At the Longwood Eye & LASIK Center, we take a proactive approach to vision care through our various services. If you think you may have a cataract, our team of qualified doctors can diagnose your vision condition and make treatment recommendations to dramatically and immediately improve your vision. We see patients in Greenfield, Gardner, West Springfield, and Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
What Is a Cataract?
When we are born, the lens in our eye is clear, but as we get older, it begins to yellow and harden. The lens can also become cloudy over time and cause blurred vision.
This condition, known as a cataract, is primarily due to the natural aging process. Nearly everyone will develop cataracts eventually, often after the age of 60. Cataracts interfere with the lens's ability to allow light to pass through easily, resulting in the retina receiving blurry or distorted images.
Symptoms of Cataracts
You may be struggling with cataracts if you’re experiencing the following:
- Difficulty reading in low light
- Blurred or double vision
- A gradual dulling of colors
- Halos around lights
- Glare when driving
- Frequently needing to change your glasses prescription
Do I Need Cataract Surgery?
A cataract can progress until there is eventually a complete loss of vision in your eye. Surgery is the only treatment, and you should consider surgery when there is enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities.
Cataract Surgery Is Simple
Cataract surgery is a simple outpatient procedure. It’s completely safe and virtually painless.Â
Our cataract surgery involves the removal of the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, lifestyle lens implant to restore your vision.
The advanced lens implants will allow you to see like you did 30 years ago. You could drive, play tennis, dial your phone, and check emails – all without needing glasses. With today’s cataract surgery, glasses-free vision can be yours.
Cataracts vs. Presbyopia
Cataracts and presbyopia can both affect our vision as we age, but they are distinct conditions.
Cataracts usually develop after age 60, causing the lens to become cloudy and leading to blurred vision. Cataracts can significantly impact overall clarity and often require surgical treatment to restore clear vision.
Presbyopia typically begins around age 45, making it difficult to focus on close objects due to the hardening of the eye's lens. It’s managed with reading glasses, bifocals, or multifocal lenses.
While both conditions are age-related and affect the lens, they are quite different. That is why you should see one of our qualified doctors to diagnose and treat you.
Why Choose Longwood Eye & LASIK Center?
When it comes to your vision, trust matters. At Longwood Eye & LASIK Center, we combine advanced technology with unparalleled expertise to offer top-tier eye care close to home. Our board-certified ophthalmologists detect and treat a wide range of eye conditions, from cataracts to glaucoma. We provide comprehensive eye exams that catch early signs of disease when they’re easiest to treat, ensuring that your vision is protected for years to come.
Whether you’re coming in for a routine check-up or need advanced surgical treatment, you can count on Longwood Eye & LASIK Center to deliver the highest standards of medical and surgical eye care.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Pay for Cataract Surgery?
During your cataract evaluation, we’ll go over your Medicare or insurance coverage to help you understand your benefits. We know that navigating insurance can be challenging, and we’re here to assist you. Our experienced cataract surgeons will also take the time to understand your lifestyle and activities to recommend the most suitable lens implant for your needs.
Most of the cost of cataract surgery is typically covered by Medicare and many private health insurance plans. However, if you opt for a multifocal lens implant, there may be additional costs for which you’ll be responsible.
You deserve clear vision without compromise, and we’re here to help make it affordable. We offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit, including interest-free options for up to 12 months.
What Are the Early Signs of Cataracts?
Early signs of cataracts include blurry or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, seeing halos around lights, and a need for brighter light when reading or doing close work.
Will I Still Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?
Many patients won't need to use glasses as often as they did before surgery, especially if they choose multifocal or accommodating lenses. You may still need glasses for certain activities like reading.
Can Cataracts Return After Surgery?
Cataracts do not return after surgery. However, some patients may develop a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can cause vision to become cloudy again. We can easily treat this with a quick laser procedure.
How Often Should I Have My Eyes Checked for Cataracts?
You should schedule an eye exam every one to two years, especially after age 60, to monitor for cataracts and other age-related eye conditions.
Schedule a Consultation With Eye and Lasik
If you want to be able to see clearer so you can better enjoy life, you owe it to yourself to seek treatment for better vision. Trust your eyes to the experience and care of our surgeons.
To schedule your evaluation or surgery in Greenfield, Gardner, West Springfield, or Fitchburg, Massachusetts, please call our office at 1-855-286-2020. If you have additional questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to contact us.
