Cataract surgery removes the eye's clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). At Surgical Eye Experts in Bellaire, board-certified surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Collett performs the procedure in our own surgical suite, with monofocal, toric, multifocal, and Light Adjustable Lens options.
Dr. Collett performs numerous cataract surgeries a year to improve patients' vision and lifestyle. His surgical approach involves tailored plans to help maximize your eyesight. You can even reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and/or contacts!
We offer modern solutions to meet the most demanding visual goals. It starts with current diagnostic instruments and ends with advanced surgical techniques. Dr. Collett will guide you through the cataract surgery options that best suit your needs. Schedule an evaluation today.
Cataracts occur naturally as the lens in your eye becomes cloudy with time. They grow slowly but surely, eventually blurring vision and affecting your everyday routine. Everyone will develop cataracts, and nearly everyone will qualify for surgery, which involves replacing the cataract with a clear lens to help you see better. At Surgical Eye Experts, we want to help you see the world clearly again.
During surgery we remove the cloudy lens in your eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens (IOL). This elegant process takes minutes and the recovery process is simple. For many, it is the easiest surgery they ever have.
Cataract surgery is an investment in yourself. In addition to sharper eyesight, you could opt for full range vision that will minimize your dependence on glasses and/or contacts! These advanced technology options can be customized to provide the best possible vision for your lifestyle.
Are you having trouble reading, watching TV, or driving? If you are struggling with these (or any other) visual tasks, it may be due to cataracts. Most individuals with cataracts are excellent surgical candidates, so it often comes down to picking the right time for you. Here are four early signs of cataracts:
Blurred or hazy vision: Cataracts can cause your vision to become cloudy or blurry, making it difficult to see clearly. This can affect your ability to read, drive, or perform other everyday tasks.
Increased sensitivity to light: Many people with cataracts experience increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare. This can make it uncomfortable to be in well-lit environments or to drive at night.
Difficulty seeing at night: Cataracts can make it difficult see in low-light conditions, such as night driving or dim rooms. You may notice that your vision is less sharp or that objects appear more faded or washed out.
Changes in color vision: Cataracts can cause a yellowing or fading of colors, making it harder to distinguish between different shades. You may also notice that colors appear less vibrant or that certain colors look different than they used to.
Learn more about cataracts and their treatment options! Dive into our insightful blog post: 'Clearing the Clouds: A Guide to Understanding Cataracts.' Gain clarity and make informed decisions about your eye health journey.
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Medicare Part B and most insurance plans cover medically-necessary cataract surgery with a standard monofocal lens, leaving only your deductible or copay. Out-of-pocket cost comes from premium lens upgrades - toric, multifocal, or the Light Adjustable Lens - which carry a per-eye upgrade fee. Those upgrades are HSA/FSA-eligible, and we offer CareCredit financing for premium lenses. The table below shows what drives the cost and how each part is typically covered.
| Cost factor | What it covers | Typical coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cataract surgery (monofocal IOL) | Phacoemulsification and standard single-focus lens | Covered by Medicare Part B & most insurance (deductible/copay) |
| Toric IOL upgrade | Corrects astigmatism for sharper distance vision | Out-of-pocket upgrade fee; HSA/FSA-eligible |
| Multifocal / extended-depth IOL | Reduces need for glasses at multiple distances | Out-of-pocket upgrade fee; HSA/FSA-eligible |
| Light Adjustable Lens (RxSight LAL) | Premium IOL fine-tuned after surgery, including light treatments | Out-of-pocket upgrade fee; HSA/FSA-eligible; CareCredit financing |
| Facility & anesthesia | Surgery-center and light-sedation fees | Bundled into Medicare/insurance for standard surgery |
Because exact premium-lens pricing depends on the lens and your benefits, our Bellaire office verifies your coverage and quotes any out-of-pocket upgrade before scheduling. Call 281-800-1585. For a full breakdown, read our guide on how much cataract surgery costs in Houston. If your capsule clouds months or years later, an in-office YAG capsulotomy if the capsule clouds later restores clear vision.
The procedure itself is typically 15 to 20 minutes per eye. Including check-in, dilation, and post-operative monitoring, plan on being at the surgery center for about 2 hours.
No. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery. Most patients can drive themselves to their one-day post-op visit.
The right IOL depends on your vision goals, lifestyle, astigmatism, and budget. Options include standard monofocal, toric (astigmatism-correcting), multifocal, and the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). Dr. Collett reviews all options during your consultation.
Yes. Medicare Part B covers the standard cataract procedure and a standard monofocal IOL. Premium IOLs (toric, multifocal, LAL) involve an itemized out-of-pocket upgrade.
Most patients are using their eyes normally within 24 hours. Full healing takes about 4 to 6 weeks, during which you'll use prescription drops and avoid swimming and heavy lifting.
It depends on the IOL you choose. Standard monofocal IOLs usually require reading glasses or distance glasses. Multifocal and the Light Adjustable Lens aim to reduce dependence on glasses for most activities. We do not promise glasses-independence.
Generally no. We typically separate the two eyes by 1 to 2 weeks so each eye heals before the next procedure.
The LAL (RxSight) is the only IOL whose power can be fine-tuned after surgery using UV light. Learn more on our Light Adjustable Lens page.
Cataracts most commonly form with aging as proteins in the lens cluster and cloud. Other contributors include UV exposure, diabetes, smoking, certain medications, and prior eye trauma.
When cataract-related vision changes begin to interfere with daily activities like driving, reading, or work. There is no requirement to wait until a cataract is "ripe."
No. Cataract surgery is performed with numbing eye drops and light sedation, so the eye feels no pain. Most patients describe mild pressure or awareness of light. The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes per eye. Afterward, some scratchiness or watering for a day or two is normal and managed with prescription drops.
Yes, you remain awake but relaxed. Dr. Collett uses numbing drops plus light sedation so you are comfortable and aware but feel no pain. You will see light and movement, not the surgery itself. The procedure is brief, about 15 to 20 minutes per eye, and you go home the same day with a driver.
You are likely a candidate when cataract-related vision changes such as glare, halos, dimming, or trouble driving and reading interfere with daily life. Dr. Collett confirms with a complete eye exam and measurements for your intraocular lens. Because he performs every step personally, the same surgeon who evaluates you performs your surgery and follow-up.
Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal lens is covered by Medicare Part B and most insurance, leaving your deductible or copay. Premium upgrades (toric, multifocal, or the Light Adjustable Lens) carry an out-of-pocket fee that is HSA/FSA-eligible and CareCredit-financeable. Our Bellaire office verifies benefits and quotes premium-lens pricing before scheduling. Call 281-800-1585.
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