What Is a Cataract?
The term cataracts refers to the eye’s natural lens. Clear at birth, the lens becomes cloudy over time, causing vision problems and can eventually cause blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are completely normal and typically develop sometime in our 50s or 60s. Surgery is the only treatment for a cataract. You should consider surgery when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities.
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
Most cataracts occur with age. However, a good, balanced diet, protection from the sun, and restraint from smoking can delay the development of cataracts.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Cataract Surgery (Removal)
Cataract surgery is a routine, virtually painless outpatient procedure that replaces your clouded lens with a clear intraocular lens implant. Cataract removal is performed through a procedure called phacoemulsification. In this procedure, high-energy ultrasound waves are used to gently remove your cataract. In most cases, we use only eye drop anesthesia, allowing our patients the fastest possible recovery. Once the cataract is removed, a permanent, artificial lens is inserted. It is not uncommon for our patients to have the benefit of dramatically improved vision within a few hours of their procedure.
Clear Lens Exchange
For those with presbyopia that are not yet candidates for cataract removal, your surgeon may offer an elective procedure known as clear lens exchange. This procedure uses the same successful techniques as modern cataract surgery by replacing your natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) designed to reduce or eliminate your need for readers, bifocals or even trifocals.
Results After Cataract Treatment
I’ve been in business and observed interactions between customers and employees my whole life. I cannot say enough about how impressed and pleased I was with my entire experience with Longwood Eye & LASIK Center. From the first phone call to set up the appointment, to the time Dr. Warren spent with me before and after my surgery, and all of my pre and post-operative appointments, it was a truly a pleasant experience!
Three of my friends had similar cataract procedures, and prior to my conversation with them, I had no idea that this type of procedure was available. It is totally remarkable how I feel and how my vision has improved without the use of contact lenses. Simply put, my results are outstanding and I have never experienced this level of professionalism and care, and I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Warren and his team at Longwood Eye & LASIK Center.
-Michael M – Cataract Surgery with John Warren, MD
Which Lens Is Best for Me?
Distance Correcting Monofocal IOLs
Traditionally, the lens implant used for cataract surgery is a monofocal IOL. In most cases, the monofocal lens provides good distance vision for driving, walking, and some everyday activities. However, most people receiving monofocal lenses still require reading glasses or bifocals to have a full range of vision.
- Traditional
- Advanced
Astigmatism Correcting IOLs
Approximately 20% of cataract surgery patients have a significant degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism creates distortion in vision and is not corrected by traditional cataract or lens replacement surgery. The unique design of the Toric IOL makes it possible to provide quality distance vision and reduce or eliminate astigmatism at the same time.
- Clareon TORIC
- Tecnis TORIC
- enVista TORIC
Enhanced vision option
This option combines the optics of advanced wavefront-designed monofocal IOL with modern surgical planning and techniques to provide a higher quality and overall enhanced vision with a monofocal designed IOL. These techniques will also further reduce or eliminate your need for distance glasses including low levels of pre-existing astigmatism. In a clinical study, these more advanced optics provided improved visibility, better contrast sensitivity, and reduced glare.
Vision correction decisions are among the most important you will ever make. There are many intraocular lens (IOL) options available, including traditional monofocal, advanced monofocal, toric and multifocal, IOLs. Your doctor will discuss all the options available and recommend the IOL that is best for you.
Presbyopic Correcting IOLs
Previous lens replacement technologies provided only one improved focal point, distance, leaving people dependent on readers or bifocals after cataract surgery. Furthermore, in the past, those who were not yet cataract surgery candidates had no good alternatives to readers, bifocals, or trifocals. Recent advances in lens technology now make it possible to improve vision at all ranges, near through distance, with increased freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Our doctors are proud to offer the most advanced multifocal IOLs to give our patients the best possible vision.
- Tecnis Synergy Multifocal
- Clareon PanOptix Multifocal
What Are the Risks Associated with Lens Replacement Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. These may include infection, retinal detachment, an increase in eye pressure, reactions to medications, and vision changes. Our doctors will discuss all risks and benefits with you before your surgery.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Common side effects include redness, scratchiness, and light sensitivity. You may also experience glare, halos around lights, and blurred vision. These side effects may make it more difficult to see while driving at night or working in low light for a period of time, however they generally resolve over time.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Cataract surgery is generally a simple, outpatient procedure requiring only a few hours of your time. Patients should plan on being at the surgery center for about 2-3 hours.
Where Will My Surgery Be Performed?
Your lens replacement procedure will be performed by one of our surgeons in an outpatient surgery center or hospital facility.
What Can I Expect After My Surgery?
After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to go home. Plan to have someone drive you home. Everyone heals differently, but most patients can return to their normal activities the very next day. You will return to our office for a postoperative visit the next day. You will notice an improvement in your vision at that time which will continue to sharpen over the next 30 days. Eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and help your eye to heal.
