Understanding Cataracts and Cataract Surgery in Glendale, Arizona

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. Think of it like a window getting foggy - as the lens becomes cloudy, your vision becomes blurry and unclear.

Cataracts are extremely common and are a natural part of aging. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

Common Cataract Symptoms:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Colors appear faded or yellowed
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Halos around lights
• Glare from headlights or sunlight
• Frequent prescription changes in glasses
• Double vision in one eye

The good news? Cataracts are very treatable with surgery, which is one of the safest and most successful procedures in all of medicine.

Learn more about cataracts and treatment options

You may benefit from cataract surgery if your cataracts are interfering with your daily activities and quality of life. Ask yourself:

Daily Living:

• Is it hard to read, even with your glasses?
• Do you have trouble driving, especially at night?
• Is it difficult to see faces clearly?
• Do you struggle with hobbies you enjoy (reading, crafting, golf)?
• Are bright lights or glare bothersome?

Safety Concerns:

• Are you having trouble seeing steps or curbs?
• Is nighttime driving becoming dangerous?
• Have you had any near-misses or falls due to vision?

During your comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Paturi will evaluate the severity of your cataracts and discuss whether surgery is appropriate. The decision is always yours - we'll never pressure you into surgery. We'll help you understand your options so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.

Many patients wish they hadn't waited so long once they see how much clearer their vision is after surgery!

Schedule a cataract evaluation with Dr. Paturi

No, cataract surgery is not painful. This is one of the most common concerns patients have, and we want to reassure you:

During Surgery:

• You'll receive numbing eye drops so you won't feel pain
• Light sedation helps you relax
• You'll be awake but comfortable
• The procedure takes only 15-20 minutes
• Most patients report feeling slight pressure but no pain

After Surgery:

• Your eye may feel slightly scratchy or irritated (like an eyelash is in your eye)
• Mild discomfort is normal and easily managed
• Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient
• Prescribed eye drops prevent infection and reduce inflammation
• Most discomfort resolves within 24-48 hours

What Patients Say: "I was so nervous, but I didn't feel anything during the surgery. Dr. Paturi talked me through every step and I was amazed at how easy it was."

The anticipation is usually worse than the actual experience. Dr. Paturi has performed thousands of cataract surgeries and prioritizes your comfort throughout the entire process.

The surgery itself takes only 15-20 minutes per eye. However, you should plan for 2-3 hours at the surgery center for your entire visit.

Here's what to expect on surgery day:

Preparation (60-90 minutes):

• Check-in and paperwork
• Pre-operative preparations
• Dilating eye drops
• Meeting with the anesthesia team
• Final questions with Dr. Paturi

Surgery (15-20 minutes):

• The actual procedure is remarkably quick
• You'll be awake but relaxed
• Dr. Paturi removes the cloudy lens
• A new intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted
• No stitches needed in most cases

Recovery (30-45 minutes):

• Brief rest in the recovery area
• Post-operative instructions
• Prescription eye drops provided
• Release to go home

Important: You'll need someone to drive you home. You cannot drive yourself after surgery due to the sedation and dilating drops.

We perform surgery at two state-of-the-art facilities: Boswell Eye Institute and Desert Ridge Surgery Center, both specializing in eye surgery.

Most patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours after cataract surgery, though complete healing takes a few weeks.

Recovery Timeline:

Day 1 (Surgery Day):

• Vision will be blurry initially (this is normal)
• Wear your protective eye shield
• Rest at home
• Use prescribed eye drops as directed

Days 2-3:

• Vision starts clearing significantly
• Many patients are amazed at how much better they see
• Colors appear brighter and more vivid
• Continue eye drops
• Wear eye shield while sleeping

Week 1:

• Continue improving daily
• Follow-up appointment with Dr. Paturi
• Resume most normal activities (with some restrictions)
• Keep using eye drops as prescribed

Weeks 2-4:

• Vision continues stabilizing
• Most patients resume all normal activities
• Final follow-up to ensure proper healing

1-3 Months:

• Complete healing and vision stabilization
• Final glasses prescription if needed
• Full recovery achieved

Activity Restrictions (First Week):

• No heavy lifting (over 10-15 pounds)
• No swimming or hot tubs
• Avoid getting water directly in your eye
• No rubbing your eye
• Avoid dusty/dirty environments

What You CAN Do:

• Watch TV, read (if comfortable)
• Use computer or smartphone
• Light walking
• Most daily activities
• Drive (once cleared by Dr. Paturi, usually 24-48 hours)

Every patient heals at their own pace, but the vast majority return to normal activities within a week.

