Vance Thompson Vision Northern Colorado takes pride in being world leaders in quality vision correction and setting global standards for excellent patient care in ophthalmology. We specialize in many forms of vision surgery and treatment with a specific focus on LASIK, refractive cataract surgery, glaucoma, cornea care, and oculoplastics.
Cataract Surgery in Northern Colorado: What It Is and How It Can Change Your Life
As we age, changes in our vision are almost inevitable. You may begin to notice things like difficulty reading fine print, trouble driving at night, or feeling like colors just aren’t as vivid as they once were. While these symptoms can sometimes be attributed to common eye strain or aging, they are often signs of cataracts—a condition that affects millions of Americans each year.
At Vance Thompson Vision in Northern Colorado, we specialize in helping people regain clarity and confidence through advanced cataract surgery. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cataracts, how surgery can restore your vision, and whether it might be time to take the next step.
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is located behind the iris (the colored part of your eye). This lens is responsible for focusing light onto the retina, helping us see sharp images. Over time, the proteins in the lens can clump together, forming a cloudy area that blocks or distorts light. The result? Blurry or dim vision that often gets worse with time.
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over 60. According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of Americans will either develop cataracts or undergo cataract surgery by the age of 80.
Contact Details:
Vance Thompson Vision - Northern Colorado
2975 Ginnala Dr STE 120, Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 775-5453
Website: https://www.vancethompsonvision.com/locations/northern-colorado
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Cataracts don’t form overnight. They develop slowly and subtly, which means you might not even notice the changes at first. However, as the cloudiness increases, several symptoms can begin to interfere with daily life:
Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
Sensitivity to light or glare (especially at night)
Halos around lights
Poor night vision
Faded or yellowed colors
Double vision in one eye
Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to consider a cataract evaluation. At Vance Thompson Vision in Northern Colorado, our specialists are here to guide you through the process with clarity and care.
Cataract surgery isn’t always necessary immediately after diagnosis. In early stages, a stronger prescription or better lighting may help you cope. But as the cataract progresses, it can significantly interfere with your quality of life. That’s when surgery becomes the best option.
Here are signs it might be time to consider surgery:
You avoid night driving due to poor vision
You find it difficult to read, even with glasses
You struggle to recognize faces or watch TV clearly
Your favorite hobbies, like painting or golfing, are no longer enjoyable due to poor sight
You’ve had multiple changes in your glasses prescription in a short time
The good news? Cataract surgery is a safe, effective, and widely performed procedure—one that has helped millions of people regain independence and clarity.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. It is performed under local anesthesia, meaning you’ll be awake but completely comfortable. Most patients report little to no pain during or after the procedure.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:
1. Your eye is numbed with special eye drops.
2. A small incision is made in the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye).
3. The cloudy natural lens is gently broken up using ultrasound and removed.
4. A new, artificial lens—called an intraocular lens (IOL)—is inserted in its place.
5. The incision heals naturally without the need for stitches in most cases.
You'll rest for a short time in recovery and return home the same day. While everyone heals at a slightly different pace, many patients notice improved vision within just a few days.
One of the most exciting advancements in cataract surgery is the variety of IOLs available. Your replacement lens can be tailored to fit your vision needs and lifestyle.
At Vance Thompson Vision, we offer the following options:
Monofocal IOLs – These provide clear distance vision, but you’ll still need reading glasses for close work.
Multifocal IOLs – These are designed to give you near, intermediate, and distance vision, reducing the need for glasses.
Toric IOLs – If you have astigmatism, these lenses can correct it while also replacing your cataract-affected lens.
Light-Adjustable IOLs – These cutting-edge lenses can be customized after surgery using a special light treatment for precise visual outcomes.
During your consultation, our team will help you choose the best IOL for your needs, hobbies, and long-term goals.
You don’t have to live with blurry, dim, or distorted vision. Cataract surgery at Vance Thompson Vision in Northern Colorado can help you rediscover the beauty of the world around you—clearly and comfortably.
Our expert team is here to answer your questions, guide you through every step of the process, and ensure you receive the highest standard of care.
Schedule your consultation today and let us help you see a brighter, clearer future.