Cataract Surgery in Central Northwest

Cataract Surgery in Central Northwest

Offering Pre-Operative & Post-Operative Care

(713) 686-3221

Don’t Let Cataracts Cloud Your Vision

Over 50% of people aged 65 and older have a cataract in one or both eyes. As the cataract progresses, vision deteriorates, leading to a decreased quality of life. Fortunately, cataract surgery can easily treat this condition.

Senior couple smiling

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are cloudy patches that develop on the lens of your eye. Cataracts can cause blurred or double vision, may increase light sensitivity and interfere with driving, especially at night. Without cataract surgery, millions of people around the world would be unable to see clearly.

The most common symptoms include:
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Trouble seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to glare
  • Colored halos around lights
  • Colors appearing more faded
  • Requiring brighter light for reading

When to Get Cataract Surgery

As we evaluate your eye health and vision, we'll carefully examine your lens for signs of cataract formation. If a cataract is detected and the clouding is causing visual disruption, our optometrist will refer you to a trusted surgeon for cataract surgery. Memorial Eye Center - Oak Forest will be there for you, providing pre and post cataract surgery care.

As the condition begins to seriously impair your vision and adversely affects your daily life, impacting your ability to read, drive, watch TV or recognize faces, you should seriously consider surgery.

Woman smiling

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

  • High success rate

    Cataract surgery, one of the world’s most commonly performed surgeries, has a 95% success rate.

  • Quick and convenient

    This procedure can take just 30 to 45 minutes in an outpatient setting or hospital.

  • Prevents other eye problems

    Removing cataracts can reduce the risk of eye inflammation and pressure inside the eye–a leading cause of glaucoma.

  • Rapid recovery time

    Patients start seeing more clearly within a few days. Colors may seem brighter thanks to the new, clear lens.


How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

  • Apply antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eyedrops a few days before surgery if instructed to by your eye doctor
  • Arrange for a ride after the surgery, since you won’t be able to drive
  • Wash your face in the morning of the procedure and don’t wear eye makeup, strong perfumes or aftershave

What Happens During Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery removes your natural cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to improve and restore vision. This common and very safe procedure is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an outpatient basis.

  • The eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) will perform cataract surgery on one eye at a time. That means that you will come in for another surgery on the second eye. The procedure is brief and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
  • The eye doctor will place drops into your eyes to numb them and dilate your pupils. Though you’ll be conscious during the procedure, you may be offered a sedative to help you remain calm. The eye surgeon will then remove your natural lens and replace it with the IOL. You should feel no pain or discomfort thanks to the anesthetic.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery After-Care

Senior couple with glasses

After surgery, you may feel a bit drowsy as an after-effect of the sedative. Your eye doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection, inflammation and to reduce pressure within your eye. The surgeon may recommend that you wear an eye patch for a few days after your surgery and the protective shield when you sleep during the recovery period. Make sure to avoid rubbing your eyes or touching them unless necessary.

A day after cataract surgery, we'll provide a post-operative eye exam to make sure that all is well. Your Central Northwest optometrist will further perform a series of follow-up exams in the weeks and months to come. If determined that you require corrective lenses following your cataract surgery, we'll make sure you get the proper prescription.


Cataract Surgery Management FAQs

What are side effects of cataract surgery?

While side effects are rare, there are some issues that people commonly encounter in the days after surgery, as the eyes heal.

  • Dry eye
  • Feeling that something is in the eye
  • Blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity

If any of these side effects do not subside within a week or two, please contact Memorial Eye Center - Oak Forest.

Can I delay cataract surgery

You can delay cataract surgery, but keep in mind that your vision will likely worsen the longer you put off the procedure.

When is cataract surgery not recommended?

Cataract patients who also have age-related macular degeneration or retinal detachment may not respond well to cataract surgery and the new lens may not correct vision.

Can cataract surgery give me 20/20 vision?

If you had great vision before developing cataracts, it’s likely that cataract surgery will restore your sight. Moreover, the IOL inserted into your eye can be designed to correct refractive errors, providing you with clear vision.

Patient Reviews
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188 Reviews
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- Nov. 04, 2024
In and out quickly. They were able to accommodate me and my family in one visit.
- Sep. 14, 2024
Great beside manners and office is always clean.
- Aug. 29, 2024
10 out of 10 recommend Memorial Eye Center. Dr. Chau is amazing! I can see now! Liliana helped me ch... oose the perfect pair of frames and lenses. I will definitely be returning for next year's exam!
- Aug. 29, 2024
I’m usually very apprehensive about going to a new doctor, but the crew here made everything extre... mely simple and easy for me. From the associates at the front desk to the doctor that got me in and out it was seamless. Dr. Chau was very professional and expedient. Also Liliana and Jackelyn were very attentive to my needs, and gave me great advice on all the different frames that were available with no pressure. I will definitely be returning!
- Aug. 24, 2024
The staff are awesome great customer service and very professional-team
- Jul. 31, 2024
Very understanding after we missed our first appointment .
- Jul. 22, 2024
Great staff and overall good experience. This clinic is also conveniently located for me. I would re... commend. 5/5 Stars
- Jun. 24, 2024
Great staff, very friendly. They are quick and efficient. Very informative.
- Jun. 05, 2024
Very professional and friendly staff. They took care of me and answered all my questions. I’d defi... nitely recommend my family and friends.
- May. 14, 2024
I was a patient of the previous doctor before she relocated.
- Apr. 20, 2024
Easy. Simple no frills.
- Feb. 23, 2024
This place is PHENOMENAL. Everyone that works here is so nice and fantastic at their jobs. I think ... if I ever move, I will make trips back to houston specifically for this company 😊
- Feb. 21, 2024
Great customer service, staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.
- Feb. 16, 2024
Great experience! Seen quickly, everyone was super friendly and helpful
- Jan. 25, 2024
The doctor is amazing along with the staff.
- Dec. 29, 2023
I loved Dr. Chau!! She was helpful listening to all my needs and was very knowledgeable and kind. Sh... e recommended a few things to help with my dry eyes when I answered yes to having dry eyes and remembered to ask and check on previous eye issues from the last visit. Jackie was so sweet as well! She helped me check out and never pushed me to purchase any glasses or contacts. This is my third year seeing Dr. Chau and Jackie, and I’ll be back next year!
- Dec. 22, 2023
I am older and needed glasses for the first time. The first pair were progressives and did not work... for me at all. When I told the staff they found out what the problem was for me and ordered me new lenses that work perfectly. I was very happy with how well they took care of me and everyone that works there is super nice!
- Dec. 05, 2023
The staff and docs at Memorial Eye Center Oak Forest are lovely! The office is clean, organized, and... supports technology like Optomap for retinal imaging. I saw Dr. Chau and was very pleased with her manner and ability to explain eye health. I’ll be coming back for my routine exams and glasses.
- Sep. 13, 2023
Great doctor and staff!
- Aug. 29, 2023
Great service, professional and non-biased medical feedback.

View All 188 Reviews

Your Cataract Surgery Co-Management Specialist in Central Northwest

Our optometry practice in Central Northwest

Photograph of Kim-Van  Chau
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • VSP
  • Spectera
  • Metlife Vision
  • United Healthcare
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Want to see clearly again?

Contact us today for pre-operative and post-operative care

(713) 686-3221

Senior woman