Cataract Surgery in Pittsburgh

Cataract Surgery in Pittsburgh

Offering Pre-Operative & Post-Operative Care

(412) 884-2020

Don’t Let Cataracts Cloud Your Vision

Over 50% of people aged 65 and older have a cataract in one or both eyes. As the cataract progresses, vision deteriorates, leading to a decreased quality of life. Fortunately, cataract surgery can easily treat this condition.

Senior couple smiling

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are cloudy patches that develop on the lens of your eye. Cataracts can cause blurred or double vision, may increase light sensitivity and interfere with driving, especially at night. Without cataract surgery, millions of people around the world would be unable to see clearly.

The most common symptoms include:
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Trouble seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to glare
  • Colored halos around lights
  • Colors appearing more faded
  • Requiring brighter light for reading

When to Get Cataract Surgery

As we evaluate your eye health and vision, we'll carefully examine your lens for signs of cataract formation. If a cataract is detected and the clouding is causing visual disruption, our optometrist will refer you to a trusted surgeon for cataract surgery. Bittel Vision Care Center - Caste Village will be there for you, providing pre and post cataract surgery care.

As the condition begins to seriously impair your vision and adversely affects your daily life, impacting your ability to read, drive, watch TV or recognize faces, you should seriously consider surgery.

Woman smiling

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

  • High success rate

    Cataract surgery, one of the world’s most commonly performed surgeries, has a 95% success rate.

  • Quick and convenient

    This procedure can take just 30 to 45 minutes in an outpatient setting or hospital.

  • Prevents other eye problems

    Removing cataracts can reduce the risk of eye inflammation and pressure inside the eye–a leading cause of glaucoma.

  • Rapid recovery time

    Patients start seeing more clearly within a few days. Colors may seem brighter thanks to the new, clear lens.


How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

  • Apply antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eyedrops a few days before surgery if instructed to by your eye doctor
  • Arrange for a ride after the surgery, since you won’t be able to drive
  • Wash your face in the morning of the procedure and don’t wear eye makeup, strong perfumes or aftershave

What Happens During Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery removes your natural cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to improve and restore vision. This common and very safe procedure is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an outpatient basis.

  • The eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) will perform cataract surgery on one eye at a time. That means that you will come in for another surgery on the second eye. The procedure is brief and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
  • The eye doctor will place drops into your eyes to numb them and dilate your pupils. Though you’ll be conscious during the procedure, you may be offered a sedative to help you remain calm. The eye surgeon will then remove your natural lens and replace it with the IOL. You should feel no pain or discomfort thanks to the anesthetic.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery After-Care

Senior couple with glasses

After surgery, you may feel a bit drowsy as an after-effect of the sedative. Your eye doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection, inflammation and to reduce pressure within your eye. The surgeon may recommend that you wear an eye patch for a few days after your surgery and the protective shield when you sleep during the recovery period. Make sure to avoid rubbing your eyes or touching them unless necessary.

A day after cataract surgery, we'll provide a post-operative eye exam to make sure that all is well. Your Pittsburgh optometrist will further perform a series of follow-up exams in the weeks and months to come. If determined that you require corrective lenses following your cataract surgery, we'll make sure you get the proper prescription.


Cataract Surgery Management FAQs

What are side effects of cataract surgery?

While side effects are rare, there are some issues that people commonly encounter in the days after surgery, as the eyes heal.

  • Dry eye
  • Feeling that something is in the eye
  • Blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity

If any of these side effects do not subside within a week or two, please contact Bittel Vision Care Center - Caste Village.

Can I delay cataract surgery

You can delay cataract surgery, but keep in mind that your vision will likely worsen the longer you put off the procedure.

When is cataract surgery not recommended?

Cataract patients who also have age-related macular degeneration or retinal detachment may not respond well to cataract surgery and the new lens may not correct vision.

Can cataract surgery give me 20/20 vision?

If you had great vision before developing cataracts, it’s likely that cataract surgery will restore your sight. Moreover, the IOL inserted into your eye can be designed to correct refractive errors, providing you with clear vision.

