Cataracts are one of the most common and most treatable causes of vision loss, especially as we age. At Buffalo Ophthalmology, we offer advanced cataract surgery using the latest technology and a wide range of lens options to restore your sight. Our cataract surgeons are fellowship-trained and use advanced surgical techniques to deliver exceptional outcomes. From your first consultation through recovery, our team is here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
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Cataract Surgery in Buffalo, NY
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Buffalo’s Trusted Cataract Surgeons
Patient Testimonials
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, making it harder to see clearly. The lens is normally transparent and helps focus light onto the retina, allowing you to see. But over time, most often due to aging, proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing blurry, dim, or hazy vision.
Cataracts are extremely common, especially in people over the age of 60. In fact, more than half of all Americans will develop cataracts by the time they reach 75. The good news: cataracts are treatable.
Signs It Might Be Time for Cataract Surgery
Cataracts don't always require surgery right away. They typically develop slowly, and many patients don’t realize just how much their vision has changed until symptoms become more noticeable. Here are common signs that it could be time to talk to a specialist about surgery:
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Blurry or hazy vision that doesn’t improve with glasses
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Trouble seeing at night or in low-light environments
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Increased sensitivity to light or glare (especially from headlights)
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Seeing halos around lights
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Colors appear faded, dull, or yellowed
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Frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription
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Difficulty reading, driving, or recognizing faces
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Double vision in one eye
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
At Buffalo Ophthalmology, your surgery will be performed by a fellowship-trained specialist using advanced techniques and technology. The entire process typically takes less than 20 minutes.
Before surgery begins, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops or a local injection. You’ll remain awake but relaxed, and you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Once your eye is prepared, the surgeon will make a small incision and use a technique called phacoemulsification to break up and remove the natural lens. After that, a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place.
Advanced Cataract Planning for Routine and Complex Eyes
Cataract surgery today is not simply about removing a cloudy lens. When performed at a high level, it is a carefully planned procedure designed to improve the quality of vision with precision and to account for the unique anatomy and health of each eye. At our practice, cataract planning goes far beyond a basic exam. We use advanced diagnostics, detailed ocular imaging, and sophisticated surgical planning tools to create a highly individualized approach for every patient.
Our evaluations include technologies such as the IOLMaster 700, Pentacam, and the Veracity surgical planning platform, which help us measure the eye with exceptional accuracy and refine intraocular lens selection. The IOLMaster 700 uses advanced swept-source biometry to measure the eye and improve lens calculations. The Pentacam provides a detailed three-dimensional analysis of the cornea and anterior segment, helping us identify astigmatism, irregular corneal shape, prior refractive surgery changes, and other factors that can affect visual outcomes. Veracity integrates these measurements into a comprehensive surgical plan, improving precision and consistency in lens selection, astigmatism management, and operative planning.
For many patients, cataract planning also includes additional testing when appropriate. Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging allows us to evaluate the retina and peripheral eye health in greater detail. OCT scanning can identify subtle macular or retinal issues that may affect vision and influence lens recommendations. Visual field and other functional testing, when needed, can be important in patients with glaucoma or other complex conditions. This broader diagnostic approach helps ensure that cataract surgery is planned with a full understanding of the eye, not just the cataract itself.
This level of evaluation is especially important for patients with more complex eyes, including those with prior LASIK or PRK, glaucoma, astigmatism, dry eye, pseudoexfoliation, corneal irregularity, prior ocular surgery, or other conditions that make standard cataract planning less predictable. Our surgeons bring fellowship training and experience not only in cataract surgery, but also in areas such as glaucoma surgery, corneal transplantation, and complex anterior segment surgery. That broader expertise can be particularly valuable when cataracts are accompanied by other ocular diseases or surgical considerations, allowing patients to benefit from a more comprehensive and sophisticated level of care.
Our goal is to combine advanced technology with experienced surgical judgment. For some patients, that means choosing a standard monofocal lens for clarity and reliability. For others, it may involve toric lenses to reduce astigmatism or premium lens options designed to expand range of vision. In every case, the focus is on careful planning, precise execution, and selecting the approach that best fits the patient’s visual goals, lifestyle, and long-term eye health.
Eye Surgery Lens Options
One of the most important decisions you'll make during cataract surgery is which type of intraocular lens (IOL) will replace your natural lens.
Standard IOLs
Monofocal lenses that restore your vision to what it was before, focusing at one distance (usually far). Most patients with standard lenses still need glasses for reading or other close-up tasks.
Multifocal IOLs
Reduces dependence on glasses by correcting both near and distance vision. These lenses are an excellent option for patients who want more visual freedom after surgery.
Toric IOLs
Designed for patients with astigmatism. They correct the uneven curvature of the eye and provide clearer, more stable vision without needing corrective lenses.
AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ IOL
An extended depth-of-focus lens that provides continuous, high-quality vision at multiple distances with reduced glare and halos.
AcrySof™ IQ PanOptix™ Trifocal IOL
Advanced trifocal lenses that provides clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
RayOne EMV IOL
Offers enhanced range of vision with excellent contrast sensitivity, ideal for active lifestyles.
AcrySof™ Toric IOL
Offers astigmatism correction and distance vision clarity in a single, premium implant.
Recovery & Results After Cataract Surgery
Most patients experience a relatively quick recovery after cataract surgery. While everyone heals at their own pace, many people notice clearer vision within just a few days of the procedure.
Our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions to help support your healing process. You'll use prescription eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, and we’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. It’s important to avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or rubbing your eyes during the early days of recovery.
Cataract Surgery FAQs
Can I drive after cataract surgery?
You’ll need someone to drive you home the day of your surgery, as your vision may be blurry or light-sensitive at first. Most patients are cleared to drive within 24–48 hours, depending on how quickly their vision stabilizes.
Will I still need glasses after surgery?
That depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose. Standard IOLs typically correct distance vision only, so you may still need glasses for reading or up-close tasks. Premium options like multifocal or toric lenses can reduce your dependence on glasses at multiple distances.
Can a cataract come back?
Once a cataract is removed, it cannot return. However, some patients develop a condition called posterior capsular opacification (PCO)—a clouding of the membrane behind the new lens. If this occurs, it can be treated with a simple in-office laser procedure.
How do I prepare for cataract surgery?
Your care team will provide detailed pre-op instructions, which may include stopping certain medications, using prescribed eye drops, and arranging a ride home. You should also avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before surgery.
What if I have another eye condition?
You can still have cataract surgery even if you have another eye condition like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration. Our fellowship-trained specialists are highly experienced in complex cases and will create a personalized treatment plan that takes your full eye health into account.
Do you offer any advanced techniques?
Yes. Buffalo Ophthalmology was one of the first practices in the region to offer dropless cataract surgery, which reduces the need for post-operative eye drops. We also use laser-assisted technology in appropriate cases to enhance precision and healing.
Ready to See Clearly Again?
If cataracts are affecting your vision or quality of life, you don’t have to wait. Our experienced cataract surgeons are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward clearer sight.