Advanced Cataract Surgery in Olympia, WA

Cataract surgery is a standard and highly successful procedure used to treat cataracts, which occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy and affects vision. The goal is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL), so you can see more clearly again.

Here’s how it’s typically performed:

1. Preparation – You’ll receive eye-numbing drops (and sometimes a mild sedative) so you’re comfortable and don’t feel pain.

2. Small incision – The surgeon makes a tiny opening in the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye).

3. Lens removal – Using ultrasound or laser technology, the cloudy lens is broken into small pieces and gently removed.

4. Lens replacement – A clear artificial IOL is inserted into the same spot where your natural lens used to be.

5. Quick recovery – The incision is so small it often heals on its own without stitches, and most people go home the same day.

The procedure usually takes about 15–30 minutes per eye, and vision often begins to improve within a few days, with full healing in a few weeks.

Yes — cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine.

Safety:

• It has a very high success rate, with serious complications being rare.

• Advances in surgical techniques and technology have made it minimally invasive, usually requiring only a tiny incision.

• Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure, thanks to numbing eye drops and mild sedation.

Effectiveness:

• Over 90–95% of patients report improved vision after surgery.

• Many people see more clearly almost immediately, with continued improvement as the eye heals.

• Replacing the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens not only restores vision but can also reduce dependence on glasses (especially if you choose a premium lens option).

While all surgery carries some risk (like infection, swelling, or retinal detachment), these are uncommon and often treatable if caught early. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following post-op instructions significantly reduces risks.

Light Adjustable Lens 

• Implantation of a lens within the eye that is adjusted after surgery
• The lens shape is customized based on your power and astigmatism correction needs

Expanded Focal Range 

• Corrects low to high levels of astigmatism
• Corrects vision for distance, mid-range, and near
• Reduces dependence on glasses for most activities

Single Focus 

• Corrects low to high levels of astigmatism
• Corrects vision for distance OR near
• Glasses will be required for some activities

Blended Vision or Monovision 

• Corrects low to high levels of astigmatism
• Corrects one eye for distance and one eye for near
• Glasses may be required for some activities

Traditional Cataract Surgery

• Glasses are typically required for most activities after surgery ($75 fee for Rx)

The cost of laser eye surgery for cataracts in Olympia can vary based on the technology and the lens.

Standard or traditional cataract surgery is typically covered by insurance, but premium lens options involve additional out-of-pocket costs as follows:

Light Adjustable Lens - $4500 per eye

• Implantation of a lens within the eye that is adjusted after surgery
• The lens shape is customized based on your power and astigmatism correction needs

Expanded Focal Range - $3400 per eye 

• Corrects low to high levels of astigmatism
• Corrects vision for distance, mid-range, and near
• Reduces dependence on glasses for most activities

Single Focus - $2100 per eye 

• Corrects low to high levels of astigmatism
• Corrects vision for distance OR near
• Glasses will be required for some activities

Blended Vision or Monovision - $2100 per eye

• Corrects low to high levels of astigmatism
• Corrects one eye for distance and one eye for near
• Glasses may be required for some activities

Traditional Cataract Surgery - Insurance-based

• Glasses are typically required for most activities after surgery ($75 fee for Rx)

📅 First 24–48 hours

• Many people notice clearer vision within a day.

• Your eye may feel a little gritty, watery, or sensitive to light.

• Avoid rubbing your eye and follow your doctor’s drop schedule.

📅 First week

• Most daily activities can be resumed, but avoid heavy lifting, bending forward for long periods, or swimming.

• Vision continues to sharpen as the eye heals.

📅 1–4 weeks

• The majority of healing occurs in this period.

• Any mild blurriness, halos, or light sensitivity usually improves.

📅 Full recovery

• Typically 4–6 weeks, though most people feel “back to normal” much sooner.

• At your follow-up visit, your doctor will check healing and discuss new glasses if needed.

In short, functional vision often returns within days, but complete healing takes about a month or so.