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Swagel Wootton Eye Institute is a full-service ophthalmology provider committed to providing you with expert eyecare and quality vision correction through skilled cataract treatment.

  • Experts in Eyecare

    With 60 years of experience, Swagel Wootton’s team of board-certified cataract surgeons is committed to delivering you outstanding results.

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  • Invested in You

    We invest in advanced cataract surgery technologies, including the latest cataract lens implants, to ensure patient safety, comfort, and outcomes.

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  • Patient-Centered

    We take pride in ensuring our patients have a complete understanding of their care, treatment, and lens options when considering cataract surgery.

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Advanced Cataract Treatment at Swagel Wootton Eye Institute

By the time patients are 65 years old, more than 90% of Americans will have developed cataracts.

Cataracts represent a significant threat to the eye health and vision of countless Americans, affecting more than 20.5 million adults in the United States. Cataracts typically begin developing in individuals who are in their forties or early fifties because they are a natural part of the aging process. Older adults are most susceptible to cataracts but younger adults who have diabetes or who have experienced a severe eye injury can also develop cataracts.

Fortunately, treatment is available and at Swagel Wootton Eye Institute, our Mesa and Chandler cataract surgeons have extensive experience in restoring patients’ vision via safe and effective traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery, using the latest surgical and lens implant technology. We are able to offer our patients a choice of several premium lenses, any of which can improve your eyesight and allow you to live your life to the fullest. We know that vision procedures can feel like a big decision, especially when you have so many options. Our team of eye doctors will be here to guide you through your options and help you achieve your vision goals.

As the only complete treatment for cataracts, cataract surgery can allow you to live the life you enjoy with ease and clarity. And can even reduce your dependence on corrective lenses with advanced technology intraocular lens implants.

Talk to a Swagel Wootton surgeon about your lifestyle needs and vision goals to better understand your options.

Advanced Cataract Treatment at Swagel Wootton Eye Institute

Cataracts represent a significant threat to the eye health and vision of countless Americans, affecting more than 20.5 million adults in the United States. Cataracts typically begin developing in individuals who are in their forties or early fifties because they are a natural part of the aging process. Older adults are most susceptible to cataracts but younger adults who have diabetes or who have experienced a severe eye injury can also develop cataracts.

Fortunately, treatment is available and at Swagel Wootton Eye Institute, our Mesa and Chandler cataract surgeons have extensive experience in restoring patients’ vision via safe and effective traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery, using the latest surgical and lens implant technology. We are able to offer our patients a choice of several premium lenses, any of which can improve your eyesight and allow you to live your life to the fullest. We know that vision procedures can feel like a big decision, especially when you have so many options. Our team of eye doctors will be here to guide you through your options and help you achieve your vision goals.

By the time patients are 65 years old, more than 90% of Americans will have developed cataracts.

As the only complete treatment for cataracts, cataract surgery can allow you to live the life you enjoy with ease and clarity. And can even reduce your dependence on corrective lenses with advanced technology intraocular lens implants.

Talk to a Swagel Wootton surgeon about your lifestyle needs and vision goals to better understand your options.

What Our Patients Are Saying

What are cataracts and how do I know if I have them?

A cataract is a progressive medical condition that causes the natural lens in your eye to become increasingly cloudy, impairing your vision. Just as the lenses in a pair of glasses can get smudged or pick up fingerprints, the lens in our eye becomes cloudy as we get older, suffer serious eye injury, or have certain medical conditions.

Because cataracts develop slowly, it’s possible to live with the condition for years before its symptoms start to noticeably compromise your vision. One of the most common symptoms of cataracts is blurred or cloudy vision and difficulty seeing at night but other symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • “Halos” around bright lights (especially at night)
  • Sensitivity to bright light and glare
  • Need for brighter lights for reading and other close-up activities
  • Double vision or multiple images in one eye
  • A faded or yellowish hue to bright colors
  • The need for frequent adjustments to glasses or contact lens prescriptions

Our Cataract Self-Test can help determine if you’ve been living with cataracts and if it might be time to visit your eye doctor for a complete eye exam.

What are cataracts and how do I know if I have them?