Patient Reviews
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194 Reviews
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- Nov. 09, 2024
Knowledgeable, pleasant and caring staff make each visit enjoyable.
- Nov. 03, 2024
A remarkable experience. The staff was very friendly and accommodating and even went above and beyon... d for my needs by helping me find exactly what I needed AND being so patient and understanding. Picking glasses can be so difficult! Thank you to the entire team and especially Roxanne. You truly are one of a kind and I can not thank you enough for all of your help. First rate service here!
- Oct. 29, 2024
My kids and I needed a new provider close to home for regular eye exams. We had 3 appointments sched... uled for one evening and all went very well. We saw two different doctors and both were great with my boys and daughter. The ladies in the vision center were also very friendly and helpful, as was the front desk employee. We were able to order new glasses for one of my boys relatively quickly and be on our way. If you’re looking for a place that is kid friendly and not worried about kids being anxious and antsy, this is a good spot for you. Really love the evening availability, as well, since I work and they have school during the day. No complaints. Thank you!
- Oct. 24, 2024
Doctor was very good and fast. I had to wait a while in the room though
- Sep. 27, 2024
Very friendly and on time appointments
- Sep. 20, 2024
Wonderful service! Excellent communication
- Sep. 20, 2024
I always enjoy going to Dr. Bittle's office. Everyone there is friendly and knowledgeable, and eager... to help you have a positive experience. Over the years I feel that I have gotten to know Dr. Bittle. He always remembers what is going on in my life. He is so comfortable to talk to.
- Sep. 13, 2024
Great people, warm environment, kind. Informative without being confusing or misleading. Never disap... pointed.
- Aug. 21, 2024
I will be honest and say I get more anxious for eye exams than I do for most other doctor visits. Fi... nding an office that feels inviting, comfortable, and welcoming is really important to me, and Bittel hit those marks. I had my exam done by Dr. Mehalik, and really appreciated that she took the time to answer my questions and discuss my previous issues with my vision. I didn’t feel rushed, or like just another number, and feel confident that she will work with me to find contacts that fit after a decade of hits and misses with other offices. I definitely recommend Bittel over larger chains if you’re seeking a more personalized, comforting atmosphere. Their selection of glasses is also really impressive, and other customers were leaving happy, too!
- Aug. 13, 2024
I would recommend this office to everyone. The staff is great the doctor was fantastic and I love m... y new glasses.
- Aug. 10, 2024
I have visited this location on a couple of occasions. Everyone I have encountered has been kind, kn... owledgeable, and attentive. These are professionals that do not take shortcuts, or leave questions unanswered.
- Aug. 03, 2024
The entire staff is very professional and friendly. I have been a patient for years and will continu... e to be. I had cataract surgery but for reading purposes wanted glasses. They helped me get the perfect frames!
- Jul. 18, 2024
Everyone was so friendly and efficient Very personable staff and doctors
- Jul. 10, 2024
Dr. Mehalik is very nice as are the staff. Only problem is when you try to call them, no one answer... s. What if you have an issue?
- Jun. 18, 2024
Highest recommendations for Dr. Bittel. Been here for 20 years and am a regular patient of Dr R. and... Dr M. Bittel. Very helpful in tracking a potential eye problem to ensure it is caught and treated if it worsens. Lessons the worry and stress on my part knowing they are actively monitoring to ensure it does not worsen.
- Jun. 13, 2024
Dr. Nault is a good, nice and friendly Doctor. The staff is great too.
- Jun. 07, 2024
Bittel Vision is great. The doctor Bittels are both fantastic. Everyone that works there is really n... ice and helpful. It's a good environment. I'd recommend it to anyone
- Jun. 02, 2024
Highly recommend Dr. Mehalik. She was sweet and caring while listening to concerns and using her pro... fessional opinion to get me what I needed. Thank you!
- May. 09, 2024
Excellent service, friendly and respectful staff. Roxanne is an asset to the business. Highly recom... mend.
- May. 02, 2024
I've been going to Bittel Vision for 27 years and will continue forever!!

View All 194 Reviews

Your Cataract Surgery Co-Management Specialist in Pittsburgh

Our optometry practice in Pittsburgh

Photograph of Robert  Bittel
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

Want to see clearly again?

Contact us today for pre-operative and post-operative care

(412) 884-2020

Senior woman