At Howerton Eye, our experienced ophthalmologists use the most advanced technology to provide comprehensive eye care for the whole family. For our patients in need of eye surgery like cataract removal, we perform these procedures at our on-site Surgical Center in South Austin, to make receiving the needed treatment very convenient.

How Cataracts Develop

Cataracts occur as part of the body’s natural aging process. A cataract is a gradual clouding of the eye’s lens, which is composed of water and protein. As the lens ages, the proteins begin to congeal together, forming cloudy, dark spots that inhibit clear vision. In the earliest stages, cataracts may not significantly alter vision. But as the cataracts worsen, they may cause blurry, dulled vision that can interfere with daily life.

Cataract Symptoms

People with cataracts can experience many symptoms, which can interfere with their ability to see clearly including:

  • Dull, hazy or blurry vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Diminished color perception
  • Annoying glare in sunlight
  • Difficulty reading, even while wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses

Is cataract surgery right for you?

If you have cataracts, you may be able to carry on with your normal life without any serious vision problems. However, when the cataracts begin interfering with your daily activities, it might be time to consider surgery as an option. Ultimately, the decision to undergo this surgery should be made after consulting with your Austin and Kyle, TX ophthalmologist. Your cataract surgeon will ask you to consider a few questions before you make your final decision, including:

  • Do your vision problems prevent you from safely performing your job?
  • Is it difficult or impossible to read or watch TV?
  • Is it strenuous to carry out routine tasks like cooking or cleaning due to poor vision?
  • Are you able to see faces clearly?
  • Is it hard for you to drive at night due to glare from oncoming headlights?
  • Is your vision interfering with your ability to live independently?

If you answer yes to these questions, it is probably time for you to consider cataracts surgery.

The Cataract Surgical Options We Offer

The Austin and Kyle, TX ophthalmologists at Howerton Eye offer the latest procedures to remove cataracts and restore vision.

  • No-Stitch Cataract Surgery
    This is an advanced, state-of-the-art procedure that is safe, minimally-invasive, and highly effective. This surgery involves your eye surgeon making a tiny, self-sealing incision using specialized tools to clear the cataracts. The entire operation can be done in just a few minutes, requiring only numbing eye drops as an anesthetic.
  • IOL Surgery
    IOL or Intraocular Lens surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens to restore vision. The artificial lens, which is made of a clear, plastic material, becomes a permanent part of the eye. The actual IOL replacement procedure takes just a few minutes to complete, but the entire appointment typically takes two hours, including prep time and monitoring afterward.

Contact Howerton Eye

If your vision and overall quality of life are being affected by cataracts, the ophthalmologists at Howerton Eye can help! We offer safe and effective cataract surgery to patients living in Austin, TX and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (512) 443-9715 or book an appointment online to begin the process of restoring your vision so you can once again fully enjoy all the wonderful sights this world has to offer!