A cataract is a progressive medical condition that causes the natural lens in your eye to become increasingly cloudy, impairing your vision. Just as the lenses in a pair of glasses can get smudged or pick up fingerprints, the lens in our eye becomes cloudy as we get older, suffer serious eye injury, or have certain medical conditions.

Because cataracts develop slowly, it’s possible to live with the condition for years before its symptoms start to noticeably compromise your vision. One of the most common symptoms of cataracts is blurred or cloudy vision and difficulty seeing at night but other symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • “Halos” around bright lights (especially at night)
  • Sensitivity to bright light and glare
  • Need for brighter lights for reading and other close-up activities
  • Double vision or multiple images in one eye
  • A faded or yellowish hue to bright colors
  • The need for frequent adjustments to glasses or contact lens prescriptions

Our Cataract Self-Test can help determine if you’ve been living with cataracts and if it might be time to visit your eye doctor for a complete eye exam.

Advanced Cataract Surgery Technology

The team of experts at Swagel Wootton is highly trained and expertly skilled in using the latest cataract surgical equipment and technology, including advanced cataract lens implants, laser-assisted cataract procedures with Femtosecond lasers, and ORA testing to ensure patient safety, comfort, and high-quality results.

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Cataract Surgery at Swagel Wootton

How Does Cataract Surgery Work?

Once you and your eye doctor decide that it’s the right time for you to have cataract surgery, you will probably have plenty of questions about the the cataract procedure. A typical cataract surgery involves a few simple steps and takes only about 30 minutes:

  • First, your Swagel Wootton surgeon will numb your eye and the surrounding area with a local anesthetic.
  • Next, they make a small incision in the front of your eye to allow easy access to remove the lens that is clouded by the cataract.
  • Once the cataract is removed, they will replace the old lens with the new intraocular lens that you have chosen for your surgery.
  • As your eye heals, it adjusts to the new lens and your vision begins to become clearer.

While having eye surgery can be intimidating, Swagel Wootton’s cataract surgery technology is minimally invasive, and your recovery will likely be shorter and less painful than you may expect. It typically takes about four weeks to fully recover from cataract surgery, but you should notice your vision becoming clearer and more focused before the one-month mark.

  • After surgery, you may notice that your eye feels sore, irritated, or itchy — all of which are completely normal.
  • In the days and weeks following your surgery, we’ll schedule several follow-up appointments with your surgeon so they can ensure your eye is healing properly.

You Have Options, We’re Here to Help

We know the decision to have cataract surgery is a big one. That’s why our team of eyecare experts has the knowledge and experience to help you understand your options to allow you to make the decision that is best for you.

We also know that the outcomes you’re looking for following cataract surgery play an important role in the decision-making process. During your cataract consultation, your surgical counselor will help you navigate the process and you’ll leave our clinic with a customized care plan and complete quote, along with information for our team on how to make cataract surgery affordable for you. You’ll also leave knowing why Swagel Wootton’s cataract technology and patient care are second to none.

To learn more about your vision options, text SWEI to 519519 to view a suite of videos with more information.

Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP to 519519 for info. Text STOP to 519519 to cancel.

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Cataract Surgery FAQs

What are cataracts?

Our natural lenses are made of proteins that break down and clump together as we age. These protein clusters — what we know as cataracts — eventually cause an individual’s vision to become blurry.

Does cataract surgery correct vision?

There are several treatment options available with cataract surgery. With standard IOL (intraocular lens), vision is clear but you may still need reading glasses or contact lenses as were needed before cataracts. Premium intraocular lenses greatly reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear. Consult with your eye doctor on your vision goals to find the best fit for you.

Does cataract surgery hurt?

Cataract surgery is not painful. Cataract patients typically experience a little eye pressure during the procedure, but eye drops are given to numb the eye prior.

How fast do cataracts progress?

Cataracts formation varies based on the individual, but for most people cataracts develop somewhat slowly over a matter of years, as a result of aging. However, some people experience a more rapid cataract development, usually as a result of diabetes or underlying eye conditions.

Is cataract surgery covered by my insurance?

Patients with private health insurance plans or Medicare can typically have all or part of their procedure covered, but it’s important to contact your insurance company to identify whether your cataract surgery will be covered. At Swagel Wootton Eye Institute, we’ll work with you to develop an affordable financing plan.

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