Sierra Nevada Eye Center — Cataract Surgery
Clearer Vision
Starts HERE.
Cataracts are the leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide. Our surgeons have performed thousands of procedures using LenSx laser and ORA-guided technology, right here in Northern Nevada.
- LenSx laser and ORA wavefront guidance for precision
- TriMoxi dropless option can reduce or eliminate post-surgery drops
- Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours
Is This Right for You?
Am I a Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts develop gradually, so it's easy to dismiss early signs as “just getting older.” Here's when it's time to get evaluated.
Other common cataract symptoms: difficulty seeing the TV clearly, foggy or filmy vision, trouble telling colors apart, and double vision in one eye.
When to consider surgery: Cataracts progress slowly, and there is no single “right age.” Surgery is typically recommended once vision loss starts interfering with reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
The Procedure
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that causes blurry vision, glare, and difficulty with everyday tasks like reading or driving. Cataracts most often develop as part of the aging process, though diabetes, eye injuries, certain medications, and inflammatory eye conditions can bring them on earlier.
Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). At Sierra Nevada Eye Center, our surgical team uses LenSx femtosecond laser technology for precise incisions and lens fragmentation, along with the ORA wavefront system, which measures the eye in real time during surgery to refine lens power selection beyond what pre-surgical measurements alone can achieve.
We also offer TriMoxi intravitreal injection as part of a dropless cataract surgery option, delivering antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication directly during the procedure so many patients can skip the multi-week drop schedule that traditionally follows surgery.
On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive a short time beforehand for final preparation. The procedure itself is quick, performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, and most patients describe it as painless. You’ll go home the same day, with a follow-up visit scheduled for the next morning to check your progress.
<20 min
Typical Surgery Time Per Eye
24 hrs
Time To Noticeably Clearer Vision
Dropless
TriMoxi Option Skips The Multi-Week Drop Schedule
Board
Certified Surgeons Using LenSx Laser & ORA Guidance
Patient Reviews
Lens Options
Choosing the Right Lens for Your Lifestyle
Standard cataract surgery restores clear distance vision and is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Premium lens options go further, correcting astigmatism and expanding your range of clear vision, often reducing your need for glasses altogether.
Standard Monofocal
Covered by Medicare and most insurance plans
- Corrects vision at one distance, typically at a distance
- Reading glasses are typically still needed for close work
- Proven lens technology with decades of use
- No out-of-pocket cost for the lens with qualifying coverage
- Does not correct astigmatism
Medicare Covered
Premium Multifocal / Toric
Expanded range of vision, less dependence on glasses
- Corrects vision at multiple distances, near, intermediate, and far
- Toric options available to correct astigmatism at the same time
- Ideal for patients who want more freedom from glasses
- Thorough pre-op measurements, including ORA, determine candidacy
- Financing available through CareCredit
Premium Upgrade Available
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)
A lens your doctor can fine-tune after surgery
- Light treatments in our office adjust the lens after surgery to match your vision goals
- Customizes your result during the weeks after cataract surgery
- Candidacy depends on your eyes and your goals
- Premium upgrade, with financing available through CareCredit
Adjustable After Surgery
Not sure which lens is right for you? We'll walk through your options at your consultation, so you can make the decision that fits your eyes and your budget.
Step by Step
Your Cataract Surgery Journey
From your first appointment to clear vision, here's what to expect at every stage.
1
Consultation
- Comprehensive eye exam and biometry measurements
- Review of standard and premium lens options
- Medical history and medication review
2
Surgery Day
- Outpatient procedure, typically under 20 minutes per eye
- LenSx laser and ORA-guided lens selection
- Light sedation available if preferred
3
Recovery
- Vision improvement often noticeable within 24 hours
- Prescription eye drops used for about four weeks, or reduced with the TriMoxi dropless option
- Avoid strenuous activity for one to two weeks
4
Long-Term Results
- Annual exams to monitor eye health
- YAG laser available if cloudiness returns years later
- Second eye typically scheduled one to two weeks later if needed
What to Expect
Expected Cataract Surgery Outcomes & Recovery
Cataract surgery has one of the highest satisfaction rates of any elective procedure. Here's what our patients consistently report.
What Patients Can Expect in the First 30 Days
- Mild blurriness or light sensitivity in the first 24 to 48 hours
- Prescription eye drops used for approximately four weeks
- Follow-up appointments at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month
- A scratchy or gritty sensation that fades within a few days
- Colors may appear more vivid, this is normal and expected
- Avoid rubbing the eye or submerging it in water for two weeks
Informed Care
Safety & Risk Considerations
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures in medicine, but like any surgery, it carries some risk. Swelling and mild inflammation are the most common, and these typically clear up within the first few days with the help of prescription eye drops.
