Cataracts
Are you developing cloudy vision and sensitivity to light? If you're over 40, these may be symptoms of cataracts.
Surgery is the only permanent solution for cataracts. Fortunately, it's also safe and highly effective.
Dr. David Mills, our board-certified ophthalmologist, performs more than 1,000 cataract surgeries every year. He can diagnose and treat your cataracts at his Pensacola, FL, practice, to relieve your symptoms and restore your eyesight.
Cataract Surgery Patient? Review Our Comprehensive Info Packet
We've prepared an info sheet that precisely explains how cataracts work and what to expect during cataract surgery with our Pensacola practice. This handout contains important pre- and post-surgical tips, as well as an overview of the intraocular lenses we offer to replace the eye's natural lens. We encourage you to carefully review this information and submit a signed copy before surgery.
What Are Cataracts?
There is a natural lens in our eyes (called the crystalline lens) that helps focus incoming light rays onto the retina, allowing us to see. When we are younger, these lenses are clear and strong, contributing to sharp vision. However, as we age, this natural lens can become cloudy. These cloudy areas are called cataracts, and they can cause:
Vision Distortion
Cataracts distort the light that passes through to the retina, causing uncomfortable glare from light sources and blurry vision that makes it look like you are viewing life through a dirty window.Potential Blindness
Without treatment, the cloudiness will gradually increase until it completely obscures your vision. There is only one permanent solution to cataracts: surgical replacement of the cloudy lens and with an artificial lens called an IOL (intraocular lens).You Don't Have to Suffer With Cloudy Vision Cataract Surgery Can Restore Your Quality of Life
Although keeping current on your glasses (or sunglasses) prescription, using bright lighting in your home, and taking other measures can all help you see a little more clearly, cataract surgery is the only permanent solution to restore your clear sight. Fortunately, this procedure is covered by insurance and is extremely safe.
During cataract surgery, your eye doctor breaks the clouded lens down into tiny fragments using ultrasonic energy and removes them from the surface of the eye. The natural lens is then replaced with an IOL, which allows light to focus clearly on the retina. Mills Eye + Facial Surgery offers a selection of standard and premium IOLs, each with different purposes. This allows us to better customize cataract surgery to each patient's unique vision needs.
If you are tired of suffering with compromised vision due to cataracts, our Pensacola, FL, practice is here to help bring your world back into focus.
More Than 10,000 Successful Procedures Performed by a Leader in the Field
Dr. David Mills has vast experience in the field of ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery. He is a respected and highly skilled surgeon with more than 10,000 successful cataract surgeries to his credit and is certified by both the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In 2018, Dr. Mills was voted the "Best of the Bay Winner" for Best Ophthalmologist.
If you're noticing cloudiness to your vision, increased glare from light sources, poor night vision, or other changes, we recommend that you reach out to our state-of-the-art ophthalmology office in Pensacola, FL, for a comprehensive eye exam as soon as possible. Feel free to book a visit using our simple online form or give us a call. Our vision is to protect and restore your vision.
(850) 266-7500
Pensacola Trusts Our Ophthalmologist
Kathy Klett
Pensacola, FL
2023
Very grateful to Dr. Mills and his Staff for excellent care. Thank you. K. Klett
View on Googledavid howell
Pensacola, FL
2023
Awesome thanks the best care and greatest service 20/15 wow the next day after cadarack’s surgery
View on GoogleOptometrist vs. Ophthalmologist What's the Difference?
Optometrists and ophthalmologists regularly work together to take care of patients.
Optometrist
Optometrists focus on the primary health of your eye. They perform routine exams to maintain eye health and prescribe corrective lenses to restore vision. Dr. Wes Mayes is our optometrist.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist focuses on the surgical care of your eye. They can diagnose and surgically treat conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, eye trauma, iritis, and more. Dr. David Mills is our ophthalmologist.
What a Cataract Looks Like
What Puts Me at Risk Of Developing a Cataract?
Anyone can develop a cataract, but there are certain factors that can put you more at risk.
Advanced Age
As you age, your risk of developing a cataract increases, especially after 55.
Eye Injury
A previous eye injury can cause undiagnosed damage that could lead to a cataract developing in the future.
Family History
You are more at risk of developing a cataract if your family has a medical history of the condition.
Medical Concerns
If you are struggling with obesity, high blood pressure, or other underlying medical conditions that affect your cardiovascular health, you have a greater risk of developing a cataract.
Tobacco Use
Smoking negatively affects your cardiovascular health, which puts you at a greater risk for developing a cataract.
Dr. Mills Can Improve Your Vision With Premium IntraOcular Lenses (IOLs)
By replacing your cloudy lens with a premium IOL, Dr. Mills can not only restore clear vision, but also reduce or eliminate your need for corrective lenses. Mills Eye + Facial Surgery is the premier center for advanced cataract surgery and IOL placement in the Pensacola, FL, area. Board-certified ophthalmologist David Mills performs micro-incision cataract surgery and offers patients a selection of premium IOLs, including Symfony®, TECNIS® multifocal, Restor®, and Crystalens®. He also provides lenses designed to correct astigmatisms caused by misshapen corneas.
Want to learn more about how our specialist Dr. Mills can improve your vision using intraocular lenses? Set up a comprehensive eye exam today using our online form or by calling our Pensacola, FL, practice:
(850) 266-7500
5-Star Google Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients "Everyone who needs an eye doctor... this place is the best!"
Allan Overton
Pensacola, FL
2023
I am always impressed by the kindness, efficiency, and high level of care provided by Dr. Mills, Dr. Mayes, and the entire staff. My last visit was especially impressive. I went in for a pre-surgical evaluation, expecting to have my surgery in January or February of next year. However, Dr. Mills offered to perform the surgical procedure on my eye Immediately after his evaluation that day. I am very thankful for Dr. Mills, and his staff for their kindness and the great service they have provided me.
