Specialties

Cataracts

Home > Specialties > Cataracts

Cataracts Clouding Your Vision?

Increase Your Vitality with Clearer Vision

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of visual problems in adults over 60. While harmless at first, as cataracts progress, they can begin to negatively impact your vision. It can become increasingly difficult to focus on objects, bright colors seem to dull, and seeing at night can become a challenge. When the quality of your vision begins to put limitations on your daily activities, it may be time to do something about your cataracts.

How Cataract Surgery Helped Zeke

What is a Cataract?

Inside of your eye, there is a natural lens that allows you to focus clearly on objects. As we age, that lens gradually becomes cloudy and loses its ability to focus on objects. This clouding of your eye’s natural lens is called a cataract and can cause your vision to appear blurred, out of focus, or void of colors.

Diagram of an eye with a cataract
Diagram of a normal eye

How to Tell if You Have Cataracts

Cataracts are a natural result of the aging process. As early as age 40, most people will begin to develop cataracts. At first, cataracts develop slowly and often show no symptoms or changes in your overall vision. However, as they progress, cataracts can lead to an inability to focus on objects, difficulty seeing at night, and a general dimming of colors. Many people with cataracts describe their vision as if they were looking through a foggy window.

You may also notice some of the following:

  • Clouded, blurred or dim vision
  • Increasing difficulty with seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to light or glare
  • The need for brighter light for reading or other activities
  • Seeing “halos” around lights
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
  • Fading or yellowing of colors
  • Double vision in a single eye

Schedule A Cataract Evaluation

Normal Vision Normal Vision
Blurry Vision Blurry Vision
cataract_yellowing-vision-opt
Double Vision

Restore Your Vision with Cataract Surgery

When the quality of your vision begins to put limitations on your daily activities and overall enjoyment in life, it may be time for cataract surgery. Thanks to advancements in the medical field, cataract surgery is now quicker, safer, and more effective than ever before. Every year, our team of board-certified ophthalmic surgeons perform thousands of cataract surgeries, delivering exceptional surgical results to thousands of Wilmingtonians and residents in the surrounding southeastern North Carolina communities.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed by one of our seven board-certified ophthalmic surgeons. Each of our surgeons is highly skilled and an expert in their field. Their primary goal is to help you see clearly following cataract surgery. To do this, we offer traditional and advanced, laser-assisted cataract surgery, as well as more than 10 different types of intraocular lenses to give you the exact results you want following your procedure.

Open book icon Open Cataract Surgery Guide

 

 

Achieve Clear Vision & Eliminate Glasses

One of the major advancements in cataract surgery is the assortment of lifestyle intraocular lenses (IOLs) a patient can choose from. During cataract surgery, your eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, or IOL. At Wilmington Eye, we offer several different types of IOLs, each providing a unique set of advantages to improve your vision following cataract surgery. These lenses can help patients with astigmatism, provide clear vision at all distances, or enhance your depth of focus. As you prepare for cataract surgery, consider your vision goals and unique lifestyle. Then, communicate these to your ophthalmologist so that we can work with you to determine the best lens to help you achieve your goals. Learn more about advanced IOLs that can decrease and even eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts.

7
Board Certified Surgeons
5K
Surgeries Every Year
10+
IOL Lenses to Choose From

Advanced Cataract Surgery Options

Wilmington Eye is excited to offer blade-free laser cataract surgery. This advanced form of cataract surgery allows us to improve the visual outcomes of your cataract surgery and reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts. With blade-free laser cataract surgery, patients can experience higher precision, enhanced predictability, and improved visual outcomes.

For those who have been diagnosed with astigmatism, blade-free laser cataract surgery can correct astigmatism, which has shown to reduce a person’s dependence on glasses. Learn more about blade-free laser cataract surgery.

Cataract FAQs

Surfer in black wetsuit holding a blue surfboard at his side and looking out into the distance

Ready to experience clear vision again?

