Cataracts
Is your vision foggy or blurry? Do colors appear dull and lackluster? Do your eyes hurt when you go out in the sun?
You may have cataracts. Cataracts cloud your eye's naturally clear lens, making the world around you appear hazy.
The doctors at Hines Sight in Denver, CO, perform cataract surgery to remove the cloudiness and restore your vision.
What Is a Cataract? A Clouded Lens
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens. The lens in your eye is responsible for focusing light rays on the retina, which is the part of the eye that senses light and transmits these images to the brain. When the lens becomes cloudy, light rays cannot fully pass through to the retina and your vision becomes blurry.
The Causes of a Cataract
Age
Developing cataracts is part of the normal aging process. More than half of Americans have had a cataract by age 80.
Trauma
An accident or an injury to the eye can cause a cataract to form.
Environment
Some environmental factors like toxic chemicals and certain medications have been linked to cataract development.
Light
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light or ultraviolet radiation can cause a cataract to form over time.
Heredity
You have a higher chance of developing cataracts if you have a family history of the condition.
Disease
Cataracts can also form as a result of eye disease or as a result of medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts
Many people describe the sensation of cataracts as looking through a foggy car window or a piece of wax paper. Some people also complain of double vision. Besides hampering your overall vision, a cataract can lead to the following symptoms:
Ask About Cataract Surgery From Trusted Ophthalmologists
Although cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries today, it is a serious procedure that requires an experienced eye surgeon with strong knowledge of lens implantation. The doctors at Hines Sight have provided Colorado patients with exceptional care for over 35 years. Our dedicated team offers top-quality treatments that provide effective results and a rapid recovery.
If you are struggling with symptoms of cataracts, don't hesitate. Contact our Denver, CO, practice to request your consultation.
See Why Denver, CO, Chooses Us For Their Eye Care
Dan Reed
2021
Very professional I had a very successful cataract surgery and Lasik mini years before that. Personally I have loved almost never wearing glasses!
View on GoogleKatherine thayer
2021
Have been a patient at this practice for 20 years. Office personnel are caring, friendly and competent. Have had cataract and LASIK surgeries with Dr Coco and highly recommend him.
View on GoogleThe Types Of Cataract Surgery
We offer our patients two types of cataract surgery, ultrasound and the newer version of the surgical procedure, laser. Both surgeries involve breaking up and removing your natural, clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens implant (IOL). However, the methods differ.
Ultrasound Cataract Surgery
This conventional method of cataract surgery has been used for decades. It uses ultrasound energy to break down your old, clouded lens. The fragments of your old lens are then gently removed. This type of cataract surgery requires an experienced surgeon with a steady hand as the entire process is done manually. While it may sound intimidating, this is a safe surgery that has been performed millions of times.
Laser Cataract Surgery
A newer form of surgery, this procedure uses the precision of a laser to make the corneal incision and to break apart the cataract. Since the laser is programmed on a computer, its incisions are precise as they are placed exactly where the surgeon directs it to go. The laser is highly accurate and very quick. With minimal human intervention, this form of surgery has few risks and is usually the preferred option for most patients.
Types of Intraocular Lenses Offered by Our Denver Practice
IOLs can affect the quality of your vision after cataract surgery. Our Denver, CO, practice offers four types of IOLs, each with its own unique benefits.
A trifocal lens offers clarity for near, far, and intermediate vision. The PanOptix® Lens is the first and only trifocal lens on the market. PanOptix enhances both the quality and range of your vision after cataract surgery, and may reduce your need for eyeglasses.
A monofocal lens gives you enhanced vision at a singular distance, typically far. Our Denver office uses TECNICS Eyehance™ monofocal lens. This lens was made to extend your depth of focus when compared to an older version of this monofocal lens.
The Crystalense® was modeled after the human eye and offers vision correction after cataract surgery even if you suffer from presbyopia, the inability to focus on nearby objects. This is the only lens on the market that uses the natural function of your eye to focus on objects at any distance.
The Light Adjustable Lens™ is the first customizable IOL on the market. By utilizing in-office light treatments, you can customize your vision to meet your lifestyle needs following your surgical procedure. Each light treatment only takes a few minutes.
Call Our Denver, CO,
Office Today
If You're Ready to Start Seeing Clearly
Whether you need a routine eye exam or a surgical procedure, Hines Sight provides Denver patients with the best in vision care.
