Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are incredibly common, especially as you age. Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the most effective treatments in modern medicine. If you’re noticing changes in your vision and wondering whether surgery might help, skilled providers Emily Armstrong, MD, and Alex Willoughby, MD, offer cataract surgery at Umpqua Valley Eye Associates in Roseburg, Oregon. The experienced team can discuss your best options to see the world clearly. Learn more by booking an appointment online or calling the friendly staff today.

What is cataract surgery?

A cataract occurs when your eye’s natural lens clouds, rather like looking through a foggy window. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL).

This restores sharper, brighter vision and can reduce your need for glasses. Most procedures are outpatient surgeries and typically take 10–15 minutes, allowing you to go home the same day.

How can I tell if it's time to discuss cataract surgery?

Not all cataracts need immediate treatment. You may only need new glasses at first. But surgery becomes helpful when cataracts start affecting your daily life or you notice:

• Blurred, cloudy, or dim vision
• Glare or halos around lights, especially while driving at night
• Colors looking faded or yellowed
• Difficulty reading, even with good lighting
• Frequent prescription changes
• Trouble with tasks that require clear vision, such as cooking, driving, sewing, or recognizing faces

If cataracts are keeping you from activities you enjoy or making driving unsafe, it may be time to book an evaluation at Umpqua Valley Eye Associates.

What happens during cataract surgery?

The idea of eye surgery can feel intimidating, but the process is surprisingly painless and straightforward.

Before the procedure

You’ll receive numbing drops and sometimes a mild sedative to help you relax. You remain awake, but comfortable.

During the surgery

Your surgeon uses a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea and gently breaks up the cloudy lens using ultrasound (a process called phacoemulsification).

They remove the cataract and place the new, clear lens inside your eye. You won’t usually need stitches, and the incision seals naturally.

What happens after cataract surgery?

You rest briefly at the clinic and go home the same day with protective eyewear and instructions.

Recovery is typically quick. Most people notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours, though full healing takes a few weeks. You can expect mild scratchiness, tearing, or light sensitivity for the first day or two, but eye drops prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

Avoid heavy lifting, bending, rubbing your eye, or swimming for about a week, and attend your follow-up visits to check healing and vision.

Cataract surgery is a safe, highly effective way to restore clear vision. If you’re noticing changes in your sight, talk with the team at Umpqua Valley Eye Associates by calling or booking online today.