Learn more about cataract surgery recovery

We typically perform cataract surgery on one eye at a time, with procedures usually scheduled 1-2 weeks apart.

Why One Eye at a Time?

Safety First:

• Allows the first eye to heal properly
• Minimizes risk of complications in both eyes
• Ensures we can monitor healing closely

Better Outcomes:

• We can assess results from the first eye
• Make any adjustments needed for the second eye
• You maintain some functional vision during recovery

Reduced Risk:

• If any rare complications occur, only one eye is affected
• You can care for yourself more easily with one good eye

Practical Benefits:

• You can continue most activities between surgeries
• You can drive (once cleared) while waiting for the second eye
• Less overwhelming than recovering from both eyes simultaneously

Exceptions: In rare cases, patients with special circumstances might have both eyes done closer together. Dr. Paturi will discuss the best timeline for your specific situation during your consultation.

Most patients tell us they wish they had scheduled the second eye even sooner after seeing how much better the first eye sees!

At Anew Vision Eye Specialists, we offer the full range of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) to match your vision goals and lifestyle.

Monofocal IOLs (Standard - Covered by Insurance)

● Provides excellent vision at ONE distance (usually distance vision)
● You'll need reading glasses for close-up work
● Great option for patients comfortable wearing glasses
● Covered by Medicare and most insurance plans

Toric IOLs (For Astigmatism)

● Corrects astigmatism during cataract surgery
● Reduces dependence on glasses for distance vision
● Premium lens with additional out-of-pocket cost
● Excellent for patients with significant astigmatism

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs

● Provides good distance and intermediate vision
● Less dependence on glasses for computer work and dashboard
● Minimal glare/halos compared to multifocal lenses
● Great for patients who want extended range without multifocal downsides

Multifocal IOLs

● Provides vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, far)
● Maximum independence from glasses
● Best for patients who want to minimize glasses use
● May experience some glare/halos, especially at night

Multifocal Toric IOLs

● Combines multifocal and astigmatism correction
● Best for patients with astigmatism wanting glasses independence
● Premium option with highest out-of-pocket cost
● Excellent outcomes for the right candidate

Which IOL is Right for You? During your consultation, Dr. Paturi will:

● Perform comprehensive testing (corneal topography, biometry, OCT)
● Discuss your lifestyle and vision priorities
● Explain the pros and cons of each lens type
● Help you choose the best option for YOUR needs

There's no "best" lens for everyone - it depends on your individual eyes, lifestyle, and goals.

Learn more about IOL options

It depends on which type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose. Let's break it down:

With Standard Monofocal IOLs:

• Most patients need glasses for reading and close work
• Distance vision is usually excellent without glasses
• You may need glasses for driving if you choose near vision focus
• Most affordable option (covered by insurance)

With Premium IOLs (Multifocal or EDOF):

• Significantly reduced need for glasses
• Many patients are glasses-free for most activities
• Some may still want glasses for very fine print or prolonged reading
• Night driving may still benefit from glasses

With Toric IOLs (for Astigmatism):

• Corrects astigmatism for better distance vision without glasses
• Will still need reading glasses (unless combined with multifocal)
• Much clearer distance vision than standard IOLs for astigmatic patients

The Reality: Even with premium lenses, some patients choose to use reading glasses occasionally for prolonged reading or very small print. However, most are thrilled with their reduced dependence on glasses for everyday activities.

Dr. Paturi's Approach: We'll discuss your vision priorities during your consultation:

● Are you okay with reading glasses if it means excellent distance vision?
● Do you want to minimize glasses for most activities?
● Is night driving important for your lifestyle?
● What's your budget for premium lens upgrades?

Your answers help us recommend the best IOL for YOUR lifestyle and goals.

Cataract surgery costs vary depending on your insurance coverage and the type of lens you choose.

With Insurance/Medicare (Standard Cataract Surgery):

• Basic cataract surgery with a standard monofocal IOL is typically fully covered by Medicare and most insurance plans
• You may have copays or deductibles depending on your specific plan
• All necessary pre-operative testing is usually covered
• Post-operative care and follow-up visits are included

Premium Lens Upgrades (Out-of-Pocket Costs): If you choose a premium IOL, there are additional costs beyond what insurance covers:

• Toric IOL (astigmatism correction): Additional cost per eye
• Multifocal IOL (reduced glasses dependence): Additional cost per eye
• Extended Depth of Focus IOL: Additional cost per eye

Cost typically ranges from $1,500-$3,500+ per eye for premium lens upgrades, depending on the lens type.

