Cataract Surgery in Alexandria

Cataract Surgery in Alexandria

Offering Pre-Operative & Post-Operative Care

(320) 763-4321

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. Eye Associates of Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Eye Associates of Alexandria.

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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260 Reviews
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- Sep. 20, 2024
Dr. Melissa is excellent, efficient, and kind. Very knowledgeable and truly cares about the patient ... at each visit. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 31, 2024
Great service and selection!!
- Aug. 25, 2024
Excellent care and service. Thank you
- Aug. 14, 2024
All staff were extremely friendly and helpful in answering my questions. Definitely felt like I had ... Dr. Melissa's entire attention, as well as the other staff and they didn't rush me or pressure me to buy something I didn't need or that was out of my price range. Very much recommend Eye Associates of Alexandria!
- Aug. 04, 2024
Had my first visit and love it. The entire staff is kind and A= customer service.
- Aug. 02, 2024
Terrific service and knowledge from Dr. Hoven. The staff are all extremely helpful, professional, an... d friendly.
- Jul. 23, 2024
Dr John Hoven is the epitome a caring, compassionate and dedicated doctor. He took time to explain ... all the eye test scans & results, listened to my concerns and made sure to answer any questions I had. I wish all doctors were so knowledgeable and caring.
- Jun. 27, 2024
I went into the office close to closing time without an appointment as one of my eyeglass lenses pop... ped out due to part of the eyeglass frame breaking. I was shocked how quickly I was helped as I didn't expect to be seen or helped that day. Tech John came out and said I'll see what I can do and in 30 minutes and at no charge he had repaired the damage perfectly. He couldn't have been more kind and spent extra time just talking to me. The people here were so honest and humane. I see why this clinic is so popular . It starts at the top . I'd give it 10 stars if I could .
- Jun. 27, 2024
I was visiting Alexandria when I had an urgent need to get seen. Eye Care of Alexandria fit me in sa... me day with Dr John. He was so incredibly helpful and attentive to my situation. I'm so grateful for the whole teams support. If I was local this would definitely be the place I get seen.
- Jun. 26, 2024
The entire staff is great. I have had dozens of eye exams, Dr Melissa gave the most thorough and I s... ee better than ever.
- Jun. 24, 2024
The staff is knowledgeable, informative and great to work with.
- Jun. 04, 2024
Always professional and compassionate.
- May. 21, 2024
Staff was courteous, professional, helpful, and prompt. Everyone did a great job to ensure I got exa... ctly what I needed.
- Mar. 07, 2024
Wonderful staff and great service. We LOVE our new glasses!
- Feb. 05, 2024
Very friendly staff! Went above and beyong to find a pair of glasses that they did not carry and or... dered them for me. Gave me the BOGO 50% off when the brand I choose was not supposed to be in that promo, but she gave it to me anyway without me asking. I will continue to go back to Eye Associates!
- Jan. 13, 2024
Have not heard from Vance Thompson yet from the referral I was suppose to get
- Jan. 12, 2024
I have had nothing but a pleasant and good experience with Dr Mellisa Hoven and her staff. My trust ... in Dr Hoven’s expertise and professional care is beyond superior.
- Dec. 27, 2023
Dr. Melissa Hoven and the staff are great! I always feel so confident that I am getting the best ca... re.
- Nov. 17, 2023
Great service.
- Nov. 10, 2023
Staff were so fantastic working with my 3-year-old. They kept her attention and made finding glasses... a fun experience for her. They were so kind and calm with her and were able to answer all my questions and find us the best glasses to fit her needs.

View All 260 Reviews

Your Cataract Surgery Co-Management Specialist in Alexandria

Our optometry practice in Alexandria

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Hours
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Avesis

Want to see clearly again?

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

(320) 763-4321

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