How It Works
- Conscious sedation and numbing drops provide complete comfort
- Advanced laser or ultrasound gently removes the cloudy lens
- A clear, artificial intraocular lens is placed to restore focus
- Options include multifocal and Light Adjustable Lenses for personalized results
- Total procedure time: about 15–20 minutes per eye
"The best gift I could have ever given my self."
You probably feel like Kelly did before her cataract surgery: nervous! She'd relied on contacts or glasses for most of her life. Dr. Chu immediately quieted her worries and put her at ease by guiding her through the process: from our advanced diagnostics and precise measurements, to testing and surgery preparation, our goal is to make every patient feel safe and comfortable.
Walk through cataract surgery: see why Kelli says it was better than she ever thought it would be!
Dr. Chu Explains the Cataracts Experience
The Cataract Surgery Process
1. Comprehensive Exam
Dr. Ralph Chu and his team perform advanced testing to recommend the best lens option for you.
2. Gentle Procedure
Numbing drops keep you comfortable. The cloudy lens is replaced with a new, clear IOL.
3. Life-Changing Results
Most patients notice clearer vision within hours of surgery.
Why Choose Chu Vision Institute For Cataract Surgery?
✔ Compassionate, personalized care from Dr. Ralph Chu
✔ Trusted by Minneapolis for 25 years
✔ Experience you can feel: Dr. Chu has performed over 150,000 vision correction procedures
✔ The most advanced options: Among the first (and current few) in Minnesota to offer Light Adjustable Lenses (customized vision!)
✔ On-site federally accredited surgery center complies with the highest safety standards
✔ Advancing Eyecare: Dr. Chu has participated in 100+ FDA clinical trials + the first surgeon to perform femtosecond laser cataract surgery in Minnesota
Request a Consultation
Are you ready to see more clearly? We look forward to hearing from you.
Cataract Surgery All Your Questions Answered
When Should I Have Cataract Surgery?
Many patients put off cataract surgery for years because it sounds frightening. If that's you, you're not alone. The good news is that there's no need to suffer through vision loss from cataracts or wait until they're interfering with your daily activities to take action. As one of the safest procedures performed worldwide, cataract surgery is quick and comfortable. Patients tell us every day that it was smoother than expected and they wish they had done it sooner!
How long does it take to recover from cataract eye surgery?
It’s fast! The majority of our patients return to normal activities within 1 day or so with vision continuing to dial in and sharpen over the next few weeks.
Will my vision be blurry after cataract surgery?
Every patient’s recovery is individual. It’s common for patients to experience mild haziness in their vision for the first couple of days, while many report only a few hours of blurriness.
Are both eyes done on the same day?
While cataract procedures are done one eye at a time, the second eye quickly follows; usually about a week after the first.
How often will I need to return for follow-up visits?
Our team (or your eye doctor) will schedule follow-up visits according to your eyes’ recovery pace, usually including the day after, a week later, and a month after the procedure.
Do you need glasses after cataract surgery?
That’s up to you, and it depends on a few factors, but mostly the technology of the lens you choose! We offer the latest technology and a wide variety of options so that more patients than ever have control over how they see after their cataract procedure. Our doctors will help guide you through your lens options so that you feel confident in your decision.
How painful is a cataract procedure?
Surprisingly NOT! Moderate sedation soothes nerves and provides a comfy sleep-like state, working together with numbing drops for little to no discomfort during the procedure. Patients typically don’t remember even being in the surgery suite and enjoy ‘waking up’ to refreshments in our cozy recovery area.
When should you have cataracts removed?
Whenever you are ready and motivated to see better! The more cataracts develop, the harder the lens inside your eye becomes, making it more a difficult and lengthy process to remove. While many patients choose to wait until their cataracts are interfering with their daily activities (difficult night driving with haloes around lights, yellow or brown-tinted vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing in dim lighting, etc.) many patients are now choosing to proceed even in their early stages because of the advanced lens technology that can deliver LASIK-like results and free them from complete dependence on their glasses and contacts.
What is the success rate of cataract surgery?
Excellent! According to data from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive surgery, more than 98% making it one of the safest elective procedures in the world.
Can you be alone after cataract surgery?
It’s best to have someone with you until the anesthesia has fully worn off, since we give moderate sedation during the procedure. Most patients are very sleepy and take a nice long nap when they get home. You will need a driver when you leave after your procedure and for anywhere else you may need to go for the first 24 hours or until our (or your) doctor says it’s ok to drive.
Do eyes look different after cataract surgery?
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) that replace your natural lens during the cataract procedure cannot be seen once they are implanted. For some patients the size and shape of the pupil appear to change slightly after the procedure. The older the patient, the more this effect can happen. However, significant cataracts can cause the eyes to look white or cloudy, so removing the cataracts will make eyes appear beautifully clear and dark again.
Can you watch TV after cataract surgery?
Easy does it! Most patients are able to watch a little TV or briefly glance at a screen several hours after their procedure. However, you blink less when you start at a screen which can dry out your eyes (which you don’t want to do right after your procedure). It’s best to enjoy some screen-free rest as much as you can for 24 hours and resume normal TV, computer, or phone use after you’re cleared at your one day check up.