Cataracts can gradually cloud vision, making everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces more difficult. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial one, restoring sharp vision with minimal downtime.
At NVISION Eye Centers, Dr. Sheri Rowen, MD, performs advanced laser cataract surgery using the latest intraocular lens technology for patients in Newport Beach and throughout Orange County, including those traveling from Fullerton, California. As one of the country’s pioneers in modern cataract surgery, Dr. Rowen brings decades of innovation and expertise to every procedure.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes clouded, causing light to scatter instead of focusing clearly on the retina. This leads to blurred vision, increased glare, poor night vision, and faded color perception.
Cataracts develop gradually, most often as a natural part of aging, though factors such as genetics, diabetes, previous eye injury, or prolonged sun exposure can accelerate their formation. While early symptoms may be managed with stronger prescriptions, the condition eventually progresses to a point where surgery is needed to restore clarity.
When to Consider Cataract Surgery
If vision problems begin to interfere with reading, driving, or work activities, cataract surgery may be recommended. The procedure is the only effective treatment for cataracts and remains one of the safest and most successful surgeries performed worldwide.
Dr. Rowen evaluates each patient carefully to determine when surgery will offer the most benefit. Many choose to proceed as soon as daily tasks become more difficult or visual quality noticeably declines. Because cataracts continue to progress over time, delaying surgery often leads to greater impairment and reduced quality of life.
The Cataract Surgery Procedure
Cataract surgery replaces the eye’s cloudy lens with a clear artificial one to restore sharp vision. Dr. Rowen performs the procedure using advanced laser technology for accuracy and comfort.
After the eye is numbed with topical anesthetic, a micro-incision is made at the cornea’s edge. The laser gently breaks up and removes the cataract, and a new lens is placed within the same capsule that held the natural one. No stitches are needed, and most patients experience immediate improvement in vision.
Dr. Rowen uses the LENSAR™ Laser System, which creates precise, bladeless incisions guided by real-time 3D imaging. This allows her to customize each procedure for exact placement, efficient removal, and faster recovery.
Recovery and Results
The procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye and requires no hospital stay. Patients typically return home within a few hours. Mild sensitivity or blurriness is normal at first and improves quickly over the next few days.
Most patients notice significant improvement in clarity, brightness, and color perception within 24 to 48 hours. Vision continues to stabilize over several weeks. Follow-up visits help ensure proper healing and alignment of the new lens.
Advanced Lens Options
During cataract surgery, the natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Dr. Rowen offers advanced lens options, including ENVY, PanOptix® Pro, and Light Adjustable Lenses, which can help reduce dependence on glasses and provide clearer vision at multiple distances. Each patient’s choice depends on their visual needs and lifestyle.
Why Choose Dr. Sheri Rowen?
Dr. Sheri Rowen, MD, FACS, is a board-certified ophthalmologist known nationally for her innovation and skill in cataract surgery. She was among the first surgeons to perform topical “instant vision” cataract procedures and continues to incorporate the latest laser and imaging technologies into her practice.
Before relocating to California, Dr. Rowen founded and directed the Department of Ophthalmology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore and served as a Clinical Instructor at Johns Hopkins’ Wilmer Eye Institute. As Medical Director at NVISION Eye Centers, she continues to teach, lecture, and lead advancements in modern eye surgery.
Schedule a Cataract Consultation
Cataract surgery can restore clear sight and improve your daily life. To discuss your options for cataract treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheri Rowen, MD, at NVISION Eye Centers in Newport Beach, CA.
Patients across Orange County, including those from the Fullerton area, can call 949-854-7400 for more information or to book an appointment.
