Smiling senior woman

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.

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 and discuss your treatment options.

Cataract Risk Factors

/

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

Cataracts Are a Widespread Issue

Most people over the age of 60 have cataracts.
Cohen Eye Associates provides an easy solution...

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
Dr. Cohen and associates provide personalized service and top-of-the-line treatment.

"I am delighted to be able to drive again without glasses..." Advanced Eye Care in St. Louis, MO

1

Veronica Rovira

2020

Google logo

I have really enjoyed my experiences at Cohen Eye Associates.  Dr. Buchner is a spectacular physician with a great touch.  I couldn’t even see out of my right eye and now I have 20/20 vision.  Tomorrow I will have my left eye done and I expert to be without glasses for the first time in 50 years.
You can’t go wrong using Cohen Eye Associates!

View On Google
1

Dick Lodge

2017

Google logo

I have been going to Cohen Eye Associates for some years for regular exams. The last time, I was told I needed cataract surgery. I had the same trepidation that many people have when they hear that they need surgery on their eyes, but it was easy and painless. I am delighted to be able to drive again without glasses. Cannot speak highly enough about my experience.

View On Google
Older man looking at screen of smartphone

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. 

Do I Need Cataract Treatment?

/

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.

Why Choose Dr. Cohen for Cataract Removal

Decades of Experience

Dr. Cohen has practiced ophthalmology since the 80's. 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.

Doctor speaking with older female patient

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. Contact our practice online or request an appointment by phone.

Call Us Today: (314) 361-5003

"Dr. Bruce Cohen and his staff are always professional,
friendly, and helpful. Even when it's crazy busy in the office,
you are made to feel like you are the only one there.

"I fully trust Dr. Cohen and his diagnostic and treatment abilities, along with knowing when something is out of his ability to treat."
Kristine Warnecke - 5 Star Review

What does the procedure involve?

Illustration of cataract surgery

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.

Reducing Fear and Anxiety

/

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.

We Can Help You See Clearly Again Schedule 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

"Dr. Cohen is an excellent clinician with decades of experience..." A Trusted Ophthalmologist Committed to St. Louis, MO

1

Sister Mary Ronan

2020

Google logo

Always the care is superior and very considerate.  The staff has an excellent working relationship with one another that is felt by the patients.  They will go the "nine yards" and beyond. Every question is answered thoroughly. The three physicians are extraordinary, Cohen, Buchser and Noonan. I would recommend this practice as the best in St. Louis!

View On Google
1

Kimberly Seiber

2020

Google logo

Dr. Cohen is an excellent clinician with decades of experience who truly cares about his patients. My husband and I are blessed to have Dr. Cohen taking great care of us and our eyes. Thank you.

View On Google

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...

Monofocal:

Before and after cataract surgery

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:

Grandma reading with young girl

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?

/

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

Hiking couple

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.

"Dr. Cohen and his staffs have provided excellent eye care for my wife and myself. We have enjoyed our annual visit to Dr. Cohen office greatly, and with a lot of fun." Larry Song - 5 Star Review

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 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 conditions during the cataract removal procedure.
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

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite
Google map image of our location in 4921 Parkview Place Ste 14 F St. Louis, MO

Saint Louis Office

4921 Parkview Place
Ste 14 F
St. Louis, MO 63110

Closed Today

(314) 361-5003 Send a message