Our mission is to maximize the vision and eye health of every patient we encounter. Our Colorado office uses the latest in technology to provide the highest quality of care. Hines Sight takes pride in providing state-of-the-art treatments in a relaxing, caring environment. Eye surgery can be a very intimidating thing, which is why our doctors take the time to get to know each patient's goals and needs and are happy to answer any questions about their upcoming surgical procedure.
If you're tired of looking through a cloud, contact our Denver, CO, office today to request your consultation.
(303) 777-3277
"I love this place" Happily Serving the People of Denver
Thuy Nguyen
2018
Great experience overall. I can see much better after my cataract surgery. Dr Coco is great! I have recommended him to all my family and friends.
View on GoogleMichael Thyfault
2019
Fantastic! Dr. Cocco is detailed, easy to talk to, answers questions and Duda great job on my cataracts. The staff is also very very good.
View on GoogleA Closer Look at Cataract Surgery
Wonder how cataracts are removed? Here you can see how the clouded lens of the eye is carefully extracted during cataract surgery. Following cataract removal, an intraocular lens is placed to help restore vision. The routine surgical procedure can prevent blindness.
What to Expect During Laser Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the only way to address the symptoms caused by cataracts and restore clear vision. Thankfully, surgery is virtually painless, with a quick recovery period.
Day of Procedure
The entire laser surgery should take less than an hour.
Are There Side Effects To Cataract Surgery?
It is normal to have symptoms of minor discomfort and itching during the first few days after surgery. Serious complications like infections, severe pain, eyelid swelling, and retinal detachment are rare. Your risk of developing more serious symptoms is higher if you have another eye disease or underlying medical condition. The doctors at Hines Sight are experienced and well trained on how to minimize your risk of developing these severe complications.
Contact Us Today If Your Eyesight Is Getting Worse
If seeing behind the wheel while driving a vehicle is getting increasingly more difficult, you may have a worsening cataract. With the proper surgery, we can prevent blindness and improve your sight so you can stay on the road.
The risk factors from eye surgery are minimal, especially in the hands of our experienced eye doctors. We can examine your eyes to determine if surgery is the best option to counter the effects of a cataract.
Contact Hines Sight in South Denver or call:
(308) 777-3277
"Takes the time to answer your questions" Why South Denver Comes to Our Doctors
Skip Rodgers
2021
Stanley Cushing is a great eye doctor. He takes the time to answer your questions. Great care by the support staff. Office staff is friendly.
View on GoogleDan Reed
2021
Very professional I had a very successful cataract surgery and Lasik mini years before that. Personally I have loved almost never wearing glasses!
View on GoogleCataracts and LASIK
LASIK is a refractive eye surgery used to correct many common vision problems like farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK cannot correct a clouded lens. However, if you have not achieved your best possible vision after cataract surgery, LASIK may be performed to enhance the quality of your sight.
Maintaining Your Results
After cataract removal, patients should continue seeing our eye doctors for scheduled check-ups. This provides an opportunity to bring up any questions or concerns about your eyes post-surgery, and for our eye doctors to check on the progress of your recovery.
Health and Wellness Tips for Protecting Your Vision
We also recommend patients:
- Refrain from smoking and using tobacco products
- Eat a nutritious diet with leafy greens and healthy fats
- Continue to wear sunglasses and protect their eyes from bright lights
These precautions don't just protect your eyesight after cataract removal. Following the advice above can also help minimize the risks of developing glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other age-related conditions that affect your sight.
Is Cataract Surgery Expensive?
The team at Hines Sight in South Denver believes comprehensive eye care should be accessible to people who need it. Our doctors and staff will work with patients to review all of their financial options.
Insurance Coverage
We accept many types of medical and vision insurance. Your insurance may not cover laser cataract surgery or the use of a premium IOL, but basic cataract removal and IOLs are usually covered.
We can help you work with your insurance provider to see if there are some aspects of the treatment that can be covered to keep down out-of-pocket costs.
Financing Options
Our office accepts financing through CareCredit®, allowing patients to receive treatment. Afterward, patients can pay off the balance with manageable payment plans that range from six to 60 months.
See Why Colorado Loves Hines Sight
"I've had lasik surgery years ago and recently had cataract surgery on both eyes. I wish I could give Dr. Hines six stars! Besides myself, he's done surgery on my daughter (lasik) and my grandson (lasik) and we all think of him like family. We're not, but that's the way he treated us. Because of him, I've never had to wear glasses. That's not because of great genes, but because of his skills. I was first impressed with him because he'd done a lot of work for the Colorado Avalanche hockey players. So glad I found him. I highly recommend him!" Carol Poticha, 5-Star Review