How Will I See After Cataract Surgery?
Once the cloudy lens is removed, you will see a dramatic improvement in the clarity of your vision. Colors will be brighter, more vivid. And advanced lens implants, such as Tecnis, ReSTOR, and Crystalens, can deliver vision that is uniquely suited to your lifestyle. Dr. Warren and Dr. Fay will talk with you to understand your vision needs and can recommend a lens implant that gives you a fuller range of vision, allowing you to spend most of your day without glasses.
Will I Need to Wear Glasses After My Cataract Surgery?
During traditional cataract surgery, a single focus lens is implanted. Often times this gives patients good distance vision but still requires them to wear reading glasses for near vision. However, we offer our patients the option for a multifocal or accommodating lens implant that may allow them good vision at any distance, near through far.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about cataract surgery and would like to see if you are a good candidate, please call 1-855-286-2020 or request a consultation online.
Testimonials
Impressed with Dr. Maher, very thorough, personable, my second time seeing him. Staff very good , friendly . Very organized office! I actually told them that ! 😄 Highly recommend. Update 5-2025 just saw him again, yearly check up. Pleasant , professional, caring Gardner office. A+.May 16, 2025
I had the best experience getting lasik eye surgery here. From the initial consultation the staff makes you feel comfortable and like family. Dr Walkowiak was patient, kind, and answered all my questions before deciding if I was going to go through with the surgery. After meeting with him, I knew it was the right decision!! Dr. Warren was incredible on the day of surgery, talking me through each and every step and I am so happy with my results.May 16, 2025
Dr. John F. Warren and Longwood Eye in general were extremely knowledgeable and professional. They patiently answered all of my questions when I was going through the process, and always told me what to expect ahead of time. They were extremely professional and kind. I could not have had a better LASIK experience. It has been about a year since I got LASIK, and it was the best money I've spent! If you are on the line when considering Dr. John F. Warren and Longwood Eye, do it! It is worth it.May 16, 2025
My experience with Longwood Eye & LASIK was 5 ⭐️. Shout out to Dr Warren, my eye surgeon, to my follow up visits with Dr Walkowiak and Dr Benoit, Great team of physicians, thank youMay 16, 2025
Med tech called me within 10 min. of my appt time and each "hand-off" to next step occurred within ~10 min. Dr Lotufo was prompt and knew my history and was clear about my status and next steps.May 16, 2025
Dr Adam Provost was patient to answer my questions. I had ruled out ever wearing contacts again but he took the time to explore options with me.May 16, 2025
Just had my LASIK procedure yesterday, and treatment for a chalazion on my eyelid earlier this week, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Longwood was fast, caring and made me feel safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. I couldn’t recommend them more! Dr. Warren performed my LASIK Surgery at the Eye and LASIK center in West Springfield and I couldn’t be happier with the surgery and after care. He explained everything I asked about, and even things I didn’t think to ask about and actually cared about how I was doing before, during and after my procedure. Thank you Dr. Warren!May 09, 2025
So I would have lost my right eye were it not for Longwood. A local small town doc couldn't see me for a week. Longwood saw me right away and within 2 days was performing an urgently needed and extremely difficult detached retina surgery... The surgery had to repeat and vision isn't like I'm 20 again, but after a cataract surgery, I'm able to use the right for reading now and don't need cheaters. So I'm very happy with what Doctors Ying and Fay were able to accomplish with what little mother nature left them. I believe we are blessed to have a world class organization like Longwood in Western Mass doing what they do. I highly recommend you visit Longwood YEARLY and call them right away if you detect any problems in your vision. Outstanding doctors, service, and simply an excellent organization. THANK YOU EVERYONE AT LONGWOOD! 😎May 08, 2025
I had my LASIK performed at the West Springfield location by Dr. Warren - I have nothing but good things to say. I was extremely nervous for the procedure, but all of the staff was fantastic and gave me the reassurance I needed to get through it. The doctor and nurses chat with you through the duration of the procedure which really helped take the focus away from my nerves. All of the staff are extremely professional and personable. Additionally, I cannot believe how much other lasik offices charge for this procedure - Longwood truly is the best in the business, both cost effective and their professionalism. The very next day after my procedure I could see perfectly - the staff shared the same excitement as I did. I additionally want to note how spectacular Dr. Walkowiak is. He does a great job in connecting with his patients, and talked me through every step of what the procedure would entail. If you’re looking to get LASIK, this is the place to go - cannot recommend it highly enough.May 08, 2025
The staff and Technicians are so nice to me it’s unbelievable. Especially Doctor Lotufo. He’s a Great Doctor and a wonderful person! I would Recommend any Family member or friends to Longwood & LASIK.May 08, 2025
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