Cataract Surgery
Valley Laser Eye Centre | Surgeries
About Cataract Surgery
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is when the physician removes your cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. Laser assisted cataract surgery provides greater precision, better safety and quality of vision than traditional bladed surgery.
The Benefits
The Key Benefits of Cataract Surgery
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Reduce or eliminate the use of glasses
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Rapid recovery
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Painless
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A multi focal lens gives good vision at all distances
The Process
How to Prepare For Your Cataract Surgery
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Schedule an appointment
Meet with your optometrist to confirm your cataract or call us if you already know.
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Surgery and recovery
You need to be accompanied on the day of surgery and for 24 hours. The surgery takes 30 min. You will be at VLEC for 2-3 hours.
Rest for 24 hours. Usually back to full activities 48 hours after surgery. -
Enjoy clear vision
After your surgery and recovery, experience the joy of clear vision.
Testimonials
What Our Patients Say
I required cataract surgery in both eyes. My optometrist recommended Dr. Blaylock and his clinic. In all my interactions with Dr. Blaylock and his staff, I found them to be cheerful, attentive, and, above all, professional.
As a result of these interactions, I was confident, if not totally relaxed, on the day of surgery. My confidence was well placed. Again, I found Dr. Blaylock and his staff cheerful, attentive, professional and, importantly, reassuring, throughout the preop, the procedure, and the postop.
The results of the surgery were and are amazing. Upon leaving the clinic the vision in my left eye was better than I ever remember it being, even with glasses. Now, four days later, the vision in my right eye is almost as good as in my left eye and my binocular vision astounds me. I see detail and experience depth in tree bark and stones I have never noticed before.
In summary, I am absolutely delighted with my experience with Dr. Blaylock and the results of the surgery. I would recommend Dr. Blaylock, without reservation, to anyone requiring cataract surgery.
Keith
Cataracts progressed quickly and was disrupting my ability to work. Covid had bumped the dates out 18 months. VLEC under tight covid related precautions was able to schedule me in, my eyesight has been restored, and is better than ever. Great staff, advanced leading edge solutions, and quick recovery due to the nature of the laser surgery. I only get one go at getting my lenses replaced, so I wanted the best chance of the best possible outcome.
Richard
Cataracts progressed quickly and was disrupting my ability to work. Covid had bumped the dates out 18 months. VLEC under tight covid related precautions was able to schedule me in, my eyesight has been restored, and is better than ever. Great staff, advanced leading edge solutions, and quick recovery due to the nature of the laser surgery. I only get one go at getting my lenses replaced, so I wanted the best chance of the best possible outcome.
Wayne
I am so happy that I looked up Dr. Blaylock when my eye doctor told me I needed cataract surgery and the wait time for even an initial consultation in Kelowna was going to be 6 months. VLEC slotted me in within a few weeks and I had the surgery in June. My vision is now 20/20 in both eyes, and Dr Blaylock and his team were fantastic–reassuring, told me exactly what to expect during the procedure, and exhibited the utmost in professionalism. My feeling is that paying VLEC for the surgery instead of waiting for an MSP-funded procedure was well worth it.
Nick
See More Clearly Through A Cloudy Lens
A cataract forms when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Glasses can help for a while, but they can’t remove that cloudiness. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens so light can focus inside your eye again.
At Valley Laser Eye Centre, we’ll assess how your cataract is affecting your sight, explain your replacement lens options, and help you decide whether surgery is the right next step.
What Is A Cataract?
At first, a cataract might have little effect on your routine. As the cloudiness increases, your sight can become blurry, dim, hazy, or less colourful. A stronger glasses prescription won’t always solve the problem once the cataract begins interfering with how light passes through the lens.
Cataracts often develop as the eyes change with age. One eye can progress faster than the other, so your vision won’t necessarily change at the same rate on both sides.
What Does Cataract Vision Feel Like?
Cataracts don’t look or feel exactly the same for everyone. The changes often depend on where the cloudiness has formed and how far it has progressed.
