What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which is normally clear. This clouding scatters light as it enters the eye, resulting in glare, double vision, or blurred images. Many people describe cataracts as looking through a foggy or yellowed window..

Although cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, they can also result from eye injuries, certain medications, or health conditions. Over time, the clouding can worsen, especially when combined with other vision issues, making it harder to perform everyday activities.

Types of Cataracts

• Nuclear Sclerotic Cataract: The most common type, which forms slowly with age. It causes the lens to harden and turn yellow or brown, affecting clarity and distance vision.
• Cortical Cataract: Appears as white or gray streaks in the outer part of the lens and progresses inward. These cataracts often affect night vision and increase glare from headlights.
• Posterior Sub Capsular Cataract (PSC): Develops at the back of the lens and may progress quickly. This type is more common in individuals with diabetes, prior eye trauma, or those who have had radiation therapy.
• Combined Cataracts: Many patients have features of multiple cataract types, leading to a range of symptoms.

Symptoms of Cataracts

In early stages, cataracts may go unnoticed. As they develop, you might begin to experience:

• Gradual vision loss or cloudiness
• Objects appearing yellow, hazy, or distorted
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in dim light
• Glare or halos around bright lights
• Impaired distance vision, especially when driving

If your vision becomes limited even with the best prescription lenses, it may be time to consider cataract surgery in St. Louis.

Meet Our Cataract Surgeons in St. Louis

Gregory A. Hill, M.D.

Ophthalmologist / President & Founder

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Dr. Gregory Hill founded Hill Vision Services in 2007 after decades of service in both military and academic medicine. A board-certified ophthalmologist since 1992, Dr. Hill is a graduate of Saint Louis University and has held leadership roles including Director of Comprehensive Ophthalmology at the SLU Eye Institute. He proudly served as Chief of Ophthalmology at Scott Air Force Base and continues to offer free cataract surgery through community and international outreach. Patients trust Dr. Hill for his surgical precision and longstanding dedication to vision care in the St. Louis area.

Geoffrey Hill, M.D.

Ophthalmologist / Cornea Specialist / Partner

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A fellowship-trained cornea specialist and St. Louis native, Dr. Geoffrey Hill brings advanced expertise in corneal disease and cataract surgery. He earned his medical degree at Saint Louis University and completed fellowship training at UT Southwestern. Dr. Hill is one of the premier corneal specialists in private practice in the region and has performed thousands of procedures to improve vision across Missouri and Illinois. He’s passionate about restoring sight and providing innovative care to every patient he sees.

Expert Cataract Surgery in St. Louis

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). This outpatient procedure is quick, highly successful, and performed with advanced tools and techniques that prioritize comfort and precision.

Our cataract surgeons begin with a detailed evaluation to confirm if surgery is recommended. If so, we’ll review your implant lens options and develop a personalized surgical plan that fits your vision goals.

Premium Options for Cataract Surgery

At Hill Vision Services, we offer more than standard eye care services. Patients can choose from premium options that include laser-assisted cataract surgery and advanced IOLs. These state-of-the-art solutions provide greater visual clarity and faster healing, and may even eliminate the need for glasses.

Premium cataract surgery may correct astigmatism and improve your range of focus for both near and distance vision. Our board-certified ophthalmologists and cornea specialists will help you explore your options and make informed decisions about your care.

How Cataract Surgery Works

Our cataract surgery in St. Louis is a safe, outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. You’ll receive numbing eye drops along with gentle IV sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout the process. General anesthesia is not required, and most patients are surprised by how quick and painless the experience is.

The procedure typically involves:

• Creating a precise incision at the edge of the cornea: This may be done manually or with a laser, depending on your surgical plan. The incision is very small and usually heals without the need for stitches.
• Gently removing the clouded lens: Using a specialized ultrasound device, the cataract is carefully broken up and vacuumed out of the eye without disturbing the surrounding tissue.
• Placing a new intraocular lens (IOL): A custom-calibrated IOL is inserted into the original lens capsule. This new lens restores clear vision and can be selected to correct existing refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art tools and techniques, most patients experience rapid recovery and improved vision within days of surgery. Cataract surgery at Hill Vision Services is designed to help you return to the activities you love with sharper, brighter vision and greater confidence.

Post-Op Care

Following surgery, our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions. You’ll also be prescribed medicated eye drops, including:

• An antibiotic to prevent infection
• A steroid to control inflammation
• A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for added comfort

You’ll also need to:

• Wear a plastic shield during sleep
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Wear sunglasses outdoors

For the first few weeks after surgery, patients commonly experience:

• Mild blurriness or fluttering vision
• Temporary glare or halos at night
• Dryness or scratchiness
• Progressive vision improvement as healing occurs

If you have any questions or concerns after your cataract surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help.

Cataract Surgery FAQs

How do I know if I am a candidate for cataract surgery?
You may be a good candidate for cataract surgery if you are experiencing decreased or blurred vision, glare and halos, impaired depth perception, increased color distortion, or are having trouble seeing even with your new glasses.

What are the benefits of cataract surgery?
Good vision is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Numerous studies show that cataract surgery enables you to enjoy your favorite activities again, including reading, sewing, playing cards, and golfing. Many people feel more confident and safe driving and report that their quality of life improves after the procedure.

Will I still have to wear glasses after cataract surgery?
Whether glasses or contacts are needed after your procedure depends on the type of lens implant you receive. If you choose mono-focal lenses, you must wear glasses for either distance or up-close work since these lenses focus only at one distance. If you upgrade to premium multifocal lenses, you will have a broader range of vision and more freedom from glasses.

How long will it take for my vision to become normal?
After the surgery, you may notice an immediate improvement with some initial blurriness. After the surgery, the eye needs time to heal and adjust, and the prescription needs to stabilize. This may take several weeks.

How long depends on your chosen lens and how severe the cataracts were before surgery. A corneal pathology or procedure may take several weeks to heal, and objects may appear brighter and colors more vivid.

Does insurance pay for cataract surgery?
Since cataract surgery is a medical procedure, many insurance companies and Medicare will cover a mono-focal lens. Check with your insurance provider. If you choose a multifocal or premium lens, you may have to pay additional costs to upgrade. Hill Vision Services can help you understand your financing options and what questions to ask your benefits administrator.