Safety Profile
- Performed millions of times per year nationwide with a strong long-term safety record
- Conducted under local anesthesia with minimal systemic risk
- General anesthesia is not required in the vast majority of cases
- Retinal detachment risk is under 1% in standard patients
- Serious infection (endophthalmitis) risk is under 0.1% with standard protocols
Possible Side Effects
- Posterior Capsule Opacification - a clouding of the membrane behind the lens that can develop months or years later, treated quickly with an in-office YAG laser.
- Retinal Swelling - more common in patients with diabetes, inflammatory eye disease, or a history of retinal issues.
- Temporary Light Sensitivity - typically resolves within the first week as the eye heals.
How We Minimize Risk
Advanced Technology
LenSx femtosecond laser and ORA wavefront guidance for precision incisions and accurate lens selection.
Experienced Surgeons
Our surgeons have performed thousands of cataract procedures across all levels of complexity.
Dedicated Surgical Facilities
Procedures are performed in facilities equipped and staffed specifically for ophthalmic surgery.
Why Sierra Nevada Eye Center
What Sets Our Cataract Program Apart
There are several practices offering cataract surgery across Northern Nevada. Here's what makes the experience at Sierra Nevada Eye Center different.
Proven Experience
Our surgeons have performed thousands of cataract procedures in Northern Nevada, including complex cases that call for additional expertise.
Advanced Technology
LenSx laser, ORA wavefront guidance, and TriMoxi dropless technology, all available in Carson City and Reno.
Patient-Centered Care
Your surgeon walks you through your options before surgery is scheduled. Consultations are thorough, and lens decisions are never rushed.
Our Team
Meet Our Cataract Surgeons
Board-certified ophthalmologists with decades of combined experience in cataract and lens replacement surgery.
Find Us
Cataract Surgery in Carson City & Reno
Cataract consultations available at all three Sierra Nevada Eye Center locations in Carson City and Reno.
Coverage & Financing
Cost & Insurance
We're upfront about what standard and premium cataract surgery include, so there are no surprises at your consultation.
Medicare & Insurance Coverage
Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal lens is covered by Medicare Part B and most insurance plans when medically necessary. This typically includes:
- The surgical procedure itself
- A standard monofocal intraocular lens
- Pre- and post-operative visits
Most patients with Medicare and supplemental insurance pay little to nothing out of pocket for a standard procedure. With Medicare Part B alone, coverage is typically 80% after your deductible.
Premium Lens Upgrades
If you choose a premium multifocal or toric lens, the difference in lens cost is an out-of-pocket upgrade. This is a personal choice, not a medical requirement.
- Pricing discussed in detail at your consultation
- Financing available through CareCredit
- Many patients find the upgrade worthwhile for reduced glasses dependence
Flexible financing available. We work with CareCredit to offer low- and no-interest payment plans for care not covered by insurance. Ask about your options at your visit.
locationsCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions we get asked at almost every consultation, answered honestly.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The procedure itself typically takes less than 20 minutes per eye. Including arrival, prep, and a short recovery period before discharge, plan on a couple of hours total. It’s performed as an outpatient procedure, so you won’t be admitted to a hospital.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. Numbing eye drops make the procedure painless, and you’ll remain relaxed but conscious throughout. A scratchy or gritty feeling in the first day or two afterward is common and temporary.
What is the right age to have cataract surgery?
There’s no fixed age. Surgery is recommended once cataracts start affecting daily life, whether that’s driving, reading, or recognizing faces. Since cataracts aren’t life-threatening, timing is ultimately your choice.
What is the recovery time after cataract surgery?
Most patients notice significantly better vision within 24 hours, with full stabilization over the following few weeks. Prescription eye drops are used for about four weeks, and strenuous activity is avoided for the first week or two.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
It depends on the lens you choose. With a standard monofocal lens, most patients still need reading glasses for close work. Premium multifocal or toric lenses are designed to reduce or eliminate glasses dependence at most distances.
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery in Nevada?
Yes. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage cover medically necessary cataract surgery, including standard lens implants. Premium lens upgrades are typically an out-of-pocket difference.
Can both eyes be done on the same day?
We typically recommend treating one eye at a time, usually one to two weeks apart, so each eye can heal and your vision can adjust before the second surgery.
Is cataract surgery safe at my age?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest, most successful procedures in medicine, and it’s suitable for many patients well into their 80s and 90s. Your surgeon will review your overall eye health and medical history at your consultation.
Ready When You Are
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Most patients see results within 24 hours. Consultations are available at all four locations, online scheduling takes less than two minutes.