Cataracts

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If you’re experiencing cloudy vision, difficulty driving at night, or increased sensitivity to glare, you may be dealing with cataracts. At Fraser Eye Care Center, our board-certified ophthalmologists provide comprehensive cataract surgery services throughout the Detroit metropolitan area, helping patients regain clear, comfortable vision through state-of-the-art surgical techniques.

Located conveniently in Port Huron, Fraser, Royal Oak, Warren, West Bloomfield, and Rochester Hills, our experienced team has performed thousands of successful cataract procedures, combining advanced technology with personalized patient care to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Fraser Eye Care Center has performed over 100,000 successful cataract surgeries.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing vision to blur over time. Cataracts naturally occur as we age, and they affect many people over the age of 50.

In your eye, a lens is naturally positioned behind the colored part of the eye (the iris) to help focus light on the back of the eye. Cataracts occur when natural proteins build up over time. As this condition progresses, your lens will change from a clear “window” to a progressively clouded view as less light is allowed to filter through.

How Common are Cataracts?

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision impairment in the United States. However, because cataracts form slowly and over a long period of time, many people suffer from this condition without realizing it at the onset.

  • Cataracts currently affect more than 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40
  • By age 75, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts
  • By 2030, the number of Americans with cataracts is projected to rise from 20.5 million today to over 38 million

*Data from National Eye Institute

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"When cataracts begin interfering with daily activities like reading, driving, or enjoying hobbies, it's time to consider surgery," explains Dr. Ryan Jaber, our fellowship-trained cornea and cataract specialist. "The good news is that modern cataract surgery is highly successful, with studies showing success rates exceeding 95%."
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Dr. Ryan Jaber

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataract symptoms include:1
 

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Trouble seeing at night
  • Light sensitivity or glare
  • Seeing “Halos” around lights
  • Fading or yellowing of color
  • Double vision
  • Glasses don’t seem to work as well as they used to
  • Increased need for light to read

What are the Risk Factors for Cataracts?

Cataracts occur naturally, often as a result of age, but certain lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors can put you at greater risk of developing cataracts.2

  • Excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light
  • Smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke
  • Myopia, or nearsightedness
  • Certain types of eye injuries
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Alcoholism
  • Steroid usage, including pills, creams, or nasal sprays

How are Cataracts Diagnosed?

A cataract can only be diagnosed by an eye doctor, which is one of the reasons it is important to have yearly comprehensive eye exams with an experienced ophthalmologist or optometrist. Annual eye exams are also critical to diagnose conditions such as glaucoma, retinal diseases, and other eye issues. Your eye doctor at Fraser Eye Care Center will utilize a variety of tests and advanced tools to evaluate your vision and eye health.

How are Cataracts Treated?

Cataracts can only be removed with surgery. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made cataract surgery one of the safest and most common surgical procedures performed in the United States.

Cataract Surgery Options

While surgery is the only method to effectively treat cataracts, there are several options when it comes to cataract surgery. A standard, or traditional, cataract surgery will remove the cataract, but patients may still need corrective eyewear for clear vision. At Fraser Eye Care Center, we also offer custom bladeless laser cataract surgery. Custom laser surgery can be performed with advanced lenses that can correct for near distance, far distance, presbyopia, and astigmatism. Learn More About Cataract Surgery and Recovery.

Traditional Cataract Surgery

Our skilled surgeons perform traditional cataract surgery using advanced phacoemulsification techniques. During this outpatient procedure, a small incision is made in the cornea, and ultrasonic energy is used to break up the cloudy lens. The lens fragments are then gently removed and replaced with a clear intraocular lens (IOL).

Dropless Cataract Surgery

For select patients, we offer dropless cataract surgery, where medication is placed inside the eye during surgery, eliminating the need for post-operative eye drops.

Laser Cataract Surgery

For enhanced precision, we offer laser-assisted cataract surgery using femtosecond laser technology (LenSx®). This advanced approach allows for:

  • More precise corneal incisions
  • Accurate lens fragmentation
  • Reduced ultrasonic energy use
  • Potentially faster recovery times

In addition, Fraser Eye Care utilizes the ORA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis) system, which provides real-time measurements during surgery to help refine intraocular lens (IOL) selection and positioning—particularly in patients with astigmatism or prior refractive surgery.

“Laser cataract surgery represents the latest advancement in our field,” notes Dr. Mahdi Basha. “The precision of the femtosecond laser allows us to customize each procedure to the patient’s unique eye anatomy.”

Advanced Technology and Techniques

At Fraser Eye Care Center, we utilize cutting-edge technology to ensure optimal surgical outcomes:

ORA System (Optiwave Refractive Analysis)

This intraoperative wavefront aberrometer provides real-time measurements during surgery, allowing for precise IOL power calculations and optimal positioning.

LenSx Femtosecond Laser

Our advanced laser system creates precise incisions and lens fragmentation patterns, customized to each patient’s unique eye anatomy.

Premium Intraocular Lens Options

Cataract IOL Options

Monofocal IOLs

Standard monofocal lenses provide excellent distance vision and are covered by most insurance plans. While patients typically need reading glasses for near tasks, these lenses offer reliable, clear distance vision.

Multifocal IOLs

Advanced multifocal lenses provide clear vision at multiple distances, significantly reducing dependence on eyeglasses. These premium lenses allow patients to see clearly for:

  • Distance activities (driving, sports)
  • Intermediate tasks (computer work)
  • Near vision (reading, crafts)

Toric IOLs

Specially designed for patients with astigmatism, toric lenses correct both cataracts and astigmatism simultaneously. This eliminates the need for additional procedures and provides clearer, sharper vision.

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lenses

These innovative lenses provide a continuous range of vision, offering improved intermediate and distance vision with reduced halos and glare compared to traditional multifocal lenses.

