Cataract Surgery Specialists in Baldwin Park
In Baldwin Park and the San Gabriel Valley
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Dr. Thomas Vo and Dr. Philip Ngai are devoted cataract surgeons with expertise in complex, small incision, sutureless and refractive cataract surgery, planned around how you live.
One of the safest surgeries in all of medicine
Cataracts are the most common cause of reversible blindness worldwide. Thankfully, cataracts can be removed, and cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in all of medicine.
Most of the time, cataracts are related to age. So if you are lucky enough to have cataracts, congratulations. You have made it to life’s silver and golden years.
Sharper details and more vivid colors
As cataract surgeons in the San Gabriel Valley for over 40 years, cataract surgery is one of our favorite procedures because of its incredible human impact. Performed with high precision and careful intention, it can immediately and dramatically improve your daily life.
- Less glare and haze, especially at night
- Sharper details and more vivid colors
- Better night vision and contrast
- Less dependence on glasses and contact lenses
A once in a lifetime chance to see better than ever
With our experience in the latest micro incisional and sutureless techniques, we have helped people see better than they ever have and get back on the road, the golf course, in the kitchen or in their happy place in no time.
Cataract surgery has become so precise that it is not only a vision restoring procedure, but also a vision enhancing one. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to reduce your dependence on glasses, if you want to.
Am I a candidate for cataract surgery?
You may benefit from a cataract evaluation if you notice:
- Glare, halos or starbursts around headlights
- Blurry, cloudy or dim vision
- Colors that look faded or yellowed
- Needing more light to read
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
Why choose San Gabriel Valley Eye Institute?
Our physicians and surgeons have extensive experience in cataract surgery, from routine to difficult or complex cases, and have treated thousands of happy patients throughout the San Gabriel Valley and the Greater Los Angeles area.
We understand that a cataract diagnosis can feel intimidating. With comprehensive preparation and a personalized surgical plan, we guide you through every step, and you see your surgeon before and after surgery.
Choosing the right lens for your life
The lens implant you choose shapes how you see afterward. We help you match the lens to your work, hobbies and night driving.
Monofocal
Clear vision at one distance, usually far. Most people use reading glasses for close work.
Toric
Corrects astigmatism for sharper vision, and can be combined with other lens options.
Multifocal and extended depth of focus
A range of clear vision from distance to computer or reading, so many people rarely need glasses.
Monovision and blended vision
One eye set for distance and the other for near. It can often be tried with contact lenses first.
Your cataract surgery, step by step
Your evaluation
We measure your eyes precisely, check your retina and tear film, and talk through your daily visual needs and lens options. If dry eye is present, we treat it first.
Surgery day
Surgery is done at an outpatient surgery center with numbing drops and light sedation. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes per eye, and you go home the same day.
Recovery
Most people notice clearer vision within a few days. You use eye drops for a few weeks, and your surgeon and our team of doctors see you after surgery.
If you’re looking for the best ophthalmologist anywhere, Dr. Ngai’s practice is the way to go.Patient review
Take the next step. It’s easy.
Related care to consider
Cataract surgery FAQs
How do I know if it is time for cataract surgery?
It is usually time when cataracts make everyday activities harder, such as reading, driving at night or recognizing faces, and new glasses no longer help enough. A comprehensive exam measures your vision and glare. If your vision still meets your needs, there is no rush.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Most people feel little or no pain. Numbing drops and light sedation keep you comfortable, and you may feel gentle pressure. Mild scratchiness for a day or two afterward is common.
How long do surgery and recovery take?
Surgery usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes per eye, and you go home the same day. Many people notice clearer vision within a few days. You will use eye drops for a few weeks and avoid rubbing your eye, swimming and heavy lifting for about one to two weeks.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
It depends on the lens you choose. With a standard monofocal lens, most people still use reading glasses. Toric, multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses, or monovision, can reduce your need for glasses.
Can cataract surgery correct astigmatism?
Yes. Toric lens implants and other astigmatism correcting techniques can be used during cataract surgery for sharper vision.
Does insurance cover cataract surgery?
Medicare and most insurance plans cover medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard lens. Premium lenses and options to reduce your need for glasses have additional out of pocket costs, and we give you a written estimate before you decide. See surgery costs and insurance.
Are both eyes done on the same day?
We usually treat one eye at a time. The second eye is typically done after the first has healed well.
Can a cataract come back?
No. The cloudy lens is removed and cannot return. Some people later develop a haze behind the lens implant, which is treated with a quick, painless in office laser.
See the details again
Call, text or request a cataract evaluation online. We verify your insurance before your visit.
3000 Big Dalton Ave, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 ยท Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and some Saturdays