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Northern Virginia Ophthalmology Associates, P.C. — Your Vision Is Our Focus

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery & lens replacement

In short

A cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens that makes vision blurry, dim, or glare-filled. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). It is an outpatient procedure, and the lens you choose can reduce your need for glasses afterward.

Who it's for
Adults whose cataracts interfere with daily activities such as driving or reading
Procedure
Outpatient; one eye at a time
Typical recovery
Many people resume light activities within a few days; full healing takes several weeks
Anesthesia
Numbing drops and light sedation are typical
Offered at
Falls Church · Fairfax · Alexandria
Request an AppointmentCall (703) 534-3900

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

  • Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night or while driving after dark
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Halos around lights
  • Colors that look faded or yellowed
  • Double vision in one eye
  • Frequent changes in glasses prescription

When should I consider cataract surgery?

There is no need to wait until a cataract is 'ripe.' Surgery is usually recommended when blurry vision starts to limit things you need or want to do — driving, reading, working, or enjoying hobbies — and new glasses no longer help enough.

Your NVOA ophthalmologist will measure your vision, examine the cataract, and check for other conditions that affect results, such as glaucoma, dry eye, or macular degeneration.

What happens during cataract surgery?

Your eye is numbed and you are kept comfortable. The surgeon makes a very small opening, gently breaks up and removes the cloudy lens, and places a folded artificial lens that unfolds into position. The procedure itself typically takes less than half an hour, and you go home the same day with a friend or family member driving.

Ask your surgeon whether laser-assisted cataract surgery is appropriate for your eye.

Which lens implant is right for me?

Your lifestyle guides the choice. Think about night driving, screen time, reading, and hobbies, and bring those priorities to your consultation.

  • Monofocal — sharp vision at one distance (usually far); most people still use reading glasses.
  • Toric — corrects astigmatism for crisper vision at a chosen distance.
  • Multifocal (including bifocal and trifocal designs) — clear vision at more than one distance to reduce dependence on glasses; some people notice halos at night.
  • Extended depth of focus (EDOF) — a continuous range from distance to intermediate (computer) vision, with less glare than many multifocal designs; light reading glasses may still be needed.

What is recovery like?

  • Use prescribed eye drops exactly as directed
  • Wear the protective shield while sleeping for the period your surgeon recommends
  • Avoid rubbing your eye, swimming, and heavy lifting until cleared
  • Attend follow-up visits (usually the next day, then over the following weeks)
  • Call right away for increasing pain, worsening vision, or a curtain or shadow in your vision

Take the cataract self-test

Eight quick questions about how your vision affects daily activities. Nothing you enter is saved or sent.

Start the cataract self-test

Frequently asked questions

Does cataract surgery hurt?

Most patients feel little or no pain. Numbing drops and medication keep you comfortable, and mild scratchiness for a day or two afterward is common.

Does insurance cover cataract surgery?

Medicare and most medical insurance plans generally cover medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard monofocal lens. Premium lens options and some astigmatism-correcting services usually involve an additional out-of-pocket cost. Our team will review your coverage and costs before surgery.

Can cataracts come back?

A cataract cannot return because the natural lens is removed. Some people later develop haziness of the thin membrane behind the implant (posterior capsule opacification), which is treated with a quick, painless in-office laser procedure.

Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

It depends on the lens you choose. With a monofocal lens most people need reading glasses; toric, multifocal, and extended-depth-of-focus lenses can reduce how often you need glasses. Your surgeon will set realistic expectations for your eyes.

Are both eyes done on the same day?

Typically no. Eyes are usually treated on separate days, often a few weeks apart, so the first eye can begin healing.

Doctors who provide this care

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam. Call 911 for a medical emergency.

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