Learn more about Premium Intraocular Lens Options

Patient Success Stories

“I had surgery here for cataracts a couple of years ago. My visit here was fantastic from beginning to end. I had no issues; they took very good care of me before and after the surgery twice. If you’re looking for a great eye doctor, this is the place I still go back to have my eyes checked there every year.”– Philip B.

“This place is awesome! State-of-the-art technology. Clean. Staff are very professional and knowledgeable. Dr. Basha and Dr. Vanderhoof both worked on my eyes with special lenses because I had previous RK and Lasik surgeries, and my eyes came out great after the cataract procedures. Huge recommendation to anyone needing cataract attention.”– Linda H.

“Dr. Basha did awesome on my cataracts. I can see so much better. What a difference. Just need readers. Very happy with the staff. Everyone was very nice and helpful.”– Joanne T.

“I normally don’t have time to do reviews, but I just have to say Dr. Basha was outstanding in the way he took care of my mom’s cataract surgery. Very good bedside manners & is just genuinely there to take care of his patients. Both me & mom had a great experience at this place. The staff was very friendly & accommodating. Also, the best part was no pain during or after her surgery. Thank you, Dr. Basha & staff.”– Alireza D.

What to Expect During Your Cataract Surgery

All cataract procedures are performed in our AAAHC-accredited surgical facility, meeting nationally recognized standards for patient safety and quality of care. Cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under a topical anesthetic, typically taking 15-20 minutes per eye. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and rapid visual improvement.

The Surgical Process:

  1. Pre-operative preparation: Eye drops are administered to dilate the pupil and numb the eye
  2. Small incision creation: A tiny incision (typically 2.2-2.8mm) is made in the cornea
  3. Lens removal: The cloudy natural lens is carefully broken up and removed
  4. IOL implantation: Your chosen intraocular lens is inserted and positioned
  5. Recovery: The incision typically heals naturally without stitches

Risks and Complications

While cataract surgery has a high success rate, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including:

  • Infection (less than 0.1% of cases)3
  • Bleeding or swelling
  • Retinal detachment (0.2-3.6% of cases)4
  • Secondary cataract formation (20-50% of patients may develop PCO)5
  • IOL dislocation (rare, 0.2-3%)6

Our experienced surgeons take every precaution to minimize these risks through advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive pre-operative evaluation.

Cataract Surgery Recovery and Timeline

Most patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours after surgery. The majority of patients achieve their best corrected visual acuity within one week of surgery.

Recovery Guidelines:

  • Day 1-3: Rest and use prescribed eye drops as directed
  • Week 1: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities
  • Week 2-4: Gradual return to normal activities
  • 1 month: Complete healing and final vision assessment

During recovery, it’s important to:

  • Use the prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
  • Wear protective eyewear as recommended
  • Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye
  • Attend all follow-up appointments

Insurance and Financing Options

Fraser Eye Care Center accepts most major insurance plans for medically necessary cataract surgery.

Payment Options for Cataract Surgery

At our practice, we want to make cataract surgery accessible and stress-free. That’s why we offer several convenient ways to pay:

  • Cash/Credit: We accept all major forms of traditional payment and credit cards.
  • Financing: Flexible financing options are available, including $0 down and 0% interest through CareCredit, so you can get treatment now and pay over time.
  • Tax Refunds: Thinking about cataract or LASIK surgery around tax season? You can put your tax refund to good use by investing in your vision.
  • HSA Accounts: Health Savings Accounts (HSA) enable you to use pre-tax dollars toward medical procedures such as cataract surgery, helping you save while improving your eyesight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find cataract surgery near me in Detroit?

When can I drive after cataract surgery?

When can I return to work after cataract surgery?

When can I shower after cataract surgery?

When can I wear makeup after cataract surgery?

When can I exercise or work out after cataract surgery?

How long do cataract surgery results last?

Is cataract surgery painful?

Our Cataract Surgery Team

At Fraser Eye Care Center, our cataract surgery team includes 10 experienced cataract surgeons serving patients across the Detroit metropolitan area. Each surgeon is board-certified and specializes in advanced vision correction procedures, offering comprehensive treatment options for cataracts and related eye conditions. Together, our team performs more than 7,000 cataract procedures each year, reflecting a high level of experience across a wide range of clinical needs.

Each of our cataract surgeons brings specialized training and expertise to ensure optimal outcomes for every eye surgery procedure. From traditional techniques to the latest laser-assisted methods, our Metro Detroit practice offers the full spectrum of treatment options to restore clear vision and improve quality of life.

Schedule Your Cataract Consultation Today

Don’t let cataracts limit your vision and quality of life. Our experienced team at Fraser Eye Care Center is ready to help you achieve clearer, more comfortable vision through advanced cataract surgery techniques.

Take the first step toward better vision by scheduling your comprehensive cataract evaluation today. Contact us now.

1 Cleveland Clinic. Cataracts (Age-Related). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts-age-related. Accessed September 5, 2025.

2 Mayo Clinic. Cataracts. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790. Accessed September 5, 2025.

3 Community Eye Health. Endophthalmitis: controlling infection before and after cataract surgery. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2377381/. Accessed September 5, 2025.

4 Open Ophthalmology Journal. The Incidence of Retinal Detachment After Cataract Surgery. https://openophthalmologyjournal.com/VOLUME/6/PAGE/79/FULLTEXT/#. Accessed September 5, 2025.

5 Pharmaceutics. Factors Affecting Posterior Capsule Opacification in the Development of Intraocular Lens Materials. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8230425/. Accessed September 5, 2025.

6 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Management of Dislocated IOLs. https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/management-of-dislocated-iols#. Accessed September 5, 2025.

The Fraser Eye Care Center Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

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