Cataract Surgery

A cataract is an age-related clouding of the natural lens of your eye. This lens is supposed to be clear and flexible, but the proteins break down as you age, and your vision consequently deteriorates. The aging process is responsible for most cataracts and presbyopia, the age-related farsightedness that makes you rely on reading glasses for up-close tasks.

Living with cataracts can feel like watching the world through a dirty, smudged window. Your vision will gradually worsen as the condition progresses. Thankfully, cataract surgery is a quick, painless, and effective way to treat cataracts and restore clear, youthful vision.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery, like refractive lens exchange, replaces your natural lenses with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant. RLE and cataract surgery are essentially the same procedure, just done for different reasons. Cataract surgery is mainly performed to restore vision loss due to clouding of the natural lens. Lens replacement surgery can correct age-related farsightedness (presbyopia), myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and

astigmatism, so you can reduce your dependency on glasses after cataract surgery.

astigmatism, so you can reduce your dependency on glasses after cataract surgery.

An Intraocular Lens (IOL) is an artificial implant that’s similar to contact lenses but offers a permanent solution. Unlike your natural lens, this IOL will remain clear as you age, never developing cataracts or presbyopia.

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About Cataract Surgery

Though the primary goal of cataract surgery is to remove the cloudy lens and restore vision, the procedure can have multiple benefits. Some patients have this lens replacement surgery if they are ineligible for laser procedures like LASIK. It can correct hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, presbyopia, and cataracts.

Ideal candidates for intraocular lens implants are typically over 50 and have high refractive errors, presbyopia, or cataracts. Certain health or eye conditions may disqualify you from the procedure. During a detailed consultation at One EyeCare, Dr. Jennifer Wu will assess your eyes and discuss your lifestyle, health, and goals to determine if cataract surgery is right for you.

Cataract surgery typically takes just 20-30 minutes per eye. Patients are given numbing eye drops and, if needed, twilight sedation so that they are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.

The procedure involves small incisions to remove the natural lens and insertion of the IOL. Dr. Wu performs laser-assisted cataract surgery, using a laser to make incisions for increased precision. One EyeCare offers a variety of premium IOL options, including multifocal, accommodating, and toric IOLs for each patient’s unique needs. A multifocal lens corrects both far and near vision, simultaneously addressing presbyopia and any underlying refractive error (myopia/hyperopia/astigmatism). A multifocal IOL allows for maximum glasses independence.

You’ll need someone to drive you home after your surgery. At first, you’ll likely have some eye irritation and blurry vision for one to three days. You may have other visual side effects for the first few weeks, such as halos and dry eye. The worst of these side effects usually subside within a few days, but it may take a few weeks for your vision to be completely clear.

Be careful not to rub your eyes. Dr. Wu may recommend wearing an eye patch or shield at night for a few days to avoid accidentally rubbing your eyes. You will also need to use prescription eye drops for a few weeks.

Most patients can return to work in two to three days. However, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and getting dirty water in your eyes for a week.

Lens replacement surgery is a permanent solution for cataracts. Since it removes the natural lens, the part of your eye that develops cataracts, you won’t ever need to worry about the condition again.

Additionally, the surgery also offers lasting relief from presbyopia. Some patients may still need reading glasses for certain up-close tasks, but lens replacement greatly reduces their dependence on them. Your new multifocal IOLs will keep your vision clear and youthful. You won’t need to worry about the lenses aging and compromising your vision, and you’ll likely enjoy significant improvement in any refractive errors.

Our Advanced Technology for Cataract Surgery

Dr. Wu uses only the most advanced technology to yield the best results. Her use of cutting-edge technology and techniques also allows her to treat complex cases. If you have had previous refractive surgery (LASIK, RK) or eye surgery (retina surgery, cornea transplant), your cataract surgery will be more difficult. Dr. Wu has extensive experience performing complex cataract surgery. She accepts the challenging cases that other eye surgeons turn away.


Consult with Dr. Wu if you’ve been told you are ineligible for vision correction surgery. She believes in turning no patient away. With the latest methods and detailed measurements, she helps every patient find the right treatment option to enjoy clear vision.

Take the Next Step

Hello, Clear Vision!

Ready to learn more about Cataract Surgery and how you can achieve clearer vision with Dr. Wu? Fill out the form below or call us at (949) 208-9090 to schedule an eye exam and consultation at One EyeCare. Dr. Jennifer Wu is dedicated to providing you with personalized care and the most advanced treatment options. She proudly serves Orange County in Costa Mesa, CA.

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