Cataract Surgery in Denver, CO
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a common procedure for those over the age of 60. The term “cataract” simply refers to a human lens that is partly or completely cloudy. It is such a common problem that there are more than three million operations for cataract removal in the United States each year. At Colorado Eye Surgeons, we have extensive experience in cataract removal. Additionally, Dr. Pennington specializes in lens removal before cataract formation. This allows for vision without glasses and prevents future cataract formation.
When is Cataract Surgery Necessary?
It all depends on your symptoms. Surgery is usually performed when the patient is no longer satisfied with his/her vision. The cause for the dissatisfaction can be blurry vision, difficulty reading, problems with glare or seeing street signs, poor night vision, difficulty seeing traffic signals, or trouble judging distances when driving.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
During cataract surgery, the entire lens (with the exception of the lens capsule) is removed. Of course, the removal of the cloudy lens creates the need for a replacement lens. This replacement is called an intraocular lens implant. During intraocular lens implementation, the cataract is removed and an artificial lens is placed within the eye. Implants are made of a soft foldable material. These types of lenses provide excellent vision. The decision as to which implant is the best for an individual patient is determined by rather complex factors such as the strength of the implant required and the amount of astigmatism present.
During his training, Dr. Pennington was one of the first resident physicians to become certified on a new method of cataract surgery known as laser assisted cataract surgery. He has continued to use this technology routinely in Colorado. Laser-assisted cataract surgery is an alternative to traditional cataract surgery in which the procedure is performed by hand. In some cases, laser-assisted cataract surgery is the best option because of the laser’s ability to rapidly create ultra-precise, tiny incisions.
Types of Cataract Lens Implants
There are many types of cataract lens implants, or intraocular lens implants (IOL) that we can use in order to provide you with the best results to match your lifestyle and activities after cataract surgery. These different types of lens implants include monofocal lens implants which are the most basic type of lens implant and only correct for one focal distance; toric lens implants for those patients with astigmatism; and near vision presbyopia correcting lens implants lens that will correct for distance, intermediate and near vision allow a patient to live a glasses free life.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery
Should you consider laser cataract surgery?
Its greatest value is for the many patients with complex cataracts. Additionally, the femto-second laser (FSL) can simultaneously create small incisions in the cornea that reduce preexisting astigmatism, which permits patients to achieve better vision with less dependence on glasses. Amazingly enough, the FSL can do all of these things painlessly and in approximately one minute!
At Colorado Eye Surgeons, patients receiving FSL treatment undergo the brief laser procedure, with completion of the cataract removal process and insertion of the intraocular lens implant shortly thereafter. Patients are then able to return home, and resume most activities immediately.
More information is available here: https://roboticlcs.com/?practice=true
Recovering from cataract surgery
If you’re considering cataract surgery but are worried about the procedure or the length of recovery, you can rest assured. After cataract surgery, our patients recover quickly and report little pain. In fact, many don’t even find that they need any rest period following surgery.
Dr. Pennington has developed advanced instrumentation and methods that have greatly increased the safety and decreased the pain of cataract surgery. With these types of advanced instrumentation and methods, the vast majority of our patients are able to have their cataracts removed in a brief and painless operation, requiring no stitches. Healing is extremely rapid, and patients are able to return to normal activity immediately. Most patients have improved vision within 10 minutes after surgery.
Do you still need glasses after cataract surgery?
It all depends…
The human lens loses its ability to focus or change shape as we get older. Similarly, an artificial lens implant has no ability to change shape. Therefore, some implants provide clear vision only at a distance. For this reason, normal types of eyeglasses are often worn after surgery in order to correct astigmatism or to improve vision for reading or driving. However, even with these implants, vision without glasses is often better than it was with glasses before surgery.
That being said, at Colorado Eye Surgeons we often use special implants to allow for a glasses free life after cataract surgery. These lenses are not right for every patient, but over 98% of patients are happy with the special implants. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Pennington to learn more about your options.