Superior surgical results Customize your vision with advanced IOLs Gain crystal clear vision again
Schedule An Evaluation Today

Related Media

  • David Regains Confidence to Drive Following Cataract Surgery
  • In Need of Cataract Surgery? Have Your Procedure at Wilmington Eye Surgery Center
  • Zeke Shares His Story About Cataract Surgery
  • What's The Best Lens For Your Cataract Surgery & How Can It Improve Your Quality of Life?
  • Cataract Lens That Can Now Be Completely Customized After Cataract Surgery
  • Learn What Cataracts Are and How We Develop Them from Dr. Watson of Wilmington Eye
  • Cataract Surgery: How Fast Is It And Will I Still Need Glasses Afterwards?
  • Laser-Assisted or Traditional Cataract Surgery? Which Is Right For Me?

What Our Cataract Patients Have to Say

01/06
  • "Dr. Leone listens to the patient and answers all questions in a clear, concise and easy to understand manner. Literally, every Wilmington Eye team member that I came in contact with conveyed that my comfort and care during my cataract procedure were their top priority. Highly recommend Dr. Leone and Wilmington Eye."
    Robert T.
  • "Chris Covington recently removed cataracts from both eyes and it was a remarkably easy process from the patients viewpoint (ME). My vision is now close to 20/20 in both eyes and I can see the colors and clear whites so much better than before surgery. It's a beautiful world out there! Thank you Wilmington Eye - great work!"
    Tim F.
  • "Had cataracts removed and lens inserted by Dr. Polomsky. He was very professional and attentive to all my concerns during the procedures. He made the procedure go smoothly!"
    Bill L.
  • "Dr. Leone’s medical knowledge, comforting care and attention to detail are unequalled. As a cataract surgery patient my experience exceeded my already high expectations. Dr. Leone has the unique and rare ability to combine compassionate care with extensive eye care experience. Thank you Dr. Leone!"
    Robert T.
  • "I went to Wilmington Eye for the first time in February having moved recently from Delaware. I am very impressed with the thoroughness of the exam and the staff professionalism! I just had cataract surgery yesterday and again am so impressed with Wilmington Eye! I would highly recommend them to anyone!!!!!"
    Donna M.
  • "I am a Home Inspector in the Wilmington NC area. My eyes are my business. I had Cataract surgery. I now have 20/15 vision. Dr Covington and the Wilmington Eye staff area excellent and professional. Highly recommended!"
    Lee M.
  • "Dr. Kathleen Leone is a highly skilled and personable ophthalmologist. After 67 years of wearing glasses, she improved my eyesight by removing my cataracts and inserting multifocal cataract lenses. I have perfect vision now and no longer have to wear glasses."
    Steven R. L.
  • "I had my second cataract surgery with multi-focal lens at the new Wilmington Eye Surgical Center 12/16/21. The entire experience was professional, caring, on time and high tech! Dr. Leone is an exceptional eye specialist, dedicated to Wilmington community, personable with her patients and her team was exceptional!!"
    Vicky S.
  • "Had my cataract & laser surgery done at Pender Memorial Hospital in Burgaw by Dr Jenkins of Wilmington Eye. A truly wonderful experience from the minute I walked through the door. Every single person who dealt with me was kind, caring, respectful & professional. Could not ask for a better experience or outcome."
    Suzen O.
  • "Had cataract surgery on both eyes by dr Watson..sight has improved tremendously and now after 47 years of wearing glasses, I do not require glasses to drive, watch tv, etc..dr Watson did a great job and I highly recommend her"
    Robert B.
  • "I am very happy that Southport enjoys the skills and professionalism of Dr. Polomsky. I am grateful that he performs cataract surgeries at Dosher Hospital. I had an excellent experience. I highly recommend Dr. Polomsky and his staff."
    Toni
  • "Dr. Travis performance was exceptional today for my cataract surgery. He is a caring and skillful physician and I will continue going him and his staff for my eye care."
    Bernard M.
  • "Best place in Wilmington for eye care. I had cataract surgery with mutifocal lens on both eyes. I now have 20/20 vision."
    Nancy S.
  • "My experience for my cataract surgery by Dr. Jenkins could not have been better or carefree. His thorough explanations and comforting manner left me with no apprehension. I heartily recommend his services to anyone needing eye procedures. Not only is he a competent ophthalmologist but I think you will find he is a genuinely nice person as well"
    Mary L.
