Cataract Surgery in Boise, Idaho
Clearer vision may be closer than you think.
Cataract Symptoms
Having a cataract can feel like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things may appear blurry, hazy, or less colorful, and because the changes are often gradual, many patients don't realize how much their vision has dimmed until after surgery.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurry or hazy vision that glasses can't fully correct
- Reduced ability to see clearly at night, especially with oncoming headlights
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight or bright indoor lighting
- Colors appearing faded or yellowed
- A glasses prescription that seems to change frequently
If any of these sound familiar, a cataract evaluation is a natural next step.
Understanding Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the natural lens of the eye when it becomes cloudy due to protein buildup. Your lens focuses light onto the retina so you can see clearly, but as we age, that lens yellows, hardens, and clouds. Surgery is the only effective treatment, and over 3 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States every year.
Dr. Kent performs advanced cataract surgery using the "no injection, no stitch" technique. Cataracts are removed through a process called phacoemulsification, which uses ultrasound waves to gently break up and remove the cloudy lens through a tiny incision, no blades, no stitches, and a fast recovery.
Lens Implant Choices for Cataract Surgery
During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear intraocular lens implant (IOL). The choice of lens is one of the most important decisions in the process; it determines how you'll see for the rest of your life.
Dr. Kent takes time to discuss your lifestyle, career, hobbies, and vision goals before recommending the lens options best suited to your needs. Premium lens options include:
Multifocal IOLs (PanOptix)
a full range of near, intermediate, and distance vision with significantly reduced dependence on glasses
Extended depth of focus IOLs (Vivity)
continuous, high-quality distance and intermediate vision with improved near, and fewer halos or starbursts than older multifocal designs
Astigmatism-correcting toric IOLs
sharp, clear vision at distance without the blur of astigmatism
Standard monofocal IOLs
excellent distance or near vision; glasses typically still needed for the other range
What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are nothing to fear. In fact, surgery is often a genuine opportunity to see more clearly than you have in years. Cataract surgery is performed at an outpatient surgery center and you'll typically be there for about two hours total. Your eye is numbed with drops, and you may receive a mild relaxant to help you feel at ease. You'll be awake during the procedure, but comfortable, and will only see light and movement.
Dr. Kent makes a tiny incision near the edge of your cornea, uses ultrasound to gently remove the cloudy lens, and inserts your new lens implant. A protective shield is placed over your eye, and after a brief recovery period of 15–30 minutes, you're ready to go home. Most patients notice a significant improvement in clarity almost immediately, and many drive themselves to their follow-up visit the very next morning.
Schedule Your Cataract Evaluation in Boise
If you're experiencing blurry vision, increased glare, or a prescription that keeps changing, a cataract evaluation is a great next step. Dr. Kent and our team will assess your eyes, walk you through your lens options, and help you make the decision that's right for your vision and your life.