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Cataract Surgery in Mentor, Ohio
Cataract surgery replaces the eye's clouded natural lens with a clear artificial lens implant. At Insight Eye Center, Dr. Michael E. Rom performs the outpatient procedure himself; it takes about 10–15 minutes per eye, most patients can drive the next day, and with a standard lens it is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the pupil. The lens is made of proteins; with age they clump together and stiffen, so light scatters on its way through the eye and vision turns dim, blurred or yellowed. Nearly everyone develops some degree of this change over time.
How a cataract develops
The lens changes in stages. Around age 40 it begins to lose flexibility — the same change that makes reading glasses or bifocals necessary. Next, night vision may decline: people need more light to read, fine print is hard to make out even with glasses, and what used to be sharp looks slightly blurred. Finally the clumped proteins form a true cataract, which can be seen as an opacity in the pupil. Most people have surgery before a cataract reaches that mature stage.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
The most common early signs of a cataract are dim or blurry vision, glare and halos around lights at night, colors that look faded, and a glasses prescription that keeps changing. Symptoms build slowly, so many people adjust without noticing until night driving or reading becomes difficult.
Signs that a cataract may be worsening include:
- vision that feels blurry, dim or foggy, like looking through fogged glass
- night driving that has become increasingly difficult
- sensitivity to light, and halos or glare around headlights and street lights
- needing brighter light to read or do close work
- colors that are less vibrant than they used to be
- eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions that change frequently
A dilated eye exam shows whether a cataract is the cause of these changes and how advanced it is. If you have noticed any of them, request an evaluation with Dr. Rom.
Try the vision simulatorAn optional illustration of cataract-related blur, glare and yellowing. It does not predict your surgical result or recovery.
Cataract blur (illustration)Clearer view
Move the slider to compare an illustration of cataract-related blur with a clearer view. This simulation is educational and does not predict your surgical result or recovery time.
The photograph is the practice's lens-simulation image of a park path, not a patient's view.
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with an ultra-thin artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). It is one of the most frequently performed and most successful procedures in medicine. The IOL is chosen for your eye and your goals, and it can reduce your need for glasses afterward.
Most procedures today use high-frequency ultrasound (phacoemulsification) to break the clouded lens into small pieces that are gently removed through a tiny incision. Pre-operative measurements such as biometry tell Dr. Rom the exact lens power you need and whether you have astigmatism to correct, so the implant and the surgical plan are matched to your eye.
If both eyes have cataracts, each is treated separately, usually a few weeks apart.
How cataract surgery is performed, step by step
- Numbing dropsAnesthetic eye drops prevent pain during the brief procedure. A mild sedative can be given to help you relax.
- A tiny incisionThe lens is reached through an extremely small incision at the edge of the cornea.
- Breaking up the cataractAn ultrasound probe (phacoemulsification) breaks the clouded lens into tiny pieces. In laser-assisted surgery the lens is first softened with laser energy.
- Removing the lensThe fragments are drawn out through the same small incision.
- Placing the implantA folded intraocular lens is inserted into the capsule that held your natural lens and gently unfolded into position.
- No stitchesThe incision is so small that it seals on its own — no stitches and, for most patients, no eye patch.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery
Dr. Rom also offers laser-assisted surgery with the Alcon LenSx® femtosecond laser, which makes the incisions and softens the cataract before it is removed, and can correct mild astigmatism at the same time. It is an optional, out-of-pocket upgrade; Dr. Rom will tell you whether it makes sense for your eyes. More about laser-assisted surgery
How long does cataract surgery take?
The surgery itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Plan on being at the surgery center for about two hours, which covers check-in, dilating drops and preparation, the procedure, and your post-operative instructions.
- Before you arriveYou will have had your exam and lens measurements at the Mentor office, and instructions about medications and eating.
- At the surgery centerYour pupils are dilated and you may receive a mild sedative. Numbing drops are placed in the eye.
- 10–15 minutesThe cataract is removed and the new lens is placed. You are awake but comfortable.
- Going homeYou leave the same day with a driver, drops to start, and a shield to wear at bedtime.
- Next dayA check at the office; most patients are cleared to drive after this visit.
Why choose Dr. Rom for cataract surgery?
Dr. Michael E. Rom is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts for more than 30 years and has performed over 40,000 cataract and glaucoma procedures. He examines you, performs the surgery himself, and follows your care afterward at his Mentor Avenue office.
Dr. Rom completed his residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and a fellowship at Tufts–New England Medical Center, and he uses current diagnostic and surgical technology — no-contact lens measurements, modern lens implants and the LenSx laser — to improve the standard of care for his patients.
