Southwest Health located at 1400 Eastside Rd, Platteville, WI 53818 medical clinic providing urgent care and other medical services

Expert Eye Surgeon in Platteville, WI

Cataract Surgery Starts With a Conversation

Preparing for your cataract surgery consultation can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you understand the basics before your appointment so you can feel more comfortable discussing which lens option may fit your daily life best.

Explore Lens Options
Find the Lens Best For You

How Cataract Surgery Works

A cataract is the clouding of your eye’s natural lens, causing vision to become blurry, dim, or hazy.

Cataract surgery is a quick, outpatient procedure where the cloudy natural lens of your eye is gently removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens.

This helps restore clearer, sharper vision. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, so you’re comfortable but awake, and it usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, with continued healing over the following weeks.

A diagram of an eye with a surgical instrument removing a cloudy lens. "The cloudy lens is gently removed"
A diagram of an eye with an artificial lens. "A clear artificial lens is inserted and unfolded"

Outpatient Procedure

Most Patients Resume Normal Activities Quickly

Usually Less than 30 Minutes

Understanding Your Lens Options

One of the most important parts of preparing for your cataract surgery consultation is choosing the lens that will replace your natural lens. Different lenses are designed to support different lifestyles, activities, and vision priorities. 

Please note, premium lenses are only implanted if you are an eligible candidate.

Standard Monofocal Lens

How It Works

Focuses light at one specific distance, near, intermediate or far

Key Benefits

  • Sharpest possible vision
  • Fewest glare and halo effects
  • Excellent for night driving
  • Most commonly covered by insurance

Considerations

  • Typically still requires glasses for other distances
  • Does not correct astigmatism unless combined with other options 

 

Best for

Patients who prioritize reliable distance vision and do not mind wearing reading glasses

Toric Lens

How It Works

Corrects astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery while also providing clear distance vision

Key Benefits

  • Reduces dependence on glasses for distance
  • Improved visual clarity compared to standard lenses in patients with astigmatism
  • Stable, long-term correction built into the lens

Considerations

  • Glasses may still be needed for reading or close work
  • Additional cost may apply depending on insurance coverage

Best for

Patients who have astigmatism and want sharper distance vision 

Multifocal or Multifocal Toric Lens

How It Works

A premium lens designed to provide vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far). The toric version also corrects astigmatism.

Key Benefits

  • Greatly reduces dependence on glasses
  • Supports near, intermediate, and distance vision
  • Toric option corrects astigmatism for even clearer vision
  • Convenient for active, glasses-free lifestyles

Considerations

  • May cause halos or glare around lights, especially at night
  • Visual adaptation period is common
  • Not everyone is an ideal candidate based on eye health or lifestyle

Best for

Patients who want the highest level of glasses independence possible

Which Lens Might Fit Your Lifestyle?

If You Prioritize:

You May Prefer:

Crisp distance vision and night driving

Standard Monofocal Lens

Clearer vision and astigmatism correction

Toric Lens

Reducing your dependence on glasses at all distances

Multifocal or Multifocal Toric Lens

Frequently Asked Questions

Will cataract surgery hurt?

Cataract surgery is typically not painful. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure to keep you comfortable. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during surgery.

The procedure itself usually takes less than 30 minutes. Most patients spend a few hours at the hospital before returning home the same day.

Yes. Most patients remain awake but relaxed during cataract surgery. Your care team may provide medication to help you feel calm and comfortable.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover medically necessary cataract surgery and a standard monofocal lens. Advanced lens options may involve additional out-of-pocket costs.

Please bring the following to your cataract surgery consultation:

  • Your current glasses
  • A list of medications
  • Insurance information
  • Any questions you would like to discuss with Dr. Oyen

Vision Priorities Quiz

What Matters Most to Your Vision?
Answer a few questions to discover which lens options may align with your lifestyle and visual goals.
Enter your email to receive a copy of your quiz results. Bring your results to your consultation to help guide a personalized discussion with Dr. Oyen.
Which statement sounds most like you?
How do you feel about wearing glasses after surgery?
Which activity is most important to you?
Do you have astigmatism?
How important is minimizing your out-of-pocket costs?
Select Your Top 3 Priorities for Vision After Cataract Surgery

★★★★★
Patient Rated

“Dr. Mary Jo Oyen is simply a miracle worker. I am so grateful she did my eye surgery. I would have her do eye surgery on anyone I know and love.”

– Dr. Mary Jo Oyen patient

Your Consultation is About Finding the Right Fit for You

Choosing a lens is personal, and you do not need to make every decision before your appointment. Preparing for your cataract surgery consultation is essential to help you understand your options, ask questions, and work together with your surgeon to determine the best path forward for your vision and lifestyle. 

Questions? Give us a call!