HOME ABOUT US OUR SERVICES MEET THE DOCTORS PATIENT RESOURCES LOCATIONS CONTACT US WHAT IS A CATARACT A cataract is a clouding, or opacification, of the natural lens inside your eye. Light that enters your eye passes through the lens on its way to the retina, and if the lens is cloudy or opaque, it can create blur, light sensitivity, and difficulties with glare around lights. All of these issues make it difficult to see, decrease your quality of life, and can create risks of falling when you’re not able to see well. TAKE CATARACT SELF-TEST Cataract Center Cataract Surgery Refractive Cataract Surgery Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Extended Depth of Focus Vision Cataract Surgery Multifocal Cataract Surgery Toric/Astigmatism What to Expect / FAQs Cataract Self-Test Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in the United States, averaging about 3.8 million procedures annually. Over the years, cataract surgery and technologies have advanced significantly, providing your ophthalmologist at Missouri Eye Institute with many new and exciting possibilities for how to improve your vision. Cataracts, in most cases, develop gradually over time—sometimes so slowly that you may not even realize your vision has deteriorated. It decreases your ability to see the brilliance and vibrancy of colors around you, and in the process causes your vision to blur. Most people describe it as a “film” over their eyes that won’t go away. This film is not treatable by eyedrops or medication. If left untreated, cataracts continue to progress and make everyday activities, such as driving, reading, and computer work, more and more difficult. Cataracts can be diagnosed by your local optometrist or one of the doctors at Missouri Eye Institute. COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS Dimming of Vision Blurring of Vision Halos Around Lights Double Vision Cataracts can start with a very gradual decrease in your ability to see the brilliance and vibrancy of colors, or they can cause your vision to blur. If cataracts are left untreated, they will continue to progress and make everyday activities, such as driving or reading, more and more difficult. CATARACT SYMPTOM CHECKER CLOUDY OR BLURRY VISION TROUBLE SEEING AT NIGHT LIGHT AND GLARE SENSITIVITY SEEING "HALOS" AROUND LIGHTS FADING OR YELLOWING OF COLORS DOUBLE VISION Early detection of cataracts by your local optometrist or our surgeons can detect the presence, and severity, of cataracts. The “film” that patients may experience in their vision with cataracts is not treatable with eye drops, and cataract removal is the only means available to restore vision. DO I NEED CATARACT SURGERY? The decision to have cataract surgery at Missouri Eye Institute starts with a personalized evaluation by one of our expertly-trained doctors. We will examine each eye thoroughly to determine if cataracts are the primary cause of blurry vision. There are many conditions of the human body that can affect your eyesight, but if it is determined that cataracts are causing a loss of vision, your doctor will discuss with you the various treatment options available. All cataract surgeries require removal of the cataract by use of phacoemulsification and/or femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. This painless phacoemulsification process uses gentle ultrasound waves to remove the hardened cataract. The painless femtosecond laser can also be used to soften cataracts. Removing the cataract requires that an artificial lens be placed in the eye. This intraocular lens (IOL), based upon previous calculations and measurements taken at your initial evaluation, will help to correct your vision at distance, near, or both. The main benefit of cataract surgery is to replace the clouded cataract lens with a clear implant, and this in turn improves your potential vision. Once you have decided to pursue cataract surgery, you will need to make additional decisions about which type of intraocular implant you would like. Missouri Eye Institute offers many different types of IOL implants to choose from, and these lenses can incorporate prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia (loss of near vision with age). The goal of refractive cataract surgery is to reduce your dependency upon eyeglasses. We offer a customizable approach to cataract surgery to provide the clearest, most detailed vision possible that is tailored to your individual visual needs and lifestyle. Achieving your best possible outcome after cataract surgery and understanding your goals and expectations is a partnership with your doctor. This requires planning that starts at your first consultation with Missouri Eye Institute. Your doctor will discuss with you all available lens options for which you could be a candidate, but before your evaluation think about what your priorities are for your vision: Is it more important to see clearly at distance, near, in between, or at multiple distances? Are you willing to accept some mild glare in order to be able to see better at multiple distances? Are you willing to make adjustments to your reading ranges or other distances in order to be able to see better without eyeglasses? Are you willing to wear eyeglasses part or all of the time after surgery? What kinds of hobbies do you enjoy? Do you adapt well to change? LENS OPTIONS Missouri Eye Institute offers many different types of IOL implants to choose from, and these lenses can incorporate prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. We offer a customizable approach to cataract surgery to provide the clearest, most comfortable vision possible that is tailored to your individual visual needs and lifestyle. SCHEDULE CONSULTATION WITH CATARACTS AFTER SURGERY DISTANCE CORRECTION WITH PREMIUM LENS CORRECTION WHERE DO I HAVE MY CATARACT SURGERY? Missouri Eye Institute performs cataract surgery at surgical centers in Springfield, Branson, and Joplin, and provides cataract surgeries at hospitals in Springfield, Bolivar, and Monett to make your care as convenient as possible. We can also coordinate your care after cataract surgery with your local optometrist in order to make the post-operative care convenient for you. Please take a few moments to learn about the various lens implant options in the web pages listed below and the differences between Basic Cataract Surgery and Refractive Cataract Surgery. Cataract Center Cataract Surgery Refractive Cataract Surgery Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Extended Depth of Focus Vision Cataract Surgery Multifocal Cataract Surgery Toric/Astigmatism What to Expect / FAQs Cataract Self-Test FINANCING FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR YOUR CATARACT SURGERY The cost of premium lens implants should not be a roadblock to your improved sight. Missouri Eye Institute’s pricing is comparable to other laser eye surgery clinics in Springfield, Branson and Joplin. LEARN MORE TESTIMONIALS Very professional and friendly. I have been here twice in the last two years and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Ed A. X HIDE WEB REGISTRATION SCHEDULE CONSULTATION 800-383-3831 OUR LOCATIONS SPRINGFIELD 1531 E Bradford Parkway Suite 100 Springfield, MO 65804 800.383.3831 BRANSON 1000 James F. Epps Rd Suite 2 Branson, MO 65616 877.334.5752 JOPLIN 4500 E 32nd St Joplin, MO 64804 888.626.8082 CONTACT US <p>Your browser does not support iframes. The contact form cannot be displayed. Please use another contact method (phone, fax etc)</p> Home Blog Our Services LASIK Eye Surgery Cataract Center Follow Us On © 2021 Missouri Eye Institute Compliance | Privacy Policy Medical website design by Glacial Multimedia, Inc. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 800-383-3831. Accessibility Disclaimer ↑ TOP ↑ Thinking about LASIK? Get started here!