Older man and woman birding and hiking after cataract surgery

Cataract Surgery

If you have cloudy eyesight due to cataracts, it can impact virtually every area of your life–from reading to seeing your loved ones' faces.

Our doctors offer cataract surgery using advanced tools to restore your vision. Treatment is safer and easier than ever before.

Cataract patients in the St. Louis, MO, region trust Cohen Eye Associates for their eye care needs. Find out how we can improve your vision.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract occurs when protein deteriorates in the eye's natural lens, clouding your vision over time. For many people, cataracts are a natural part of aging and most people have some lens clouding after age 60.

As the eye's crystalline lens becomes opaque, an increasing amount of light is blocked from traveling through the cornea and reaching the retina at the back of the eye. Images are seen less and less clearly until vision has deteriorated significantly. Our ophthalmologist will be able to screen you for cataracts at our St. Louis ophthalmology office and discuss your treatment options.

See the Difference Cataract Surgery Can Make

View of the St. Louis arch with and without catarct
Normal vision versus the same view of a person suffering from cataracts.
A monofocal, multifocal, toric, and trifocal IOL

 
What Does the
Procedure Involve?


Dr. Cohen has helped patients since the '80s experience clearer vision through cataract surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Cohen places an artificial lens implant, known as an intraocular lens, to restore your vision. We have a wide selection of monofocal and premium multifocal lenses for you to choose from depending on if you have additional vision concerns, such as astigmatism.

Cataracts Are a Widespread Condition But Surgery Is a Successful Solution

"Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States."

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"Cataracts surgery is a widely successful solution, with a 99% patient success rate."

UCI Health

Are You Experiencing Vision Loss?

Contact an Experienced Ophthalmologist

With advancements in technology, cataract treatment at our St. Louis, MO, office is easier than ever. Dr. Cohen and Dr. Buchser can perform cataract surgery on an outpatient basis with far less discomfort and inconvenience than treatment in years past. 

To find out if cataract surgery can improve your vision, you can contact our office online.

Call Us Today: (314) 361-5003

Dr. Cohen and staff
Bruce H. Cohen, MD and associates provide personalized service and top-of-the-line treatment.

"I would be blind without them." Advanced Eye Care in St. Louis, MO

1

Tim Burke

St. Louis, MO

2023

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I always have a great experience at Cohen eye associates. I would be blind without them. :)

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Bert Stovall

St. Louis, MO

2023

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It's a comfortable place to in and the staff is great. The doctors are kind and sensitive to your needs. Address you by your name...

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Choosing Your Intraocular Lens

Choosing the right artificial replacement for the eye's natural lens is an important part of treating cataracts. There are two main types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) you can choose from at our St. Louis office.

Monofocal:

Example view of looking through a monofocal lens

A monofocal lens has a single focus strength and is typically designed for clear distance vision. With this lens, you will generally still need glasses to aid with up-close tasks like reading. Cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is covered under many insurance plans, meaning patients may not have out-of-pocket expenses. 

Premium Multifocal:

Example view of looking through a multifocal IOL

A multifocal lens provides different refractive focusing strengths, adapting for near, medium, and long-distance vision. For patients with astigmatism, we also offer premium toric lenses. While choosing a premium lens can add to your treatment costs, many people find the benefits are worth the investment. 

Your Premium Lens Options

At our St. Louis, MO, office, we are proud to offer our patients the latest, most advanced intraocular lenses in the field of ophthalmology. These lenses are versatile and provide superior refractive power. The premium IOLs available at Cohen Eye Associates include:
 

  • ​Johnson & Johnson Vision Tecnis® Eyhance™ and Eyhance Toric
  • ​Johnson & Johnson Vision Tecnis® Synergy™ and Synergy Toric
  • Johnson & Johnson Vision Tecnis® Symfony and Symfony Toric
  • Johnson & Johnson Vision Tecnis® Multifocal IOL and Toric Multifocal
  • Bausch and Lomb enVista Toric®
  • Alcon Acrysof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal®

Which IOL Is Right for Me? Contact Us to Learn More

There are many types of IOLs available. During your consultation at our St. Louis, MO, ophthalmology office, Dr. Cohen will listen to your concerns and needs. Using the ZEISS IOLMaster 700 to make precise measurements and calculations, he will then make a recommendation on your best lens implant options.

