, and you can check here for a comprehensive list of accepted insurance.

Yes, having both eyes done in the same surgery session is possible, but it’s not always recommended. Factors that need to be considered are the surgery type, age, and overall health.

Your surgeon can provide expert advice on whether or not you should have both eyes operated on at the same time or one at a time.

At Ophthalmology Associates, we’re proud of being the only multi-specialty ophthalmology practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. And we’re committed to providing comprehensive, personalized, and the highest quality care for our patients.

If you’re interested in learning more about cataract surgery or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced surgeons, visit our website or call us at (817) 8332-202.

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