Cataract Surgery in Ocala

Cataract Surgery in Ocala

Offering Pre-Operative & Post-Operative Care

(352) 512-0560

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. Eye Care Center of Ocala 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 Ocala 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 Eye Care Center of Ocala.

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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998 Reviews
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- Aug. 27, 2025
My visit here was fantastic from the moment I walked in and throughout my whole appointment. Alex wa... s my eye tech. She was very professional, friendly and made me feel very comfortable during all of my testing. She explained each test in detail which I appreciated! Doctor Castello is extremely nice and took his time to explain everything in detail regarding my test results. Check out was a breeze with Courtney. She is so pleasant! I am so very happy and grateful to have such a wonderful place to come to for my eye care. They really do make you feel like family. Thank you eye care center of Ocala!
- Aug. 21, 2025
I’m very happy that I found this facility! Alex and Dr. Castello were both very friendly and help... ful. The wait time was minimal and it was easy to get in to be seen. I highly recommend Eye Care Center of Ocala.
- Aug. 20, 2025
Excellent service.
- Aug. 20, 2025
Went last week and Christina was very helpful and super friendly thank you!
- Aug. 19, 2025
Very clean, the people are friendly. I don’t wear contacts or glasses but go for my yearly checkup... here. Yesterday Alex did my exam and was very friendly and efficient. I would recommend this office.
- Aug. 15, 2025
For twenty years I have battled an eye condition and worked in customer service. I have visited many... eye doctors and clinics. Without any hesitation I can say I wish there something greater than a five star rating. From the moment I walked in I was treated like I truly mattered, and not like my name was there to just fill an appointment slot. Each step was efficient, but I was not rushed. Alex took my information. She looked me in the eye's and LISTENED. She was professional and compassionate. It was clear she takes pride in her profession. In a very short time Dr. Castello came in and treated me like I was the most important person in the world. He didn't rush. He was interested and focused. All doctors have many years of training, but what Dr. Castello and the whole staff have is something that can't be trained. They have humanity. They treat others the same way they would want to be treated.
- Aug. 15, 2025
It was refreshing to come across a kind eye technician (Gailyn). Extremely helpful and knowledgeable... .
- Aug. 14, 2025
Had an outstanding experience with Eye Care Center of Ocala on 08-13-25. Had follow up visit after ... my surgery with Dr. Castello and Alex. Both were exceptional with my eye care. Their attention to detail, compassion and concern for my eyes made me feel grateful I had found them. The entire staff was wonderful from the moment I walked in right up to the time I left. If you are looking for exceptional eye care I highly recommend Eye Care Center and wished I had been going there all along. Penny assisted me with finding the perfect glasses from previous visit. Very patient and kind. Service is the best and has been every time I walked thru the door.
- Aug. 14, 2025
My Tech Gailyn was perfect very knowledgeable and she was incredibly helpful
- Aug. 14, 2025
The Eye Care Center of Ocala does an amazing job! Alex has always been amazing when doing my exam. D... r. Castello is very knowledgeable and takes time to answer any concerns I have about my eyesight.
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had a great first experience, very clean office and attentive care from Christine. All my question... s answered and eye health fully assessed.
- Aug. 14, 2025
Great staff and Alex is awesome!
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had an amazing experience with Christine, ophthalmology technician, during my visit. From the mome... nt I walked in, she made me feel completely at ease, explaining every step of the process with patience and care. It was clear she genuinely wanted to ensure I understood everything about my eye health, and their warm demeanor made the whole experience so much more comfortable. It’s rare to come across someone so professional yet so kind, and I really appreciated the personal touch they brought to my appointment. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 14, 2025
Had a great experience. Christine was great at helping me and very nice. These guys are one of a kin... d. Thank you
- Aug. 14, 2025
i was helped by gailyn. superb service. would definitely go again.
- Aug. 14, 2025
My experience here was amazing! The whole staff was excellent, specifically the tech Gailyn. She was... so accommodating and patient with me, was very thorough and explained everything clearly. High recommend!
- Aug. 14, 2025
I flew in all the way from New York, and Gailyn was one of the first encounters. The team is amazing... . When I tell you great service is an understatement. This place does wonders, just stop what you’re doing and go to Eye Care Center of Ocala. They don’t disappoint!
- Aug. 14, 2025
During my visit the establishment was clean and the process fast very efficient! The Tech I had Gail... yn was very accommodating and answered all my questions 10/10 would recommend
- Aug. 14, 2025
During my visit, Gailyn was a terrific tech. Her kindness throughout the visit made me feel comforta... ble with my decision making of my eye wear. I will definitely be returning in the future.
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had a great experience at this office. The service was professional and efficient, and I especiall... y want to thank the tech, Gailyn. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. She explained everything clearly, answered all my questions with patience. It’s rare to find someone who combines skill with such a warm attitude, and Gailyn truly made my visit a positive one. Highly recommend this office and their staff!

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Your Cataract Surgery Co-Management Specialist in Ocala

Our optometry practice in Ocala

Photograph of Lauren Chermak
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

Want to see clearly again?

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

(352) 512-0560

Senior woman