Cataracts

A cataract is a natural clouding of the eye’s lens that develops over time. As the lens becomes less clear, vision may appear blurry, dim, or hazy.

Cataracts are very common and typically develop with age, though they can also be influenced by medical conditions such as diabetes, medications, or prior eye injury.

Many patients notice increasing difficulty with everyday activities such as reading, driving at night, or seeing clearly in bright light.

Common signs that cataracts may be affecting your vision include:

• Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision

• Increased sensitivity to light and glare

• Halos around lights, especially when driving at night

• Colors appearing faded or yellowed

• Needing brighter light for reading or close work

• Frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription

• Double vision in one eye

While cataracts most often develop gradually as part of the natural aging process, certain factors can accelerate their formation. These include prolonged UV sun exposure, smoking, excessive alcohol use, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, and a family history of cataracts. Previous eye injury or surgery may also increase your risk. Regular comprehensive eye exams with Dr. Gappy are the best way to monitor for cataracts and other changes in your eye health.

In the early stages, vision changes from cataracts may be managed with updated glasses or improved lighting.

When cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities, cataract surgery is the most effective treatment.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens implant. It is one of the most commonly performed and successful procedures in medicine.

At Orchard Ophthalmology, we guide patients through the decision-making process and create a personalized plan based on their vision goals and lifestyle

Lens Implant Options (IOLs):

One of the most important decisions in cataract surgery is selecting the right intraocular lens (IOL). Dr. Gappy will review all options with you:

Monofocal IOL: The standard lens covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. It corrects vision at one distance (usually distance), and patients typically wear glasses for reading.

Toric IOL: A premium lens that also corrects astigmatism, reducing dependence on glasses for distance vision. There is an additional patient cost above what Medicare covers.

Multifocal/EDOF IOL: Premium lenses designed to provide a range of vision (near, intermediate, and distance), potentially reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses. These are not covered by Medicare and involve an additional out-of-pocket cost.

There is no “perfect” lens. Dr. Gappy tailors the planned treatment for each individual patient based on their needs and lifestyle.

• Board-certified ophthalmologist – Your care is always led by a physician with advanced medical and surgical training.

• Personalized approach – We take the time to understand your vision needs and tailor recommendations accordingly.

• Modern technology – Advanced diagnostics help us evaluate your eyes and plan surgery with precision.

• Independent, patient-focused care – No corporate influence—just thoughtful, relationship-based medicine.

Dr. Gappy is proudly serving the community that raised him — bringing surgical expertise close to patients in Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Southfield, Novi, and surrounding communities.

When is cataract surgery necessary?
Cataract surgery is recommended when vision changes begin to interfere with your daily activities, such as driving, reading, or work.

Is cataract surgery painful?
The procedure is typically very comfortable. Most patients experience little to no pain during surgery.

How long does cataract surgery take?
The procedure itself usually takes about 10–20 minutes, though you should plan to be at the surgical center longer for preparation and recovery.

How long is the recovery?
Vision often begins improving within a few days, with continued improvement over the following weeks.

Will I still need glasses after surgery?
Many patients still need glasses for certain activities after surgery, though this depends on your eye and the lens chosen.

Cataract surgery is covered by health insurance when it is medically necessary.

The standard monofocal IOL is covered under Medicare. If you choose a premium lens upgrade (toric, multifocal, or EDOF), you will pay an additional out-of-pocket fee for the upgraded lens, while the surgical procedure itself remains covered.

Orchard Ophthalmology accepts Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, HAP, Priority Health, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and many other major insurance plans. Our team will verify your specific benefits and explain your coverage before scheduling surgery. To confirm your insurance, please call us at 248-432-7013.

Before surgery, Dr. Gappy will perform a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, including precise measurements of your eye to select the correct implant power. You will receive detailed instructions on any medications to pause before the procedure.

During surgery, the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops and you are given twilight sedation. Using a technique called phacoemulsification, Dr. Gappy makes a couple small incisions and uses ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cloudy lens. The new IOL is then gently inserted through the same small incision. The procedure typically takes 10–20 minutes.

After surgery, most patients notice significant vision improvement within 24–48 hours. You will use prescription antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks. Driving is not permitted on the day of surgery. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, with full healing over 4–6 weeks. If both eyes need surgery, each eye is treated separately, usually 2-4 weeks apart.