A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye’s natural crystalline lens — the transparent structure behind the iris that focuses light onto the retina. As proteins in the lens break down over time, they clump together and create opaque areas that scatter incoming light, causing blurry vision, glare sensitivity, and faded colors.
Cataracts are the leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide. While most cataracts develop gradually with age, they can also result from trauma, medications such as corticosteroids, diabetes, or prolonged UV exposure. Nearly half of all Americans will develop cataracts or have cataract surgery by age 75.
Good news: Cataracts are highly treatable. When the time is right, modern cataract surgery restores clear vision with a success rate exceeding 99%. Dr. Patel monitors your cataracts and coordinates every step of your care.
Symptoms
Vision gradually becomes cloudy or foggy, as if looking through a dirty windshield.
Increased sensitivity to headlights, sunlight, and lamps, often with halos around lights at night.
Colors appear washed out, yellowed, or less vivid than they once did.
Eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions change more often than expected.
Trouble reading fine print or seeing in low-light conditions, even with corrective lenses.
Seeing ghost images or double vision in one eye can indicate an advancing cataract.
Our Approach
At PersonalEyes, we manage your entire cataract journey — from initial diagnosis through post-surgical recovery — so you always have a trusted doctor by your side.
Dr. Kumar Patel, Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, brings advanced diagnostic skills to every cataract evaluation.
We partner with top cataract surgeons in DFW and co-manage your care for a seamless surgical experience.
All post-surgical follow-up visits happen — no need to travel to the surgery center for recovery checks.
Conveniently located at 2600 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 180, Flower Mound, TX 75022 — proudly serving Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, Grapevine, Coppell, Lantana, Argyle, and the greater DFW area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early cataracts often cause no noticeable symptoms. As they progress, you may notice blurry or hazy vision, increased glare from headlights or sunlight, faded colors, frequent prescription changes, or difficulty reading in low light. A comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Patel can detect cataracts long before symptoms become bothersome.
Cataract surgery is recommended when vision loss begins to interfere with daily activities such as driving, reading, or working — and when updated glasses can no longer adequately correct the problem. Dr. Patel monitors your cataracts over time and will refer you to a trusted surgeon when the timing is right for you.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and safest surgeries in the world, with a success rate exceeding 99%. The procedure typically takes 15 to 20 minutes per eye, is performed on an outpatient basis, and uses only topical anesthesia. Serious complications are extremely rare.
Most patients notice improved vision within a few days. Full visual recovery typically occurs within 4 to 6 weeks. You will use prescription eye drops for several weeks after surgery, and Dr. Patel will manage all of your post-operative visits here.
Once a cataract is removed, it cannot return. However, some patients develop posterior capsule opacification (sometimes called a "secondary cataract") months or years later. This is easily and painlessly treated with a quick YAG laser procedure that restores clear vision in minutes.