Read Dr. Rom's full biographyWhat patients say about cataract surgery with Dr. Rom
For as long as I can remember I have had poor vision. Dr. Rom did cataract surgery on both of my eyes and I now have crystal clear vision. Every aspect of the process was clearly described, all my questions were answered, and Dr. Rom and all of his staff were knowledgeable, kind and supportive. It was a no-stress event that had a superb outcome.Ginny T. · cataract surgery, both eyes
The professionalism of Dr. Rom and his staff is refreshing. The communication regarding the surgery was excellent. Most important to me was that my cataract surgery was completely painless. I will highly recommend Dr. Rom to my friends.B. Buckman · cataract surgery
Am I a candidate for cataract surgery?
If you have been diagnosed with a cataract and it interferes with your daily life — driving, reading, working, or seeing comfortably at night — you are likely a candidate. Cataracts are usually not removed until they affect your quality of life, and the only way to know for certain is a comprehensive exam with an ophthalmologist at our Mentor office.
There is no non-surgical treatment for cataracts: new glasses can help for a while, but surgery is the only way to restore clear, sharp vision once a cataract has formed. Left alone, the clouding continues to worsen and gradually disrupts night driving, reading and everyday activities.
What are my lens implant options?
Every cataract surgery includes an intraocular lens (IOL). There are four types to talk through with Dr. Rom: a standard lens for clear distance vision, a toric lens that also corrects astigmatism, an extended-range lens designed to reduce your dependence on glasses, and a full range of vision trifocal that adds near vision as well. Your exam and measurements determine which ones suit your eyes.
Reading glasses for close work. Covered by Medicare and most plans when surgery is medically necessary; deductibles and coinsurance still apply.
A standard-style lens that also corrects corneal astigmatism. An additional out-of-pocket cost.
Designed for distance and arm's-length tasks, with some near vision. An additional out-of-pocket cost.
A trifocal designed to give distance, arm's-length and near vision from one implant. An additional out-of-pocket cost.
Current lenses: enVista, enVista Toric, enVista Aspire, TECNIS PureSee, enVista Envy and enVista Envy Toric — see the full lens options guide and toric lens implants. Upgraded lenses and laser-assisted surgery are an out-of-pocket cost; CareCredit and Alphaeon financing is available — see financing. Insight Eye Center does not perform LASIK.
Compare the lens options in detailThe six lenses Dr. Rom implants, side by side.
| Lens | Type | Distance | Arm's length | Near | Astigmatism | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| enVista® Bausch + Lomb | Standard monofocal | Yes | Partial | Reading glasses | Correctable with incisions at surgery | Medicare and most plans |
| enVista® Toric Bausch + Lomb | Toric monofocal | Yes | Partial | Reading glasses | Built in, including low amounts | Out-of-pocket upgrade |
| enVista® Aspire™ Bausch + Lomb | Intermediate-optimized monofocal | Yes | Designed for arm's-length tasks | Reading glasses for fine print | Toric version available | Out-of-pocket upgrade |
| TECNIS® PureSee™ Johnson & Johnson | Extended depth of focus | Yes | Yes | Some | Ask about options | Out-of-pocket upgrade |
| enVista® Envy™ Bausch + Lomb | Full range of vision (trifocal) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Toric version available | Out-of-pocket upgrade |
| enVista® Envy™ Toric Bausch + Lomb | Full range of vision (trifocal) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Built in | Out-of-pocket upgrade |
TECNIS PureSee is a refractive (non-diffractive) lens designed to keep halos and glare low; in Johnson & Johnson's clinical study, 97% of patients reported no very bothersome visual disturbances. That figure comes from the manufacturer's study, not from this practice's patients. enVista Aspire is described by Bausch + Lomb as designed for a broader range of focus than a standard monofocal; it is not a multifocal lens. enVista Envy is Bausch + Lomb's full range of vision trifocal, FDA approved in October 2024 in standard and toric models; in the manufacturer's US clinical study 86% of patients reported little or no problem with glare, halo or starbursts. Manufacturer figures are not this practice's results.
Not sure which type to ask about? Try the optional Lens FinderFour questions give you a starting point for the conversation. Your answers do not decide which lens you can have.
After cataract surgery, what would you like your eyes to do?
Have you been told you have astigmatism?
Standard lenses are covered by Medicare and most insurance, subject to your deductible and coinsurance. Upgraded lenses are an additional out-of-pocket cost. Which sounds like you?
If you could skip glasses for one more thing, what would it be?
How do I prepare for cataract surgery?
Preparation is mostly measurement. Before surgery you have a comprehensive eye exam, a refraction, and no-contact scans that measure the length of your eye and the curvature of the cornea. Those numbers determine the power and type of lens implant Dr. Rom places, so the result is matched to your eye.
The exam checks the overall health of your eyes and rules out anything that could affect the expected outcome. The refraction records any nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Insight Eye Center uses optical biometry, corneal topography and wavefront aberrometry — the IOLMaster 700 and the OPD-Scan III — which scan the eye without touching it; each scan takes about ten seconds per eye.
