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Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery

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At K2 Vision, we believe in empowering patients with clearer sight—and the freedom that comes with it. Whether you’re in Seattle, Portland, the Tri-Cities, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, Everett, or Scottsdale/Phoenix, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the cataract surgery process. With modern technology, unmatched surgical experience, and a patient-first approach, we’re redefining what it means to see clearly.

As a practice solely focused on vision correction, our goal is to provide advanced solutions that improve not only your sight but your overall eye health.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process and one of the leading causes of vision problems worldwide.

The natural lenses of the eye are clear, but the proteins in them begin to harden around age 40 (Stage 1 of a Dysfunctional Lens). Over time, these proteins clump together and cloud the lens—this is a cataract (Stage 2 of a Dysfunctional Lens).

As the lens becomes increasingly clouded, it blocks or distorts light entering the eye. This leads to symptoms such as blurry vision, increased glare, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing in low light and distorting natural colors. Without treatment, cataracts continue to progress—gradually interfering with your daily life.

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Cataracts may also develop faster in patients with certain eye conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

According to the National Eye Institute, up to 50% of Americans will develop at least one cataract by the age of 75.1

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Schedule your virtual consultation right now to find out if you are a candidate for cataract surgery.

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Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts develop gradually, and early signs can be subtle. Common symptoms include:

  • Blurry or dim vision
  • Increased sensitivity to light and glare
  • Halos around lights, especially at night
  • Faded or yellowed colors
  • Double vision in one eye
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
  • Some patients may notice difficulty with near vision or distance vision, making everyday tasks more challenging.2
  • Once cataract symptoms interfere with daily activities like driving, it is time for cataract surgery.
elderly woman struggling to read her phone
happy senior couple using tablet

How Cataract Surgery Works

Cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. During this outpatient procedure, your eye surgeon removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This artificial lens restores vision—and often improves it beyond what you had before. Most patients are in and out of the clinic within a few hours and enjoy clearer vision almost immediately.

Standard vs Custom Cataract Surgery

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Standard Cataract Surgery

Standard Cataract Surgery involves implanting a monofocal IOL that provides clear vision at a single distance. It’s highly effective but may require you to wear glasses for reading or intermediate tasks.

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Custom Cataract Surgery

Custom Cataract Surgery is a more advanced approach. Using detailed diagnostics, your eye surgeon selects a premium IOL—such as a multifocal or toric lens—to address your specific vision needs. This tailored solution reduces your dependence on glasses and gives you more freedom.

Your ophthalmologist will guide you through the best options based on your ocular anatomy and lifestyle needs.

Explore Your IOL Options

Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL)

The only lens that can be fine-tuned after surgery using a series of light-based treatments. K2 Vision is the #1 provider of LALs in the U.S. This technology delivers customized results and predictive outcomes based upon a large data set—especially ideal for patients with complex prescriptions or prior LASIK.

Learn More About the Light Adjustable Lens

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs

EDOF lenses are designed to provide a continuous range of vision—particularly from distance to intermediate—while reducing visual disturbances such as glare and halos. These lenses are a strong option for patients who want functional vision for everyday activities like driving and computer work, with less reliance on glasses.

Multifocal IOLs

These lenses provide focus at multiple distances—near, intermediate, and far—reducing or eliminating the need for glasses.

Toric IOLs

Designed to correct astigmatism, toric lenses provide sharper vision by addressing irregular corneal curvature.

Monofocal IOLs

The traditional option, offering excellent clarity at one distance. Monovision setups (one eye for near, one for distance) are also possible.

We’ll help you compare each type of IOL to find the one that supports your clearest, most functional vision.

Dr. Kopstein
With the Light Adjustable Lens, we’re no longer limited to best guesses—we’re delivering customized vision based on how your eyes actually respond. It’s a game-changer.
- Dr. Andrew Kopstein
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Eye exam

Why Choose K2 Vision?

Our team of ophthalmologists and support staff specialize in delivering outcomes that protect both vision and long-term eye health.

