New Eyes Las Vegas
Cataract Surgery in Southern Nevada
Return to the activities you love with safe, proven cataract surgery. Our experienced surgeons have helped thousands of Northern Nevada patients see clearly again.
- Covered by Medicare and most insurances
- Outpatient procedure, typically no more than a couple of hours total
- Most patients see significantly better within the first 24 hours
Symptoms
Am I a Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.
Blurry or Cloudy Vision
Difficulty seeing clearly even with glasses or contacts.
Night Driving Difficulty
Glare and halos appearing around headlights at night.
Light Sensitivity
Bright lights cause discomfort or significant glare
Faded Colors
Colors appear dull, washed out, or yellowed
When to consider surgery: Cataracts develop gradually over time. When they begin interfering with daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces, it’s time to schedule an evaluation. Our doctors will assess your vision and help determine the best timing for your procedure.
About the Procedure
What is Cataract Surgery?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and pupil. Cataract surgery removes this cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
The procedure is one of the most common and safest surgeries performed today, with over 3 million Americans undergoing it each year. It’s typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, taking about 15–20 minutes per eye.
Using advanced microsurgical techniques, your surgeon makes a tiny incision to access and remove the clouded lens. The new artificial lens is then gently inserted and positioned. Most patients experience significant vision improvement within days.
Your Options
Choose the Right Lens for Your Lifestyle
Your lens choice affects your vision quality and glasses dependency after surgery.
Premium Option
Multifocal / EDOF Lens
- Clear vision at multiple distances
- Reduced or eliminated glasses dependency
- See near, intermediate, and far clearly
- Additional out-of-pocket cost applies
Standard Option
Monofocal Lens
- Clear vision at one distance (usually far)
- Fully covered by Medicare and insurance
- Reading glasses typically needed
- Excellent for distance activities like driving
Our team will help you understand which lens option aligns with your vision goals and budget.
The Process
Your Cataract Surgery Journey
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.
Evaluation Appointment
- Comprehensive eye exam
- Biometry measurements for lens selection
- Review of lens options and costs
- Medical history review
Surgery Day
- Procedure takes under 20 minutes
- Dilating drops administered
- Light sedation if preferred
Recovery
- Avoid strenuous activity for one week
- Vision improvement often within 24 hours
- Prescription eye drops for 4 weeks
Long-Term Results
- Annual exams to monitor eye health
- Full visual stability typically within 4–6 weeks
- YAG laser available if cloudiness returns
- Second eye scheduled 1–2 weeks later if needed
Results
Expected Outcomes & Recovery
Cataract surgery has one of the highest satisfaction rates of any elective procedure. Here's what the data — and our patients — consistently report.
Quick Recovery
Most patients notice improved vision within 24–48 hours after surgery.
Vision Improvement
Over 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better — sufficient for driving without correction.
Return to Activities
Reading and screen use can resume within a day or two. Driving is typically cleared at your 24-hour follow-up.
Long-Lasting Results
Artificial lens lasts a lifetime — cataracts will not return in the treated eye.
What Patients Can Expect in Recovery
- Mild blurriness or light sensitivity in the first 24–48 hours
- Follow-up appointments at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month
- Colors may appear more vivid — this is normal and expected
- Prescription eye drops used for approximately four weeks
- A scratchy or gritty sensation that fades within a few days
- Avoid rubbing the eye or submerging in water for two weeks
Informed Care
Safety & Risk Considerations
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures performed today. Here's what you should know.
Safety Profile
- 98% success rate with modern techniques
- No needles or stitches required
- Painless procedure with local anesthesia
- Quick recovery with minimal downtime
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary mild discomfort or irritation
- Light sensitivity for a few days
- Rare: infection, inflammation, or retinal detachment
Cataract Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cataract surgery take?
The procedure itself typically takes no more than a couple of hours from arrival to discharge. This includes prep time, administering eye drops, the surgery, and a brief recovery period before you go home. Surgery is performed as a convenient outpatient procedure — you won’t be admitted to a hospital.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. The surgery is painless, thanks to numbing eye drops and medication. You’ll remain relaxed but conscious — Valium or a similar medication is used so you stay calm. Some patients report mild pressure or awareness during the procedure, but not pain. A scratchy or gritty sensation in the first day or two after surgery is common and temporary.
What will I see during the surgery?
You won’t see anything in the room during the procedure. However, many patients see swirling lights of various colors and patterns throughout the surgery — this is completely normal. Some patients even find it interesting to watch. The procedure is life-changing, and for most people, entirely painless.
What is the right age to have cataract surgery?
There’s no fixed age. If you’re 50 or older and noticing symptoms, it may be time for an evaluation. Surgery is recommended when cataracts are affecting your quality of life — whether that’s difficulty driving, reading, or performing daily tasks. Because cataracts aren’t life-threatening, you can wait — but your vision will worsen over time without surgery.
What is the recovery time after cataract surgery?
Vision improves significantly within the first 24 hours for most patients, then continues to stabilize over the following weeks. During recovery, avoid heavy lifting, swimming, straining, and rubbing your eyes for 14 days. Medicated eye drops are used four times daily for the first week, then tapered over the next few weeks.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
The artificial lens placed during surgery does not develop cataracts. However, some patients experience posterior capsule opacification — a clouding of the thin membrane behind the lens — months or years later. This is treated quickly and painlessly with an in-office YAG laser procedure, typically in under 5 minutes.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule A Consultation
If you're ready to experience exceptional eye care, contact us today to schedule your evaluation at any of our Southern Nevada locations.