Financing Options:

• Flexible payment plans available
• Alpheon medical financing
• HSA/FSA funds can be used
• Discuss payment options with our staff

What's Included:

• Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation
• All necessary testing (corneal topography, biometry, OCT)
• Surgery at our certified surgical centers
• The IOL itself
• Post-operative care and follow-up visits
• Post-operative medications

Get a Personalized Quote: Every patient's situation is different. Call us at 602-459-7267 and our staff will:

• Verify your insurance benefits
• Provide a detailed cost breakdown
• Explain financing options
• Answer all your questions

We believe in complete pricing transparency - no surprise bills!

Schedule a consultation to discuss your options

Yes! Medicare covers cataract surgery when it's medically necessary (meaning your cataracts are affecting your daily activities and quality of life).

What Medicare Covers (Part B):

• Comprehensive pre-operative eye exam and testing
• Cataract surgery procedure
• Standard monofocal intraocular lens (IOL)
• Surgeon's fees
• Surgical facility fees
• Post-operative care and follow-up visits

What Medicare Typically Covers: After you meet your Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, and you're responsible for the remaining 20% (unless you have supplemental insurance).

What Medicare Does NOT Cover:

• Premium IOL upgrades (multifocal, toric, extended depth of focus lenses)
• Additional costs associated with premium lens options
• Refractive laser procedures combined with cataract surgery

Premium Lens Upgrades: If you choose a premium IOL for reduced glasses dependence or astigmatism correction, Medicare covers the standard cataract surgery portion, and you pay the difference for the lens upgrade (typically $1,500-$3,500+ per eye).

Medicare Advantage Plans: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan instead of original Medicare, coverage may be slightly different. We'll verify your specific benefits.

How We Help: Our staff will:

• Verify your Medicare coverage before surgery
• Explain exactly what your out-of-pocket costs will be
• Submit all claims to Medicare on your behalf
• Answer any billing questions

We accept Medicare assignment, meaning we accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment (plus your cost-sharing).

Questions about Medicare coverage? Call us at 602-459-7267 and we'll walk you through everything.

YAG capsulotomy is a quick, painless laser procedure to treat posterior capsule opacification (PCO), sometimes called a "secondary cataract."

What is PCO? After cataract surgery, the lens capsule (the thin membrane that holds your IOL) can become cloudy over time. This happens in about 20-40% of patients, usually months to years after surgery. It's NOT a cataract growing back - cataracts cannot return after they're removed.

Symptoms of PCO:

• Vision becomes cloudy or hazy again (similar to original cataract)
• Glare or halos around lights
• Difficulty reading
• Colors seem less bright

The YAG Capsulotomy Procedure:

• Performed right in our office (no surgery center needed)
• Takes only 5-10 minutes
• Completely painless
• Uses a laser to create a small opening in the cloudy capsule
• Vision improvement is often immediate
• No incisions, no stitches, no recovery time

What to Expect:

1. Dilating drops to open your pupil
2. Numbing drops for comfort
3. You sit at a laser (like a regular exam)
4. Dr. Paturi uses the laser to create a small opening (you might see flashes of light)
5. You're done! Resume normal activities immediately

After YAG Capsulotomy:

• Vision often clears within hours
• You may see some floaters for a few days (normal)
• Follow-up exam to ensure proper results

Is It Covered by Insurance? Yes! YAG capsulotomy is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans when medically necessary.

The good news: YAG capsulotomy is a one-time treatment. Once the capsule is opened, it won't cloud over again.

Learn more about YAG capsulotomy

No, cataracts cannot come back after surgery because the natural lens containing the cataract has been completely removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

However, some patients experience cloudy vision again months or years after surgery. This is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), sometimes referred to as a "secondary cataract" - though it's not actually a cataract.

What is PCO?

• The lens capsule (thin membrane holding your IOL) becomes cloudy
• Happens in 20-40% of cataract surgery patients
• Can occur months to years after surgery
• More common in younger patients
• Causes similar symptoms to a cataract (blurry vision, glare)

The Good News: PCO is easily treated with YAG capsulotomy, a quick, painless laser procedure performed in our office. It takes 5-10 minutes, requires no incisions or surgery, and vision improvement is often immediate.

Prevention: Modern IOLs are designed to reduce the risk of PCO, but there's no way to completely prevent it. If it happens, it's a simple fix!

Bottom Line: Your original cataract is gone forever. If your vision becomes cloudy again, it's likely PCO, which is very treatable.