Patients throughout St. Louis and beyond trust Dr. Cohen to offer them exceptional care based on his extensive experience, patient-centered care, and convenience and affordability. See why these traits are associated with the Cohen brand when you visit our office. Call or request a consultation online:

(314) 361-5003

"I have never felt rushed through my exam." Kind Reviews from Our St. Louis Patients

1

BILL GARRAHAN

St. Louis, MO

2023

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Dr. Noonan and her staff are always so attentive and professional. Some comments about long waits??? The only real "wait" I experienced was for my eyes to dilate. Good eye exams take time. I have never felt rushed through my exam like in less professional doctor's offices!

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1

Deborah Wright-Mason

St. Louis, MO

2022

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I have been a patient of Cohen Eye Associates for a number of years. The customer service is wonderful, the wait time isn’t excessive at all. Peggy in the Optical Department is one of the most professional and talented people in the business. I plan on staying with them for many more years.

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Why Choose Dr. Cohen
for Cataract Removal

 
Decades of Experience

Dr. Cohen has practiced ophthalmology since the '80s. He brings nearly four decades of eye care and surgical experience to each patient who visits our office.

Patient-Centered Care

We make sure patients understand all aspects of care, including cataract prevention. Our office in St. Louis, MO, also uses state-of-the-art laser technology to enhance patient safety during the procedure.

Convenience and Affordability

Cohen Eye Associates will file insurance forms on your behalf to streamline the process. We also accept financing to keep cataract treatment affordable.

Dr. Cohen

Do I Really Need Cataract Treatment?

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Some patients have cataracts but don't think their vision is impaired enough that they need surgery. It can take months or years for some patients to make the decision to actually undergo surgery. When a person truly needs surgery, the team at Cohen Eye Associates can educate them on their vision deficit.

Who Should Consider Cataract Surgery?

Not everyone with cataracts needs surgery. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and aids like magnifying lenses can offset the effects to some degree, often for years. However, there are some advanced symptoms of cataracts you should look out for. Be sure to visit an ophthalmologist if you notice the following issues.

Increasingly Cloudy Vision

Cataracts slowly grow over time, clouding the eye's naturally clear lens. If your vision is becoming progressively worse, it may be a sign you need a cataract removed. 

Difficulty Driving

Most of us take the ability to drive for granted, but it can become problematic for cataract patients. If you notice trouble driving, particularly at night, this can indicate you need prompt treatment. 

Light Sensitivity

Cataracts affect several aspects of your eyesight. You may be sensitive around bright lights, find colors dull or faded, or see glares and halos around lights. If you feel like you are having headaches due to increased light sensitivity, it may be a sign of a worsening cataract. 

If You Have Cataracts, We Can Help Visit Cohen Eye Associates Today

If you have cataracts or have noticed a decline in your vision, it's important to meet with an ophthalmologist for an eye exam. This is particularly true of people with diabetes, hypertension, or any other factors that can increase your risk. Dr. Cohen can review your symptoms and determine the ideal treatment for your needs.

Our St. Louis, MO, office is here to help. Message our practice or request an appointment by phone.

Call Us Today: (314) 361-5003

"Everyone in the office was professional, kind and caring. Dr. Cohen is a great doctor, caring and always available. My surgery was amazing without complications. I would recommend the doctor to anyone having eye problems." Mary Ann Tuchschmidt - 5 Star Review, 2023

Reducing Fear and Anxiety

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We want you to feel safe throughout cataract removal surgery. Patients are administered sedation during the procedure to achieve a relaxed state. Some patients need a little, while others need more to calm their anxiety. Cohen Eye Associates will ensure you receive an appropriate amount of sedation based on your needs.

Small Incision Cataract Surgery 

We are proud to offer small incision cataract surgery to patients in the St. Louis, MO, area. Our innovative techniques are the least invasive means of treating cataracts.

The surgery itself is relatively quick and usually takes under 15 minutes. It is an outpatient procedure and you will be released to go home after resting for a short period of time at our surgical facility. 

 
 

"The surgery itself is relatively quick and usually takes under 15 minutes."
"The surgery itself is relatively quick and usually takes under 15 minutes."

Anesthetic and Incision

Before the procedure, the surgeon will provide eye drops to numb the area and mild sedation if necessary. Once you are comfortable, the surgeon creates a tiny incision near the edge of the cornea to reach the lens. 

Phacoemulsification

The surgeon will insert a small probe into the eye. The probe emits ultrasonic energy that breaks up the cloudy lens into tiny bits. This process is known as phacoemulsification. The pieces are then removed from the eye.

Lens Replacement

The surgeon will implant an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL. The IOL is customized to a patient’s specific prescription and may reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. In most cases, stitches are not required to close the incision, as the eye’s natural pressure will help to seal it closed.