You could notice:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Colours that look faded or dull
- Glare from sunlight or indoor lighting
- Halos around headlights and streetlights
- More difficulty driving at night
- Frequent changes to your glasses prescription
- Trouble reading smaller print
- A need for brighter light
- Reduced contrast between objects
- Double vision in one eye
These symptoms can also be connected to other eye conditions. An eye examination helps us confirm whether a cataract is responsible for the changes you’re experiencing.
When Should You Consider Cataract Surgery?
Being diagnosed with a cataract doesn’t mean surgery needs to happen immediately. Early cataracts can often be monitored when they aren’t interfering with your routine.
Surgery becomes more relevant when the cataract starts making everyday activities harder or less safe. We’ll look at how well you can see and how those changes are affecting your life.
It can be time to discuss surgery when:
- Your glasses no longer provide enough improvement
- Night driving has become uncomfortable
- Glare makes it harder to see clearly
- Reading and screen use take more effort
- Your vision affects work, hobbies, or independence
- Colours and details appear less clear
- You’ve stopped doing activities because of your sight
How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL.
The new lens stays inside your eye and becomes part of its focusing system. It won’t feel like a contact lens, and you won’t need to remove or clean it.
We select your replacement lens using measurements taken before surgery. The recommendation will reflect your eye health, prescription, daily activities, and the distances that matter most to you.
Choosing Your Replacement Lens
Cataract surgery doesn’t only remove the cloudiness. Your replacement lens can also affect how much you rely on glasses afterward.
VLEC currently offers premium monofocal and premium multifocal cataract surgery. You won’t have to make the decision based on a product name or price alone. We’ll explain which options fit your eyes and what each one can realistically provide.
Premium Monofocal Lenses
A monofocal lens is designed to focus primarily at one distance. It’s commonly selected for distance vision, which means reading glasses can still be needed for close work.
This option can suit patients who place a high priority on distance clarity and don’t mind using glasses for reading, detailed work, or other close activities.
Premium Multifocal Lenses
A multifocal lens is designed to provide useful vision at more than one distance. It can reduce your dependence on glasses for activities such as reading, computer work, watching television, and driving.
Your eyes and brain need time to adapt to the new lens. Some patients see well within days, but the full adjustment can take six months or longer.
How Does Cataract Surgery Compare With Other Procedures?
| Procedure | What It Does | Why It’s Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Cataract Surgery | Removes a cloudy natural lens and replaces it | A cataract is affecting daily vision |
| Refractive Lens Exchange | Replaces the natural lens before a significant cataract develops | Refractive correction, presbyopia, or reduced reliance on glasses |
| LASIK Or PRK | Reshapes the cornea while keeping the natural lens | Suitable refractive errors and eyes that meet laser treatment requirements |
| Implantable Contact Lens | Adds a corrective lens while keeping the natural lens | Often explored for stronger prescriptions when natural focusing remains useful |
Cataract surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange use a similar lens replacement process. Cataract surgery removes cloudiness that’s affecting your sight, while RLE is mainly chosen for refractive correction.
What Are The Benefits Of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery removes the cloudiness that glasses can’t correct. For the right patient, it can make daily vision clearer and easier to rely on.
Potential benefits include:
- Clearer and brighter vision
- Improved colour and contrast
- Less glare caused by the cataract
- More confidence with reading and daily activities
- Easier vision in low-light settings when the cataract is contributing to the problem
- A replacement lens selected for your visual needs
- Reduced dependence on glasses with certain lens options
- Permanent removal of the treated cataract
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?
| Lens Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Premium Monofocal Surgery | $5,000 Per Eye |
| Premium Multifocal Surgery | $6,300 Per Eye |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cataract Surgery Right For You?
Cataracts don’t need to take away your independence before you ask about treatment. When cloudy vision begins changing how you read, drive, work, or enjoy your day, it’s reasonable to learn what surgery could offer.
We’ll examine your eyes, listen to how your vision is affecting you, and explain your options in clear language.