June is dedicated to raising awareness about cataracts — one of the most common and treatable causes of vision loss worldwide.

Cataracts affect more than 24 million Americans over age 40.
The good news? Cataract surgery is a safe, effective, and often life-changing procedure.

💭What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, typically due to the aging process. Over time, proteins in the lens clump together, scattering light and making vision blurry, dim, or hazy.

Common causes include:

• Aging (most common)

• Diabetes

• Eye injuries or surgeries

• Long-term steroid use

• Excessive UV exposure

• Smoking

Fortunately, cataracts are treatable, and modern cataract surgery can restore sharp, vibrant vision.

🤔Signs It Might Be Time for Cataract Surgery

Cataracts can develop slowly, but when they begin to interfere with your daily life, surgery may be the right step.

You might be ready for cataract surgery if you notice:

• Blurry or cloudy vision that glasses can’t fix

• Difficulty seeing at night or in low light

• Increased sensitivity to light or glare

• Halos around lights (especially when driving)

• Frequent changes in glasses prescriptions

• Faded or dull colors

• Trouble reading, driving, or recognizing faces

If cataracts are holding you back — in work, in travel, or in life — modern surgery offers fast recovery and personalized lens options.

📷Modern Lens Options: Choosing the Right IOL for You

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Today’s advanced technology means you have options tailored to your lifestyle and visual goals.

🔍 Types of IOLs:

1. Monofocal IOLs

• Focus at a single distance (usually far)

• Most common and covered by insurance

• Reading glasses still needed

2. Toric IOLs

• Correct both cataracts and astigmatism

• Ideal for patients with moderate to high astigmatism

3. Multifocal / Trifocal IOLs

• Provide near, intermediate, and distance vision

• Reduce dependence on glasses for most activities

• May cause halos or glare in low light for some patients

4. Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs

• Smooth range of vision, especially distance to intermediate

• Fewer halos than traditional multifocals

• May still require reading glasses for fine print

5. Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)

• The only lens that can be customized after surgery

• Uses UV light treatments to fine-tune vision in-office

• Ideal for patients who want the most precise outcome possible

• Requires special UV-protective glasses for a few weeks after surgery

Your lens choice depends on your lifestyle, hobbies, and visual needs.
I’ll help you choose the right lens — whether you climb mountains, read fine print, or drive at night.

📌 Explore more in our Vision Truths and Patient Resources.