Cataract Surgery FAQs
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Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures in medicine, helping millions regain clear vision each year. But how do you know if you’re a candidate?
Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, often due to aging. Early cataracts may cause mild symptoms like glare, halos, or slightly blurry vision. When these changes begin to interfere with your ability to drive, read, work, or enjoy daily life, surgery may be recommended.
You may be a good candidate for cataract surgery if:
You’ve been diagnosed with cataracts that are affecting your quality of life
Your glasses or contact lenses no longer provide adequate vision
Your eye health is otherwise stable
You’re healthy enough for a quick, outpatient procedure
Modern cataract surgery not only removes the cloudy lens but also allows you to choose a replacement intraocular lens (IOL) tailored to your lifestyle. Options include monofocal lenses (for distance or near), multifocal lenses (for both), and toric lenses (for astigmatism correction).
Certain conditions like advanced macular degeneration, corneal disease, or uncontrolled glaucoma may limit your expected improvement or require additional considerations—but they don’t automatically disqualify you.
Ultimately, the decision is personal and based on how your vision impacts your life. A comprehensive eye exam with a cataract specialist can determine if surgery is appropriate—and which lens option is best for you. If cataracts are limiting your independence, the right time for surgery may be now.
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For most people in the US, Medicare and private insurance cover standard cataract surgery. If you choose advanced technology lenses or laser assisted cataract surgery those upgrades aren’t covered by insurance.
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Cataract surgery is virtually painless for most patients. Before the procedure, your eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops, and you may receive a mild sedative to help you relax. During surgery, you might feel slight pressure or see lights and movement, but not pain. Afterward, some people experience mild scratchiness or dryness as the eye heals, but this usually resolves within a few days. Overall, cataract surgery is comfortable, quick, and remarkably well-tolerated by the vast majority of patients.
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Cataract surgery is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically takes 7-10 minutes per eye. However, you should plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at the surgery center to allow time for check-in, anesthesia, and post-operative monitoring. The procedure itself is painless, thanks to numbing eye drops and mild sedation. Most patients go home the same day and can return to light activities within 24 hours.
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Cataract surgery recovery is typically quick and smooth. Most patients notice improved vision within 24 to 48 hours, though it can take a few weeks for vision to fully stabilize. You can usually resume normal activities like reading and watching TV within a day, but avoid heavy lifting or rubbing your eyes. Prescription eye drops are used for several weeks to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Complete healing generally occurs by 4 to 6 weeks. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress and ensure optimal results. Most patients return to daily life quickly with significantly clearer vision.
Interested in a cataract surgery consultation?
Our Doctors
Clayton Pennington, M.D.
Clay Pennington, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Colorado Eye Surgeons, specializing in cataract and refractive surgery as well as the management of complex conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. After completing his residency at the New York Eye and Ear Health System, he moved to Denver in 2018 to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to the local community. Dr. Pennington is dedicated to ensuring his patients feel fully informed and comfortable through every step of their eye care journey.
Claire Rocken, O.D.
Dr. Claire Rocken is a dedicated optometrist who earned her Doctor of Optometry with clinical honors from the Illinois College of Optometry. Following an advanced residency at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center specializing in ocular disease and low vision, she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). This prestigious distinction reflects her commitment to clinical excellence and her expertise in managing complex eye conditions to achieve the best outcomes for her patients.
Patient Testimonials
“Dr. Pennington is not only an excellent eye surgeon he is patient, kind and explains the cataract surgery in a manner one can understand. He doesn't push something you don't need.”
— Karen S.“I feel that my cataract surgery with Dr. Pennington went extremely well. Everything was explained to me prior to the surgery. The procedure went well and quicker than I expected. My vision has improved so much that I am amazed at what I have been missing!”
— Val M.“Dr Pennington was very helpful and knowledgeable about my options for cataract surgery. He was able to tell me pros and cons of different lens for my eyes (which are somewhat unique/complicated due to previous procedures) as well as what to realistically expect from the surgery .”
— Julia H.