  • "Wilmington Eye was fast, efficient and the staff very friendly. Happy I had Dr. Covington do my cataract surgery."
    Janet B.
  • "A wonderful experience from beginning to end...and I have 20/20 vision with my cataract surgery."
    Sandy M.
  • "Cataract surgery went well with no complications. Dr. Jenkins did an outstanding job of preparing me before hand for the surgery He was patient and explained all my options. He's very friendly. Has a very relaxed manner. I would highly recommend him to any of my friends and family."
    Anonymous
  • "Dr. Watson is an excellent eye surgeon. She performed a very successful cataract surgery on my left eye. My vision is now 20/20. I told her she is a miracle worker. I can't say enough about how confident I felt having her as my surgeon. I would highly recommend Dr. Watson."
    Pat M.
  • "I have to have cataract surgery. Everything was explained in a language I could understand. Definitely will recommend."
    Joanne R.
  • "Organized friendly staff and doctors. Had cataract surgery in both eyes. Perfect results. Don’t need to go back unless I grow a third eye 👁"
    Pamela B.
  • "Dr. Leone and staff were very professional in handling my cataract surgery experience. Between the office and Pender Memorial Hospitol staff I could not have asked for a better atmosphere to make surgery as low stress as possible. Good people find and work with good people and Dr. Leone has succeeded in providing excellent care for me."
    Anonymous
  • "Great experience in my initial cataract surgery planning. Dr Jenkins was very thorough in discussing possible surgical options and was extremely helpful in helping me to choose options"
    Jim C.
  • "Dr. Leone was excellent in every way. She took time to carefully explain what I needed to know about my up coming cataract surgery. She explained in detail the options so that I could make an informed decision. She has an excellent sense of humor and an calming manner. I have absolute faith that she will do her best for me!"
    Jane E.
  • "I had recent cataract surgery performed at Pender Memorial Hospital by Dr. Robert van der Vaart. Pender Hospital staff was very caring and friendly. I'm 4 days post surgery and am pleasantly surprised at how improved my vision is. Looking forward to having Dr. van der Vaart correct the vision in my other eye."
    Woody D.
  • "Dr. Watson is amazing how she can put your mind at ease, especially with the unknown procedure first hand. I never gave a second thought about the cataract surgery."
    Mary V.
  • "Was referred to Dr. Jenkins for cataract surgery. He was very professional and after evaluating the health of my eyes, he explained the various procedures available and recommended the one for me. Surgery went great. Timely and very proficient. Recommend him to everyone."
    Carolyn B.
  • "Dr. Kathleen Leone and her staff are welcoming, experienced, kind, and talented. Each appointment with Dr. Leone and her staff (whether at Southport or Wilmington or Pender Memorial Hospital where I had my cataracts removed) was a wonderful experience. I cannot say enough about how extremely satisfactory my entire experience with Wilmington Eye was."
    Margie B.
  • "I had an excellent experience with all phases of my Cataract surgeries at Wilmington Eye. Dr van Der Vaart and the entire staff were excellent."
    R B M.
  • "I had an excellent experience with my cataract surgery at Wilmington Eye. Dr. van der Vaart was easy to talk to and answered all my questions. He is professional without being stuffy and the staff that were involved with me at Wilmington Eye were the best. They made me feel comfortable at each stage of my procedures. I can recommend first hand Wilmington Eye."
    Bob M.
  • ""I was very pleased with Dr. Samantha Watson for the Cataract Surgery I had. I was also pleased that she discussed with me why I needed the cataract surgery and what I should expect to happen with the surgery and after the surgery.... I would also recommend to anyone that needed an eye exam to contact Wilmington Eye and if cataract surgery is needed to request Dr. Watson to be the surgeon."
    Michael T.
  • "I had Cataract surgery with Dr Watson. Her staff and she herself were outstanding and super undertanding of my other medical issues. During the surgery Dr Watson several times address those issues with her surgical staff. She is a caliber above in her surgical and caring of her patients."
    Caroline G.
  • "Dr. Kathleen Leone is a highly skilled ophthalmologist and truly cares about the health and well-being of her patients! After 67 years of wearing glasses, she restored my eyesight by removing my cataracts and inserting multifocal cataract lenses. I have perfect vision now and no longer have to wear glasses!"
    Stephen L.
