A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. Certain conditions, activities, and environments may accelerate the process of cataract formation, however, cataracts are an unavoidable part of aging due to the oxidative stresses and exposures all of us endure over time. In the majority of cases, cataract symptoms develop slowly, so patients may be unaware that they have cataracts until they are advanced.
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States. The procedure involves removing the cloudy natural lens from the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.
Typically, the surgery takes 15 to 20 minutes and is performed under light sedation, allowing patients to remain awake during the process. Cataract surgery has several notable benefits that improve a patient's quality of life; improved vision, increased safety, correction of other vision problems, and more.
Many patients report that their vision is clearer and more vibrant, with colors appearing more vivid and details more defined.
During cataract surgery, your eye doctor will remove the cataract-affected natural lens of your eye and replace it with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho offers different IOLs to suit your individual vision needs, including:
Monofocal IOLs are the standard lens used during cataract surgery and are the only IOL covered by insurance. They are designed to provide the best possible vision at one distance.
Most patients choose to have them set for distance vision, meaning you will likely still need reading glasses to see up close after your procedure. Patients also have the option of monovision with monofocals, which involves having one lens set for distance vision and the other set for near vision to allow for greater visual freedom.
We also offer monofocal+ IOLs, which can correct vision at one distance while also improving intermediate vision.
Astigmatism is a common refractive error where the eye is irregularly shaped, causing blurry vision. Toric IOLs are specially shaped to fit the eyes of patients with astigmatism and can provide you with crisper, clearer eyesight.
Multifocal IOLs correct vision across multiple distances. This allows you to seamlessly transition between different activities without needing visual aids and can significantly reduce your reliance on glasses and contacts.
However, some people experience more visual disturbances like halos and starbursts with multifocals than with other IOLs.
We want to help you make choices for your cataract surgery that are best for your lifestyle and vision needs. Your eye doctor will review your options with you at your pre-operative consultation to help you achieve your preferred visual results.
Conveniently located in Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Pocatello, Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho is dedicated to helping you improve your vision and keeping your eyes as healthy as possible. We provide exceptional care utilizing the latest surgical techniques, equipment, and evidence-based practices in ophthalmology to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Our specialists meet with every patient before surgery to answer your questions and ensure you feel comfortable going into your procedure.
Dr. Hooton has special interests in complex cataracts, partial thickness corneal transplants, ocular infections, and dry eyes. While completing a fellowship in Cornea, External Diseases, and Refractive Surgery at the world-renowned University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, he learned the latest in corneal transplant techniques and complex cataract surgery.
Dr. Traynor founded Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho in 2011 and specializes in complex cataract surgery and in the medical and surgical care of glaucoma. He was an ophthalmology resident and glaucoma fellow at the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City, which has been recognized as one of the top ophthalmology training programs in the country.
Dr. Fullmer is a comprehensive ophthalmologist with expertise in treating complex cataracts, pediatric eye diseases, eyelid surgeries, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. He also completed his residency at the Dean McGee Eye Institute, known for its expertise in supervising surgeons and physicians, high surgery volumes, and quality of education and research.
Dr. Burrow is a comprehensive ophthalmologist specializing in general ophthalmology and advanced ocular surgery, with expertise in cataract and refractive procedures. Dr. Burrow's extensive research includes publications in respected medical journals, primarily focusing on cataract surgery and ocular surgery techniques.
Dr. Beckstead specializes in the surgical correction of droopy eyelids, tear drainage abnormalities, and periocular trauma and has extensive experience in the surgical treatment of periocular cancers. Additionally, he has expertise in the latest techniques in cataract surgery and the management of general ophthalmic disease.
“The staff were very friendly, pleasant, and professional. They were all concerned with my comfort. The testing went very smoothly from start to finish and got me scheduled for cataract surgery in minimal time.”
- Tina T.
“Dr. Traynor did my cataract surgery, and I am really pleased with the results. He was professional and personable. He took the time to explain everything to me and treated me like a person/patient, not a customer.”
- Berna D.
“I am thrilled with the results of my cataract surgery and retina therapy allowing me to see clearly again. The doctors and staff truly live up to their name: Premier Eye Care.”
- Karl W.