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#1 in LAL

K2 Vision is the top practice in the U.S. for Light Adjustable Lenses.

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Data-Driven Outcomes

We use advanced diagnostics and past patient data to predict your results with clarity.

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Patient-First Care

No rushed consults or one-size-fits-all recommendations—just honest guidance tailored to your goals.

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Vision-Correction Focus

A practice dedicated exclusively to modern vision correction with premium lens implants designed to eliminate the need for glasses.

senior man having eyes examined for cataracts

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

Your journey begins with a free, no-pressure consultation where our team takes the time to understand your vision goals and evaluate your overall eye health. During this visit, we’ll:

  • Conduct advanced diagnostic imaging of your eyes, including measurements of your cornea, lens, and eye surface
  • Evaluate the retina and screen for eye diseases like glaucoma to ensure you’re a good candidate.
  • Review your medical history and current eyewear or contact lens use
  • Discuss lifestyle factors like reading habits, screen time, and hobbies
  • Talk through all available IOL options—including monofocal, multifocal, Toric, and Light Adjustable Lenses—so you can make an informed choice

60-Second Vision Self Test Book a Consult

happy senior woman hiking with clear vision

Note: If you wear contact lenses, we may ask you to stop wearing them for a few days before your evaluation, as they can temporarily affect the shape of your cornea.

We’ll also go over what to expect before and after surgery, answer all your questions, and provide detailed pre-op instructions tailored to you.

The Cataract Surgery Procedure

Cataract surgery is a quick and highly effective procedure:

  • You’ll arrive at our clinic and receive numbing eye drops and a mild sedative.
  • Your surgeon will make a small incision and use phacoemulsification to gently remove the cloudy lens.
  • Your chosen intraocular lens (IOL) will be inserted and securely placed inside the lens capsule.
  • You’ll go home the same day with protective eyewear and detailed postoperative instructions with a designated driver.
  • An eye shield may be provided to wear during sleep to protect the healing eye.

Recovery After Cataract Surgery

Recovery is typically smooth:

  • You’ll use eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation.
  • Most people return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
  • If you received the Light Adjustable Lens, your vision will be fine-tuned over a 6–8 week period using noninvasive light treatments.
  • Follow-up visits ensure your eye is healing and vision is progressing as expected.
Elderly man hiking beautiful nature trail with friends
Dr. Kopstein
What surprises patients most is not just how quick the procedure is—but how fast they see results. For many, it’s like turning the lights back on.
Dr. Andrew Kopstein

FAQs About Cataract Surgery

The cost of cataract surgery can vary depending on your insurance coverage and the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose. While standard cataract surgery is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, advanced lenses like multifocal or Light Adjustable Lenses may involve additional out-of-pocket expenses. At K2 Vision, we offer flexible financing options to help make your vision goals more accessible—our team will walk you through all costs and coverage details during your consultation.

Yes—with toric or Light Adjustable Lenses, we can correct astigmatism during the procedure.

No. Cataract surgery is performed using numbing eye drops and light sedation—you won’t feel discomfort.

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world and has an exceptional safety record. Still, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risk. Although rare, possible complications include infection, bleeding, inflammation, retinal detachment, blurry vision, or, in extremely rare cases, vision loss.3 Your surgeon will review all risks with you during your consultation and take every precaution to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

Absolutely. Our team regularly performs cataract surgery on patients with a history of LASIK, PRK, or RK.

Depending on your IOL choice, you may reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or reading glasses.

Vision often improves within a day. Full stabilization may take a few weeks, especially with Light Adjustable Lenses.

No, once a cataract is removed, it cannot come back. However, some patients may experience blurry vision months or even years after surgery due to a condition called posterior capsular opacification (PCO)—sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract.” PCO occurs when the thin membrane (or capsule) that holds your new lens becomes cloudy over time.

Fortunately, it’s easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. This in-office treatment takes only a few minutes and restores clear vision without the need for incisions or additional recovery time.