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What Is Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, yet it is almost always treatable.

What Is Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, yet it is almost always treatable. Most cataracts develop slowly due to aging, causing no early pain or redness. Vision gradually becomes blurry, colors appear faded, and glare from lights worsens.

When to seek care

See an eye doctor if blurry vision, glare, or changes in color perception are affecting your daily activities — driving, reading, or watching TV. Early cataracts may be managed with updated glasses; surgical referral is made when vision loss impacts quality of life.

Symptoms of Cataracts

  • Cloudy or blurry vision

  • faded or yellowed colors

  • increased sensitivity to glare and halos around lights at night

  • frequent prescription changes

  • double vision in one eye

  • difficulty seeing at night

  • need for brighter light for reading.

Causes & Risk Factors

Most cataracts develop with age as proteins in the lens break down and clump together. Risk factors include: diabetes, prolonged steroid use, UV light exposure, smoking, previous eye injury or surgery, and family history.

Treatment Options

Treatment Options

  1. Overview

    The only effective treatment is surgical removal. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures performed. The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Most patients return to normal activities within days. Premium IOLs can correct for distance, intermediate, and near vision.

Insurance & Cost for Cataracts

Standard cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most medical insurance plans when the procedure is deemed medically necessary — when cataracts affect daily activities like driving or reading. Premium intraocular lenses that correct astigmatism or reduce dependence on glasses typically require an out-of-pocket upgrade fee beyond what insurance pays for the standard lens. Typically covered: • Medically necessary cataract surgery and standard monofocal lens implant • Pre-operative measurements and post-operative co-management visits • Medicare Part B and most commercial medical plans when vision loss affects function Often out-of-pocket: • Premium IOL upgrades (toric, multifocal, or extended depth-of-focus lenses) • Copays, deductibles, and coinsurance per your medical plan • Updated glasses prescription after surgery, if needed

Coverage varies by plan — we verify your benefits before treatment

Call before your visit and we will check your vision and medical benefits so there are no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts

Will I go blind if I don't treat cataracts?

Cataracts do progress and can eventually cause significant vision loss, but they are highly treatable. Most people who address cataracts surgically regain excellent vision.

How long does cataract surgery take?

The procedure itself takes 10‑20 minutes per eye. Eyes are typically done separately, a few weeks apart. Most patients notice improved vision within 24‑48 hours.

Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?

Standard cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans when it is deemed medically necessary. Premium lenses that correct for multiple distances may require an out-of-pocket upgrade fee.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye care provider with any questions about a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

Book an Evaluation for Cataracts

See an eye doctor if blurry vision, glare, or changes in color perception are affecting your daily activities — driving, reading, or watching TV. Early cataracts may be managed with updated glasses; surgical referral is made when vision loss impacts quality of life.

Our Locations

Golden Triangle Eye Center serves patients at multiple locations.

Columbus

Office hours

Monday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Aliceville

Office hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
Friday8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
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