Your Journey to Clearer Vision
We'll guide you through each step of the surgical process with clarity and care, from evaluation to recovery.
Each step of the surgical process is carefully planned in order to ensure the highest level of safety and precision as well as to provide the opportunity for flexible customization of your cataract surgery plan according to your preferences and lifestyle.
1. Initial Consultation
You will begin with a thorough eye exam and cataract evaluation by Dr. Feng. We'll assess your overall eye health, discuss your symptoms, assess comorbidities, and determine whether surgery is appropriate. Your eye will be dilated for a clear view of the cataract and the eye's internal structures.
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We will introduce lens options so you can consider the pros and cons and take the time to make the best decision for your lifestyle and preferences.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
Please bring a list of medications and any current glasses or contact prescriptions, if available, to allow for the most accurate and complete assessment of your ocular health
2. Measurement & Testing
This second visit focuses on precise testing to customize your surgery. It includes:
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​Biometry: Measures the shape and size of your eye to select the right lens power reduce your ultimate glasses prescription.
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Topography: Maps the curvature of your cornea, the eye's windshield (if needed for surgical planning, such as in post-LASIK patients or patience with significant corneal astigmatism).
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OCT: Provides a detailed scan of the retina to rule out pre-existing issues.
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Additional testing may be performed to stage ocular comorbidities such as glaucoma or retina issues if you have not had a recent eye checkup prior to your cataract evaluation or records are not available.
Note: Contact lens wearers may need to be out of lenses for several days to weeks to ensure accurate measurements.​
At this visit, we will find out whether you have visually significant astigmatism and make a recommendation about whether it should be corrected at the time of surgery. ​
Why a second visit? Measurements are performed at this visit when your eye is not dilated for the most accurate assessment, as well as to allow for the opportunity to correct any comorbidities identified at the first visit which may lead to less accurate measurements.​ In addition, it is our experience that patients experience the most long-term satisfaction with their surgery when they have had time to evaluate their lens choices and ask their doctor questions after the first visit. We want you to make the best choice for your personal preferences and lifestyle.
3. Surgical Scheduling and Clearances
After your evaluation and testing, you will receive dates for surgery.
All surgery centers and hospitals require certain medical clearances before surgery.
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These may include:
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Primary Care Physician Clearance – required for all patients to confirm medical readiness for anesthesia
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Cardiology or Pulmonology Clearance – may be required for patients with underlying cardiac or pulmonary conditions
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Retina Clearance – required for patients actively receiving intravitreal injections or under treatment for retinal diseases
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These steps are part of our thorough preoperative process and reflect our commitment to delivering safe, effective, and precise surgical outcomes. While obtaining medical clearances may involve some additional coordination, it is a crucial part of responsible surgical planning and greatly contributes to your overall safety and long-term visual success.
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Your health and vision are our top priorities, and this careful preparation allows us to proceed with full confidence in providing the best possible result.
Day of Surgery
You’ll arrive at the surgery center where our team will help you feel at ease. You'll receive mild sedation to help you relax. Although you will be in the surgery center for several hours to receive preoperative drops, wait for dilation, get changed, and meet anesthesia, the procedure itself typically takes less than half an hour.
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You’ll go home the same day with a shield over your eye and detailed instructions for postoperative care. It’s important to have a driver accompany you.
