Clear Vision Clinic
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Your Guide to Cataract Surgery

Helping you see life
more clearly.

A Note from Dr. Covey

If you're reading this guide, you've probably noticed that your vision isn't what it used to be.

Maybe driving at night has become difficult. Reading requires brighter light. Colors seem less vibrant, or your glasses simply aren't helping anymore. These are some of the most common signs of cataracts.

The good news is that cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed in medicine today. My goal is to make the process straightforward, comfortable, and personalized to your lifestyle.

At Clear Vision Clinic, you'll never feel rushed into a decision. Together we'll discuss your vision goals, answer your questions, and determine whether surgery is the right choice for you.

I personally perform every cataract surgery and personally see you the day after surgery. Once you're healing well, you'll return to your trusted optometrist for your one-week postoperative visit, allowing them to remain an important part of your eye care. If you need glasses after surgery, they're typically prescribed about one month later.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your vision journey. It is truly a privilege.

— Sarah Covey, MD
Clinical photograph of a mature cataract
What Is a Cataract?

The lens inside your eye has clouded over.

This photograph shows a mature cataract — the natural lens of the eye has become opaque, blocking and scattering light before it can reach the retina. The result is blurred, dim, or washed-out vision that glasses can no longer correct.

Cataract surgery removes this clouded lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens chosen specifically for your eyes and your life.

Clinical photograph courtesy of Dr. Sarah Covey, MD.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Covey

What sets this practice apart.

✓
Board-certified ophthalmologist with nearly a decade of experience
✓
More than 5,000 cataract surgeries performed
✓
Physician-owned, independent practice
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Cutting-edge, advanced lens technology including Light Adjustable Lens
✓
Personalized surgical planning — no one-size-fits-all approach
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Close collaboration with your trusted optometrist
✓
Surgery performed at NWA Surgery Center and Lakeside Surgery Center
What to Expect

Your cataract journey, step by step.

From your first visit through your final prescription, here's exactly what the process looks like.

1

Consultation

We'll perform a complete eye examination, discuss your lifestyle and vision goals, answer your questions, and determine whether cataract surgery is right for you.

2

Surgical Planning

We'll obtain precise measurements of your eyes, review your medical history, and help you choose the intraocular lens that best fits your lifestyle.

3

First Eye Surgery

Your outpatient procedure takes about 15 minutes and is performed using modern microsurgical techniques. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is.

4

Next-Day Visit with Dr. Covey

You'll see Dr. Covey the following day to ensure your eye is healing beautifully and to review your recovery instructions.

5

Second Eye Surgery

Most patients have surgery on the second eye approximately one week later, allowing vision to improve quickly while maintaining excellent safety.

6

Next-Day Visit with Dr. Covey

A second check to confirm everything is healing as expected before transitioning care back to your optometrist.

7

One-Week Visit — Your Optometrist

Your referring optometrist will continue your postoperative care, ensuring a smooth recovery while remaining involved in your long-term eye health.

8

One-Month Visit — Final Prescription

If needed, you'll receive your final glasses prescription and begin enjoying your best possible vision.

Understanding Your Options

One surgery. Several ways to see the world.

Every cataract surgery includes a new lens. The best choice depends on how you live — not simply on your eyes. We'll discuss each option together and recommend the lens that best matches your goals.

Standard
"I don't mind wearing glasses."

Monofocal Lens

Provides excellent vision at one distance and is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Glasses are typically needed afterward for some or all activities.

Premium
"I'd love to drive without glasses."

Toric Lens

Corrects astigmatism, allowing many patients to drive comfortably without glasses while using simple reading glasses for near work.

Premium
"I'd like as much freedom from glasses as possible."

Multifocal / Extended Depth of Focus

Designed for patients who enjoy reading, traveling, golfing, cooking, or using computers with less dependence on glasses. Best for patients comfortable with the possibility of rings or mild glare.

Most Customizable
"I want the most precise option available."

Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)

Unique in that it can be precisely fine-tuned after surgery using UV light treatments, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking the highest level of precision — or those with previous LASIK, RK, or other unique eye conditions. Dr. Covey has extensive experience with this technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Dr. Covey hears every day.

If you don't see your question here, reach out — we're happy to answer before your first visit.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable cataract surgery is. Numbing drops and relaxing medication keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
The surgery itself usually takes less than 15 minutes. Expect to spend a few hours at the surgery center from arrival through recovery.
Many patients are able to drive within a day or two, depending on vision in the operated eye and the other eye.
That depends on the lens you choose and your individual eye health. We'll discuss realistic expectations before surgery so you know exactly what to expect.
No. Once a cataract is removed, it cannot return. Occasionally the thin membrane holding the lens becomes cloudy over time, which can be treated with a quick, painless laser procedure in the office.
We believe the best care happens when specialists work together. Your optometrist has cared for your eyes for years, and we deeply value that relationship. After Dr. Covey ensures your surgery is healing well, your optometrist continues your postoperative care and long-term eye health.
Our Promise to You

Outstanding vision begins with trust.

You deserve to understand every option available — not feel pressured into one.
You deserve to have your questions answered.
You deserve to know the surgeon performing your procedure.
You deserve individualized recommendations based on your lifestyle, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Whether your goal is reading to your grandchildren, driving at night with confidence, returning to golf, or simply seeing the beauty of Northwest Arkansas more clearly — we're honored to help you get there.

— Sarah Covey, MD

Ready to take the next step?

Reach out to schedule a consultation or ask Dr. Covey a question before your first visit.

Call or Text 479-425-3541 Email Us