Recovery

It is important to plan ahead to have someone drive you home from the operation. You should expect your vision to be slightly blurry for a few days after the procedure and you will need to wear a protective eye shield for the first 24 hours. The doctor may also prescribe medicated eye drops for you. However, recovery is relatively simple, and people can return to their normal activities almost immediately with a minimal amount of discomfort.

Life after Cataract Surgery

The chances of complications from cataract surgery are low. However, like all surgery, the procedure does involve some risk. Cataract surgery may fail to improve your vision if you have underlying eye damage or suffer from other conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration. Other risks include infection, swelling, dislocation of the artificial lens, and glaucoma. The doctor will perform an examination prior to the surgery to evaluate your ocular health and reduce the chance of complications occurring.

Typically, patients attend at least two follow-up appointments with the doctor: one the day after your surgery and another the following week to assess your recovery. You should notice an improvement in your vision within a few days, and the eye usually heals completely in eight weeks or less.

We Can Help You See Clearly Again Request a Consultation for Cataract Removal

Thanks to small incision cataract surgery, we can restore vision and improve your quality of life. At Cohen Eye Associates, you can expect state-of-the-art, patient-centered ophthalmology that puts your comfort and well-being first.

If you live in the St. Louis, MO, area and experience cloudy vision, glare, or any other symptoms of cataracts, contact our practice online. You can also reach us by phone.

Call Us Today: (314) 361-5003

"Professional and friendly." A Trusted Ophthalmologist Committed to St. Louis, MO

1

Chad Carter

St. Louis, MO

2023

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The staff are all great, very professional, and very sociable (assuming patient is sociable as well)

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Nicki Stagman

St. Louis, MO

2023

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Professional and friendly. Trustworthy in the care given no matter the issue.

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Cataract Risk Factors

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  • Advanced age
  • Prolonged sun exposure
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Corticosteroid use
  • Previous eye injury
  • Previous eye inflammation

Cataract FAQs

Can I slow the formation of cataracts?

Yes. To slow the formation of cataracts, be sure to wear sunglasses or a hat with a brim while outdoors. Shading your eyes from the sun protects you from gradual damage from UV rays. In addition to wearing hats and sunglasses, it's important to wear protective goggles when applicable, maintain a healthy diet, and manage your diabetes. We can offer additional tips on cataract slowing during your visit to our office in St. Louis, MO.

Can cataract removal damage my retinas?

In cases of complications involving the vitreous gel, surgery could increase the risk of a detached retina. However, the risk of a detached retina after cataract treatment is lower than two percent. Our use of an advanced laser during the procedure further reduces the risk of surgical complications.

What is the link between diabetes and cataracts?

Diabetes is a major contributing factor to vision loss. High blood sugar contributes to faster cataract formation and even a heightened risk of glaucoma and retinal detachment. In addition to wearing sunglasses outside, consult with your physician about getting your diabetes under control.

Can I have cataracts removed if I have glaucoma?

Yes. Thanks to advances in ophthalmology, it may even be possible for a surgeon to address both cataracts and glaucoma during the cataract removal procedure.

Is laser or small-incision cataract surgery better?

There is no simple answer. Both procedures should achieve the outcome you desire, which is clearer vision. The main difference is the type of tools that are used. Pros and cons exist with both methods, so we encourage you to come into our St. Louis office to discuss which type is right for you. 

Do you have to wear glasses after cataract surgery?

Generally, intraocular lenses reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses after cataract surgery, especially for long distances. However, depending on the type of IOL you choose and your individual visual needs, you may need the extra assistance of glasses after cataract surgery. Monofocal IOLs may still require glasses for reading or distance, while multifocal IOLs aim to decrease dependence on glasses for various distances. 

"I recently had cataract surgery performed by Doctor Cohen, at Cohen Eye Associates, Limited.  I must say that the entire experience was excellent!" Barry Hollander, 5-Star Review
The doctors at Cohen Eye Associates, Limited

Cohen Eye Associates, Limited

At Cohen Eye Associates in St. Louis, MO, our team offers a full-service optical shop to address all of your vision needs. We can provide you and your family a range of eye care services, from LASIK and cataract surgery to glaucoma treatment. Our doctors are members of national professional organizations including:

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Medical Association
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • American Glaucoma Society
  • American Optometric Association

To schedule an appointment with our eye care specialists, contact us online or call us at (314) 361-5003.

Contact Us Today

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