How Do You Treat Cataracts?

Doctor Examining a PatientThe natural lenses of our eyes harden with age. In some instances, they become cloudy, forming a thin milk-like film over the eyes.

This eye condition is known as cataracts. Other times, cataracts may occur because of genetics, trauma, or a side effect to eye surgery. Keep reading to learn more about cataracts and how to treat them!

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Besides clouding the lens of the eye, other symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Faded colors
  • Sensitivity to bright lights

Cataracts develop slowly over time and affect the quality of your vision. But if they’re left untreated, they may lead to significant loss of sight.

In fact, cataracts are a leading cause of blindness. Going for regular eye exams will help detect them early. Leaving cataracts untreated will lead to eventual blindness.

What are the Treatment Options for Cataracts?

In the beginning, cataracts are usually manageable with glasses and contacts. Glasses and contacts give you better vision and focus.

As cataracts develop, your glasses or contact lens prescriptions will keep changing. At that point, your doctor may recommend cataract surgery.

During cataract surgery, the lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens.

What are the Different Types of IOLs Used During Cataract Surgery?

There are several types of IOLs used during cataract surgery. They include:

Monofocal Lens

This is an IOL that adjusts for one distance, meaning you need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. With a monofocal IOL, you need glasses to be able to see both either up close or far away.
Monofocal IOLs are the only IOL that Medicare will usually cover. This is a good option if you are on a tight budget and can’t afford a premium lens option.

Distance Vision Optimized Lens

These lenses are optimized for distance vision. This IOL allows you to see clearly at a distance. For things that are up close, they’ll appear blurrier.

Near Vision Optimized Lens

This is a kind of IOL that provides clear near vision, but distance vision remains blurry.

Near & Distance Vision Optimized Lens

With near and distance vision optimized lenses, you experience clear vision with both.

PanOptix Trifocal Optimized Lens

If you want the clearest vision from near, far, and intermediate distances, the PanOptix trifocal IOL is the way to go. This IOL eliminates any gaps in vision that may occur using other premium IOLs.

This is because light is split in three distances, rather than only two with other premium IOLs.

Choosing the Right Type of IOL

The type of IOL you select to have implanted should match your lifestyle. Your eye doctor may even recommend placing different types of lenses in each eye. This can result in better and clearer vision.

If you spend a lot of your time reading and using the computer, you may need to focus on your near vision.

But if you are on the road driving or you play sports, it’s good to ensure that the near and distant vision is your priority.

Wondering if it may be time for cataract surgery? The only way to know for sure is to schedule a cataract screening! Schedule your cataract screening at Grand Rapids Ophthalmology at our East Beltline location in Grand Rapids, MI!

It’s time to say goodbye to the frustrations of blurry vision and cataracts for good. Contact us today and get on the path to beautiful vision!

Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an appointment today to experience the GRO difference. Call 616.588.6598 or click here.

Our Locations

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology is pleased to provide top-quality, comprehensive eye care to our patients in the Greater Grand Rapids area. We have 15 conveniently located eye care centers that utilize the latest and most advanced technologies across the entire spectrum of ophthalmology. If you are seeking information about one of our eye care locations please click into our locations page for more information. Hours are subject to change due to upcoming Holidays.

Construction Update: The ramp from US-131 northbound to I-96 westbound is closed and will remain closed through mid-September. Please allow extra travel time and plan routes accordingly to arrive for your appointment on time.

East Beltline Map
East Beltline
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
East Beltline Medical Center
750 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(Located on the Southeast corner of East Beltline and Bradford - enter from Bradford)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am – 5pm
Late Night – T: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 8am – 11am
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
Grandville Map
Grandville
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Rivertown Office Center
4475 Wilson Ave SW
Grandville, MI 49418
(Located on the Northwest corner of 44th St/Rivertown Pkwy and Wilson - enter from Wilson)
616.588.6598
Hours
Tu, W, F: 8am-5pm
Late Nights – M, Th: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
Walker Map
Walker
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology (Located on the upper level)
3300 Walker View Dr
Walker, MI 49544
(Located North of Walker Avenue exit on I-96 – enter on the upper level)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, T, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – W: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
80 68th map
Cutlerville
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Corewell Health Care Center
80 68th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
(Located inside the Corewell Helath Care Center on the corner of 68th St and Division)
*Please note there is no exterior signage showing Grand Rapids Ophthalmology at this time.
616.588.6598
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-6pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
7 mile map
Rockford
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Mercy Health Campus
6050 Northland Dr NE, Suite 100
Rockford, MI 49341
616.588.6598
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 7am-5pm
Caledonia
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Mercy Health Campus
10047 Crossroads Ct SE
Caledonia, MI 49316
616.588.6598
Hours
M, Tu, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Closed 12pm-1pm daily
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
caledonia map
lakeshore map
East Grand Rapids
Lakeshore Eye
717 Bagley Ave SE
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616.588.6575
Hours
M-Th: 8am-5pm
F: Closed (until December 1, 2023)
holland map
Holland
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Lakeshore Medical Campus
3235 N Wellness Dr, Suite 130
Holland, MI 49424
(Located ¼ mile East of US-31 on the left)
616.994.0477
Hours
M, W, Th: 8am-5pm
F: 7:30am-3:30pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Thurs 8am-5pm & Fri 7:30am-3:30pm
ionia map
Ionia
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
537 W Main St
Ionia, MI 48846
616.527.1640
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
Greenville map
Greenville
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
705 S Greenville W Dr. #Suite 201
Greenville MI 48838
616.754.5667
Hours
M: 7:30am-6pm
Tu, W: 7:30am-4:30pm
Th: 8am-5pm
F: 7:30am-4:30pm
Standale
511 Wilson Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
616.301.8663
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – T: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am – 5pm
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GRO Surgical map
GRO Surgical Center
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology Surgical Care Center
750 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(Located on Southeast corner of East Beltline and Bradford – enter on the second floor)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, TU, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
walker surgical map
Walker Surgical Center
Walker Surgical Center
3300 Walker View Dr
Walker, MI 49544
(Located North of Walker Avenue exit on I-96 – enter on the lower level)
616.588.6570
Hours
M, Tu, W, Th, F: 6am-5pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 6am-5pm
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