What Happens Before the Big Day

Before you undergo cataract surgery, there's a series of important steps your eye doctor at Hill Country Eye Center in Austin, Texas, will take to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and yields optimal results. Your journey towards clearer vision begins with a comprehensive eye exam and a range of measurements aimed at customizing your treatment plan.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect before your cataract surgery day:

Refraction Test: This initial test determines your prescription for glasses or contact lenses, providing crucial insights into your visual needs.

Visual Acuity Test: Assessing how well you can see at different distances helps your doctor understand your current vision capabilities.

Dilated Eye Exam: By dilating your pupils with specialized drops, your doctor gains a comprehensive view of the internal structures of your eyes, including the lens and retina.

Biometry: Using advanced equipment, precise measurements of your eye length and corneal curvature are taken to determine the correct size and power of the intraocular lens (IOL) to be implanted during surgery.

Keratometry: This test measures the curvature of your cornea, aiding in the calculation of the appropriate IOL power for optimal vision correction.

Topography: Detailed mapping of your corneal surface helps detect any irregularities that could impact your vision and guides the treatment approach.

In addition to these tests, your doctor may conduct other evaluations to assess your overall health and ensure that you're a suitable candidate for surgery. Following all preoperative instructions provided by your doctor is essential to ensure the best possible outcome.

Before scheduling your cataract surgery, your doctor may also request a consultation with your primary healthcare provider for a medical evaluation, clearance, and possibly an EKG to ensure your readiness for the procedure.

What Can You Expect After Surgery?

While cataracts don't return after removal, some patients may experience a clouding of vision resembling cataracts in the months following surgery. This phenomenon, known as posterior capsular opacification, can be addressed with a posterior capsulotomy, a minimally invasive procedure to clear the obscured capsule and restore vision without discomfort.

The choice of lens implants used during surgery significantly influences the optical outcomes. For more information about intraocular lens implants (IOLs) and how they can enhance your vision, we encourage you to explore our resources or schedule a consultation with our experienced team.

At Hill Country Eye Center, we're committed to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs and delivering exceptional results that help you see the world with clarity and confidence. Contact us today to embark on your journey towards better vision.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Standard vs Premium Cataract Surgery in Austin, TX

November 20, 2025

Cataracts have a way of sneaking up on you. One day you are squinting at road signs on I-35, the next you are avoiding night driving because headlights feel too bright and everything looks hazy. Colors lose their crispness, small print becomes frustrating, and even updated glasses stop helping. When it is time for cataract surgery, many Austin patients quickly run into the next big question: should you choose standard cataract surgery or upgrade to premium cataract surgery? Both procedures remove the cloudy lens and repla ce it with a clear implant. The difference is what you want your vision to look like afterward. Standard cataract surgery is typically designed to restore clear vision at one primary distance. Premium cataract surgery uses advanced lens options and more customized planning to improve how you see across more parts of your day, often with the goal of reducing dependence on glasses. This guide explains the real differences, who each option is best for, and what to ask during your Austin cataract consultation so you can make a decision you feel good about.

$premium refractive eye surgery$