  • "These are the nicest people ever! My mother just recently had a cataract removed. Her whole experience from start to finish was completely wonderful. They treat you like family. Truly wonderful people."
    Vikki L.
  • "Had cataract surgery and IOL replacements with Dr. Covington. Everything was very organized and well planned. Care for the patient was excellent. All information and pre op/ post op directions were clear and contact from the nurses and surgery center were as described. I am thrilled with my new vision. I highly recommend Dr. Covington and the team at Wilmington Eye."
    Judy W.
  • "Super efficiency & proficiency. Very pleased with each of the dozen-plus medical care team, led by Dr. Covington, who accomplished my cataract laser procedure. I observed a high level of commitment to high standards at every single stage. My new & improved vision result is truly remarkable. Very appreciative of the extensive training & skill of so many that ensured this positive experience & Opthamological marvel."
    Susan W.
  • "My wife has serious eye issues with her retina and had Dr. Polomsky do cataract surgery on bother eyes. She was so thrilled with her vision improvement using Dr. Polomsky that I became his patient and had cataract surgery with a Toric enhanced lens installed. Talented doctor."
    Donald W.
  • "I am new to the Wilmington area and had some very bad experiences trying to find physicians with whom to work. When I first met Dr. Polomsky, I was skeptical. But, I chose him to do my cataract surgery and I am absolutely stunned at how well the whole process went. My vision is now amazing and he did an incredibly good job from start to finish. His “bedside manner“ is the best, so unusual with male doctors especially. I would recommend him to anyone for their eye care."
    Gary
  • "Great doctor and staff! The doctor really seems to care about the patient. Surgery went great, very successful. I couldn't be more pleased. Even their business office is outstanding. Very professional and knowledgeable. They know what they are doing. I would highly recommend Wilmington Eye!!!!!"
    Dave H.
  • "Dr Leone did a great job on my cataract surgery, the nurses are kind and caring and Ashley is great at managing all the details."
    Linda C.
  • "Outstanding experience. Dr Jenkins was very informative about my upcoming cataract surgery and aided me in my choice of several options. Everyone was very professional and made the experience a nice one. KUDDOS TO ALL!"
    Jim C
  • "This post is for the great eye care given to my mom Barbara McClammy who had cataract surgery. She is recuperating well and is extremely happy with the wonderful care given by Dr. Watson, Dr. Muncy, and their wonderful staff. ❤ Special thanks to the staff at Wilmington Surgcare 👏👏"
    Cynthia E.
  • "Couldn’t ask for anything more. Everyone was so kind and professional. Dr Jenkins was terrific I felt at ease about my cataract surgery. my whole experience was painless and easy recoup. Had my left eye done. Art in two weeks. I must add they have a great selection of eyeglass frames , I haven’t been able to find since I moved here 9 yrs ago."
    JoAnne H.
  • "Dr. van der Vaart performed cataract surgery on both of my eyes. The results exceeded my expectations. I knew I had vision issues but I didn't realize how bad my eyes had gotten. My night driving vision is greatly improved along with much better color perception. Thank you Dr. van der Vaart"
    Woody D.
  • "Dr. Leone and staff did an awesome job on both my eyes for cataract surgery. Would def recommend anyone to see them. I’ve been to both offices wilm and Southport everyone is so kind. Thank you for all y’all have done for me I can see 100% now"
    Kendra B.
  • "Had first cataract surgery. Just outstanding service from complete staff and surgery and follow up with Dr. Leone. Looking forward to second eye surgery in two weeks. Highly recommend Dr. Leone and the entire staff at Wilmington Eye."
    Dino A.
  • "Dr. Leone and associates are exceptionally amazing! My results of the cataract surgery are better than I ever imagined. I previously had RK and Dr. Leone was still able to restore my vision to 20/25 after the procedure. The entire staff is knowledgeable and friendly."
    Kim A.
  • "With my first eye, I noticed the next day the vibrant colors! I didn’t realize that my vision had gotten so bad. It’s only been a week out from my second eye and my vision is 100%! I’m a retired nurse so I’ve witnessed cataract surgery a long time ago and I knew that it was kind of a big deal. But this was the easiest thing I have ever been through."
    Anonymous

  • Want to hear more stories from our patients?


    View All Stories