Expert Cataract Care in Lynnwood & Bothell, WA
Cataracts are a natural part of aging, but the good news is that modern cataract surgery can help restore clear vision. If you’ve noticed that your vision has become cloudy, colors appear dull, or glare from headlights makes driving at night difficult, cataracts may be the cause.
At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we offer comprehensive cataract surgery co-management, ensuring your pre-operative and post-operative care is seamless.
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which occurs as proteins in the lens break down over time. This leads to:
- Blurry or hazy vision that doesn’t improve with glasses
- Increased glare and halos around lights, especially at night
- Faded or yellow-tinted colors
- Difficulty reading, driving, or recognizing faces
- Frequent prescription changes that don’t seem to help
Cataracts progress gradually, but once they start interfering with your daily life, cataract surgery is the only effective treatment.
How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
Cataract surgery is a quick and highly successful procedure where the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens restores clarity, enhances colors, and reduces glare.
Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs):
- Monofocal Lenses: Provides clear vision at one distance (may still require glasses for reading).
- Multifocal Lenses: Improves vision at near, intermediate, and far distances for greater independence from glasses.
- Toric Lenses: Designed for patients with astigmatism to improve clarity.
- Light-Adjustable Lenses: Allows for post-surgery customization to fine-tune vision correction.
Our Co-Management Explained
Cataract surgery co-management ensures your entire cataract treatment—from diagnosis to recovery—is well-coordinated. At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we partner with leading cataract surgeons to provide:
What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Step 1: Comprehensive Cataract Evaluation
We assess your cataracts, review your symptoms, and determine the best timing for surgery. We discuss IOL options to customize your vision based on your daily needs.
Step 2: Referral to a Cataract Surgeon
Our team coordinates with a highly experienced eye surgeon and helps schedule your procedure. You receive pre-operative instructions to prepare for surgery.
Step 3: The Cataract Surgery Procedure
The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes per eye and is performed on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia ensures a pain-free experience. The surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a new IOL.
Step 4: Post-Surgery & Recovery
Your first follow-up appointment is scheduled within 24-48 hours after surgery. We monitor healing progress and vision clarity over several weeks. The final vision assessment determines if additional correction, like reading glasses, is needed.
FAQ About Cataract Surgery
At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we provide comprehensive cataract surgery co-management, ensuring a smooth transition from diagnosis to recovery. Schedule an appointment to start your journey toward clearer, sharper vision!