Cataract Surgery in Tucson

Cataract Surgery in Tucson

Offering Pre-Operative & Post-Operative Care

(520) 323-3937

Don’t Let Cataracts Cloud Your Vision

Over 50% of people aged 65 and older have a cataract in one or both eyes. As the cataract progresses, vision deteriorates, leading to a decreased quality of life. Fortunately, cataract surgery can easily treat this condition.

Senior couple smiling

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are cloudy patches that develop on the lens of your eye. Cataracts can cause blurred or double vision, may increase light sensitivity and interfere with driving, especially at night. Without cataract surgery, millions of people around the world would be unable to see clearly.

The most common symptoms include:
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Trouble seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to glare
  • Colored halos around lights
  • Colors appearing more faded
  • Requiring brighter light for reading

When to Get Cataract Surgery

As we evaluate your eye health and vision, we'll carefully examine your lens for signs of cataract formation. If a cataract is detected and the clouding is causing visual disruption, our optometrist will refer you to a trusted surgeon for cataract surgery. Alvernon Optical - Campbell will be there for you, providing pre and post cataract surgery care.

As the condition begins to seriously impair your vision and adversely affects your daily life, impacting your ability to read, drive, watch TV or recognize faces, you should seriously consider surgery.

Woman smiling

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

  • High success rate

    Cataract surgery, one of the world’s most commonly performed surgeries, has a 95% success rate.

  • Quick and convenient

    This procedure can take just 30 to 45 minutes in an outpatient setting or hospital.

  • Prevents other eye problems

    Removing cataracts can reduce the risk of eye inflammation and pressure inside the eye–a leading cause of glaucoma.

  • Rapid recovery time

    Patients start seeing more clearly within a few days. Colors may seem brighter thanks to the new, clear lens.


How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

  • Apply antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eyedrops a few days before surgery if instructed to by your eye doctor
  • Arrange for a ride after the surgery, since you won’t be able to drive
  • Wash your face in the morning of the procedure and don’t wear eye makeup, strong perfumes or aftershave

What Happens During Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery removes your natural cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to improve and restore vision. This common and very safe procedure is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an outpatient basis.

  • The eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) will perform cataract surgery on one eye at a time. That means that you will come in for another surgery on the second eye. The procedure is brief and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
  • The eye doctor will place drops into your eyes to numb them and dilate your pupils. Though you’ll be conscious during the procedure, you may be offered a sedative to help you remain calm. The eye surgeon will then remove your natural lens and replace it with the IOL. You should feel no pain or discomfort thanks to the anesthetic.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery After-Care

Senior couple with glasses

After surgery, you may feel a bit drowsy as an after-effect of the sedative. Your eye doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection, inflammation and to reduce pressure within your eye. The surgeon may recommend that you wear an eye patch for a few days after your surgery and the protective shield when you sleep during the recovery period. Make sure to avoid rubbing your eyes or touching them unless necessary.

A day after cataract surgery, we'll provide a post-operative eye exam to make sure that all is well. Your Tucson optometrist will further perform a series of follow-up exams in the weeks and months to come. If determined that you require corrective lenses following your cataract surgery, we'll make sure you get the proper prescription.


Cataract Surgery Management FAQs

What are side effects of cataract surgery?

While side effects are rare, there are some issues that people commonly encounter in the days after surgery, as the eyes heal.

  • Dry eye
  • Feeling that something is in the eye
  • Blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity

If any of these side effects do not subside within a week or two, please contact Alvernon Optical - Campbell.

Can I delay cataract surgery

You can delay cataract surgery, but keep in mind that your vision will likely worsen the longer you put off the procedure.

When is cataract surgery not recommended?

Cataract patients who also have age-related macular degeneration or retinal detachment may not respond well to cataract surgery and the new lens may not correct vision.

Can cataract surgery give me 20/20 vision?

If you had great vision before developing cataracts, it’s likely that cataract surgery will restore your sight. Moreover, the IOL inserted into your eye can be designed to correct refractive errors, providing you with clear vision.

Patient Reviews
4.9
264 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Jul. 25, 2024
I recently visited Alvernon Optical on Campbell, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience. A... s someone who has worn glasses almost my whole life, I’m well-acquainted with the routine of eye exams, choosing frames, and the usual hassles involved. However, the staff at Alvernon Optical were absolutely phenomenal, making this visit stand out. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly and felt at ease. The team was professional, friendly, and attentive. The doctor who conducted my eye exam was kind and courteous, taking the time to explain everything thoroughly and ensuring I understood each step of the process. Choosing frames was also a breeze, thanks to the knowledgeable staff who guided me through their selection with patience and expertise. They made sure I found the perfect pair that suited both my style and prescription needs. Overall, Alvernon Optical provided a top-notch experience that went above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of eye care services.
- Jul. 24, 2024
The best.
- Jul. 12, 2024
Dr. Tetrault is a lovely man and a great optometrist. I have been coming here for 20 years and have... always received the same great service.
- Jun. 23, 2024
I’ve been going to Dr. Tetrault for my eye care for over 20 years. He is thorough and kind as well... . The staff are always helpful and I highly recommend Dr. Tetrault.
- Jun. 12, 2024
Friendly, quick, and very explanatory during the whole process.
- Jun. 11, 2024
Thank you Alvernon Optical
- May. 27, 2024
Really great experience. Everyone was kind and helpful. Everything moved efficiently.
- May. 24, 2024
Better than lenscrafters
- May. 16, 2024
Campbell Alvernon Optical Dr. David Tetrault and Staff were very professional and caring. Thank you!...
- Apr. 05, 2024
The staff are absolutely amazing. Cecilia, Tracy, and the wonderful tech who did the pre-exam testin... g (I really wish I could remember her name) are top notch. Dr. Tetrault has decades of experience, and I appreciate the ease with which he completed the exam. This was a very positive experience every step of the process, from scheduling to wait times (minimal if any). Great communication and great staff make this a go-to not only for me, but now for family members as well.
- Mar. 30, 2024
Dr. Tetrault took his time with me and answered all my questions. He was thorough and friendly. The ... staff were kind and professional. I did not experience any high pressure sales. The optician took her time with me and allowed ME to make the choices without any pressure. I was so pleased, I had my wife go to the location on Campbell Ave., and she was pleased as well.
- Mar. 26, 2024
Excellent in every way! Been using Alvernon Optical for many years.
- Mar. 18, 2024
Staff are amazing, pleasant and helpful. My glasses are amazing and comfortable. Dr. is also pleasan... t and efficient and very informative!
- Feb. 16, 2024
Great experience.
- Jan. 22, 2024
Everyone is so friendly and caring. Always have a great experience when I go in there an they have ... really nice frames.
- Dec. 24, 2023
Very good experience. A very helpful and professional staff.
- Nov. 25, 2023
Friendly and helpful staff!
- Nov. 15, 2023
Knowledgeable, quick, and friendly service from everyone here. Also, they had frames and lenses tha... t were completely covered by my insurance, so I didn't have to pay out-of-pocket. Thank you!
- Nov. 11, 2023
Quick and painless! Attentive staff and knowledgeable doctor!
- Oct. 31, 2023
I was referred here by a friend because they said their experience was amazing. My expectations were... high and they did not disappoint! They have an amazing team, seamless process, great selection of frames, and an added sprinkle of above and beyond-ness from Guillermo!

View All 264 Reviews

Your Cataract Surgery Co-Management Specialist in Tucson

Our optometry practice in Tucson

Photograph of Mark  Fischer
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed

Want to see clearly again?

Contact us today for pre-operative and post-operative care

(520) 323-3937

Senior woman