Houston Cataract Surgery

Since 1999, Whitsett Vision Group has provided the highest quality of cataract care in the Greater Houston area. Today, we continue to set the standard in advanced lens implant technology, and excellent visual outcomes after cataract surgery

What are Cataracts?

A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside your eye. The lens functions to capture images and focus them onto the retina, which then transmits them to your brain. When the lens becomes clouded, it obstructs light from reaching the retina, making it challenging to see clearly. While cataracts often develop due to natural aging, they can also be influenced by certain medications, medical conditions, and injuries that increase your risk.


Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process of the eye, affecting about sixty percent of people over 60 and eighty percent of those over 70. This condition is progressive, meaning that once the lens begins to cloud, it will continue to deteriorate over time. Cataracts interfere with light reaching the retina, leading to changes in vision. In some cases, cataracts can develop rapidly, while in others, it may take years before noticeable vision changes occur. As cataracts mature, they often cause blurred or clouded vision and increased sensitivity to light, making tasks like reading and night driving particularly challenging.

Cataract Symptoms

  • Decreased vision

  • Difficulty reading, even with corrective lenses

  • Blurred or clouded vision

  • Light Sensitivity

  • Difficulty distinguishing colors

  • Halos or Starbursts around lights

  • Decreased night vision

  • Lack of depth perception

Causes of Cataracts

Almost everyone will develop cataracts in their lifetime, as they are a natural part of the aging process, however some conditions may cause cataracts to form earlier than in others.

  • Aging

  • Ocular trauma

  • Diabetes

  • Long-term oral steroid use

  • UV Radiation

  • Glaucoma

  • Smoking

Diagnosing and Treating Cataracts

Diagnosing Cataracts

If you suspect that you may have cataracts or have been told that you have cataracts by your optometrist, you will need to schedule a cataract evaluation with one of our experience ophthalmologists. Our cataract surgeons and staff will perform a variety of diagnostic tests, and ask you questions about your lifestyle and vision to determine if you are ready for Houston cataract surgery. Generally, once cataracts begin to interfere with your everyday activities and hobbies, a cataract should be treated.

Treating Cataracts

Once a cataract matures and begins to impair vision, no medication or corrective lenses will help improve vision. The only way to restore good vision is through surgery. While the essence of cataract surgery – removal of the natural lens – has remained the same for centuries, the specific techniques and technologies used have progressed tremendously, leading to the advanced procedure our Houston ophthalmologists perform today.

During your cataract surgery, your surgeon will use phacoemulsification (ultrasound technology) to break up and remove the clouded natural lens in your eye. They will then replace your natural lens with a flexible, clear intraocular lens (IOL.) Because of the incredible advancements in cataract surgery, there are many different options and technologies to consider for your cataract surgery, and our surgical counselors and staff will educate you about those options.

Custom Lens Implants

With cataract surgery technology advancing so quickly, it is important for today’s cataract patient to seek out a surgeon who has access to, and is experienced in the most advanced techniques and technology. The cataract surgeons at Whitsett Vision Group are committed to offering the newest, safest, most effective technology. Our status as a sought-after clinical research center ensures that our surgeons get an early look at new developments in cataract surgery, and allows us to be early adopters of the most promising lens implant technology.

Thanks to these advances in technology, cataract surgery patients have many options when it comes to choosing their lens implant technology. Your lifestyle, hobbies, and visual goals after cataract surgery will help your doctor determine which technology might be best for you.​​​​​​​

Custom Lens Implant & Technology Options


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What to Expect the Day of Surgery

Cataract surgery is performed at an outpatient surgical center, and is a relatively quick procedure. Typically, patients can expect to spend a couple of hours at the surgical center, and go home shortly after the procedure is completed.

You can expect to arrive approximately one hour prior to your procedure. Once you have checked in, you will begin to be prepared for surgery by the medical staff. The nurses will clean the area around your eye, and numbing eye drops will be used to numb your eye. Once your eye is numb, an eyelid holder, or speculum, will be placed between your eyelids to keep your eye open during your procedure.

Your surgeon will make a tiny incision, less than 1/8 of an inch wide, and use gentle vacuum suction to remove the natural lens from your eye. Next, through the same micro-incision, the new intraocular lens will be inserted, unfolded, and placed into the proper position. The incision is “self-healing” and usually requires no stitches — it heals quickly and provides a much more comfortable recuperation. The whole procedure usually takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
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You will go home shortly after the surgery and relax for the rest of the day. Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many patients report visual improvements within a few hours of their procedure. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two, with some limited restrictions for 1-2 weeks. Your surgeon will discuss any restrictions with you.

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