Based on the findings, Dr. Rom goes over the lens options that will give you the clearest vision for the way you live, and the office gives you instructions for the day of surgery — including arranging a driver, since you cannot drive yourself home.
What is recovery like after cataract surgery?
Recovery is quick for most people. You go home the same day, come back for a check the next morning, and are usually cleared to drive after that visit. You use prescribed eye drops several times a day for a few weeks, wear a shield at bedtime for the first two nights, and avoid swimming, hot tubs, strenuous activity and lifting more than 30 pounds for two weeks or longer.
- Day of surgeryMild scratchiness, itching or discomfort is common; vision may be blurry. Rest, start your drops, and wear the shield to sleep.
- Day 1Post-operative check at the office. Most patients are cleared to drive after this visit.
- First few daysVision is often slightly blurry and the eye may be red as it heals. Post-op sunglasses are for comfort in bright light.
- Two weeksNo swimming, hot tubs, strenuous activity or lifting over 30 pounds. Keep using your drops as prescribed.
- A few weeksDrops finish. If your second eye needs surgery, it is scheduled at least a few weeks after the first.
What results can I expect after cataract surgery?
Vision is usually a little blurry for a few days, then improves at all distances as the eye heals. Many patients can drive, and read a book or newspaper without reading glasses, once healing is complete. How much your vision improves — and how often you still reach for glasses — depends largely on the lens implant you choose.
Because the whole natural lens is removed, the cataract itself cannot come back. Some patients develop a haze on the thin capsule behind the implant months or years later; a quick, painless YAG laser treatment in the office clears it.
Can astigmatism be corrected during cataract surgery?
Yes. Mild corneal astigmatism can be treated at the time of surgery with limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) — precisely placed incisions that reshape the cornea. Larger amounts of astigmatism usually respond better to a toric lens implant. Your pre-operative measurements show which approach fits your eye.
Correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery is an out-of-pocket option, but it can mean sharper distance vision with less dependence on glasses afterward. More about limbal relaxing incisions · More about toric lens implants.
Limbal relaxing incisions — for mild corneal astigmatism, performed during the same procedure.
Toric lens implant — for more significant astigmatism, built into the implant itself.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is the most common ophthalmic procedure performed today and is considered very safe, but every surgery carries risks. For cataract surgery they include infection, bleeding and retinal detachment. Dr. Rom reviews the risks, the procedure and the recovery with you at your consultation.
Roughly 3 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States every year, and about 98% achieve a favorable outcome.
Common questions about cataract surgery
Short answers to the questions patients ask most often. For anything specific to your eyes, ask Dr. Rom at your evaluation or call the office at (440) 286-1188.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. Numbing drops keep the eye comfortable during surgery and a mild sedative is available. Patients usually describe pressure or bright light rather than pain, with some scratchiness or itching for a day or two afterward.
Does insurance cover cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery with a standard lens is medically necessary and is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, subject to your deductible and coinsurance. Premium lenses, astigmatism correction and laser-assisted surgery are an additional out-of-pocket cost; CareCredit and Alphaeon financing is available.
When can I drive after cataract surgery?
You need a driver on the day of surgery. Most patients are cleared to drive after the next-day check at the office, once Dr. Rom confirms the eye is healing well.
Are both eyes done at the same time?
No. If both eyes have cataracts, each is treated separately, usually at least a few weeks apart, so the first eye can heal and settle before the second is done.
Will I need stitches?
No. The incision used to remove the cataract is so small that it seals on its own, and most patients do not need an eye patch either.
Is cataract surgery permanent, and can the cataract come back?
Yes, the result is permanent. The entire natural lens is removed, so a cataract cannot form again. Some patients later develop a haze on the capsule behind the implant, which is cleared with a quick YAG laser treatment in the office.
Is surgery the only treatment for cataracts?
Yes. There is no medication, drop or laser that reverses a cataract. New glasses may help for a while, but surgery is the only way to restore clear, sharp vision once a cataract has formed.
What happens if I don't have my cataracts removed?
The clouding continues to worsen. Over time it disrupts night driving, reading and many everyday activities. Cataracts are usually removed once they begin to interfere with your quality of life.
Where does Dr. Rom see cataract patients?
At Insight Eye Center, 9485 Mentor Avenue, Suite 200, Mentor, Ohio 44060, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The practice serves Mentor, Lake and Geauga counties and Cleveland's East Side. Call (440) 286-1188 to schedule an evaluation.
Ready to see clearly again?
Request a cataract evaluation with Dr. Rom in Mentor. Tell us how to reach you and the office will call to schedule. A cataract evaluation is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, subject to your deductible and coinsurance.