View on GoogleRenee Hidalgo
Pensacola, FL
2023
This place and its entire staff are absolutely the best! I have been treated with the utmost professionalism and compassion. It is hard to have that type of bed side manner within medical offices lately. I highly recommend everyone who needs an eye doctor…. This place is the best!
View on GoogleThe Cataract Procedure in Action
The clouded lens of the eye is broken down and removed using miniscule instruments. The lens is then replaced with an IOL chosen for your precise vision needs.
Can't I Just Get LASIK To Correct My Vision?
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While LASIK is a great option to correct issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, it cannot remove a cataract. LASIK is a simple refractive surgery that corrects your vision by reshaping your cornea. However, many patients notice an improvement in their vision after cataract surgery without the need for LASIK.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
This is a virtually painless outpatient procedure that only takes about 20 minutes, but you can expect to be at our Pensacola practice for about three or four hours total. Dr. Mills will give you detailed pre-surgery and post-surgery instructions in advance of the procedure.
Worried about the procedure? No need. Nearly four million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States every year, and complications are rare.
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?
The total cost of your treatment will be around $4,000. Prices are dependent on each patient's individual needs, the type of IOLs they receive, and which surgical center in the Pensacola area the procedure is performed at.
Cataract surgery and basic IOLs are eligible for insurance coverage. Mills Eye + Facial Surgery accepts dozens of different HMO and PPO plans. We'll be happy to confirm whether we accept yours prior to your appointment.
If you are uninsured or receiving IOLs that are not covered by insurance, we also accept financing to keep costs manageable.
A Pensacola Patient Shares Her Story "Extremely pleased how Dr Mills handled the whole process."
"Received cataract surgery recently and was extremely pleased how Dr Mills handled the whole process. My Retna Specialist, when conducting my examination with him, commented on what a great job Dr Mills did with my surgery." Sharon W, 5-Star Google Review
Stop Living in a Haze Schedule Your Cataract Consultation
If you are suffering from clouded vision, you need an experienced ophthalmologist who can diagnose and treat your cataract to restore your sight. As a premier eye and facial surgery care team, it is the mission of everyone at Mills Eye + Facial Surgery to use the latest in technology to provide top-quality care in an attentive and respectful environment. If you are suffering from cloudy vision, contact our Pensacola, FL, office today to request your cataract consultation.
(850) 266-7500
See Why Pensacola Chooses Us For Cataract Surgery and Quality Eye Care
ANNIE CROCKETT
2022
My doctor and all his staff is wonderful. They treat people like they want to be treated. Warm, friendly, and kind to everyone.
View on Googleeleanor farley
2022
Dr mills and Dr May's are awesome. The care they give there patients is above and beyond. Dr. Mills is so easy to talk to. And very friendly. The office staff are so friendly and easy to make conversation with. .
View on GoogleIntraocular Lenses (IOLs) Exploring Your Artificial Lens Options
Dr. Mills offers many kinds of artificial lenses to replace clouded crystalline lenses. Basic IOLs provide focus at just one distance, while premium lenses can provide focus at a range of distances. Dr. Mills and his highly trained optical team in Pensacola will help you choose the lens that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Basic IOLs
Basic IOLs are usually covered by insurance. However, they do have limitations in that they can only provide focus at one distance: either near or far, but not both. When choosing basic IOLs, a majority of patients choose distance IOLs and continue to wear prescription eyeglasses for near and intermediate vision tasks like computer use, watching TV, and book reading. If you no longer want to wear glasses or contact lenses at all, you might want to consider a premium IOL. Options related to basic IOLs include:
Monovision: Some patients elect to use basic IOLs, but have one eye set for distance and one eye set for near to reduce their need for glasses. Frequently, this option, called monovision, can result in a feeling of dizziness or imbalance. This is not a good idea unless the patient has proven that they can successfully wear contact lenses in a similar fashion.
Aspheric IOLs: These IOLs are designed to reduce spherical aberration and provide quicker reaction times when driving in addition to other optical benefits. They can also be used in a monovision fashion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
Are you sure cataract surgery doesn't hurt?
Yes! Cataract surgery is not painful. You may feel slight pressure on the eye during the procedure, but no pain thanks to the numbing eye drops. IV sedation is extra reassurance for your comfort and relaxation.Can I get a procedure like LASIK or PRK after cataract surgery?
Yes, it's safe to undergo a refractive procedure like PRK or LASIK about six months after cataract surgery, but there's a good chance you won't need it, as your new IOLs will already reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses.How long before I notice results?
You'll likely notice an improvement to your vision immediately after surgery, but full results usually take three to six weeks to become apparent. It's normal to experience some blurred vision in the first days of recovery, but it will pass.How long do results last? Can cataracts come back?
Results from cataract surgery are permanent for the vast majority of patients. IOLs are meant to last a lifetime, and very few patients require revision treatment. Once removed, a cataract will never grow back. "Without hesitation I would recommend Mills" We Thank Our Patients for Their Kind Words
Gerald Hoover
2022
Without hesitation I would recommend Mills Eye to all my family and friends, and if asked by a stranger, Mills Eye would be my “Go to” eye doctor. He and his entire staff were friendly, courteous and answered those questions asked in clear understandable manner. And, as a senior, I was shown patience and consideration by not being rushed out of the testing room when they were complete.
View on GoogleMargaret Lindsey
2022
They care about all their patients and are all very nice and understanding about my eye problems . I would tell everyone if They need an ophthalmologist they should try Dr. Mayes and Dr. Mills.
View on Google
