At Reeve-Woods Eye Center, we’ve had the privilege of caring for the vision needs of the Chico community and surrounding areas for years. One of the most common conditions we treat in our patients is cataracts—clouding of the natural lens in the eye that leads to blurry or dulled vision. Fortunately, cataract surgery has come a long way. If you’ve been told you have cataracts, you’ll be glad to know that today’s technology is safer, more precise, and more effective than ever before.

Understanding Traditional Cataract Surgery

In traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea using a handheld blade, then uses ultrasound (phacoemulsification) to break up the cloudy lens. That lens is then removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This method has been tried and true for decades and is still very effective. However, it requires a very steady hand and depends largely on the surgeon’s skill for accuracy and consistency.

What Is Femtolaser Technology?

While effective, traditional cataract surgery procedures rely heavily on the surgeon’s hand for precision. Femtolaser-assisted cataract surgery uses advanced laser technology to automate many of the steps, including creating the corneal incision, opening the capsule that holds the lens, and softening the lens itself for easier removal.

The result is greater precision, reduced risk of complications, and faster recovery. For many of our patients in Chico, Paradise, and Orland, this means clearer vision and getting back to daily life with less downtime.

When Is It Time to Consider Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts often develop gradually, which can make it hard to know when it's time to take action. Many people begin to notice that reading, driving at night, or recognizing faces becomes more difficult. If glasses or updated prescriptions no longer improve your vision, it may be time to consider surgery. We recommend scheduling a cataract evaluation if your vision changes are interfering with your daily activities, hobbies, or overall quality of life. It’s not about waiting until your vision is “bad enough”—it’s about ensuring you’re living life clearly and comfortably.

Comprehensive Cataract Care in Chino

When you come to us for cataract evaluation and treatment, we take the time to walk you through your options. Our experienced team uses advanced diagnostic tools and works closely with you to determine whether laser-assisted surgery is the right choice for your eyes and lifestyle. We’ve invested in Femtolaser technology because we believe the Chico community deserves the best—and we’re proud to bring this level of care close to home.

Ready to See the Difference?

Cataracts can creep in slowly, but you don’t have to live with cloudy or diminished vision. Thanks to advances like Femtolaser-assisted surgery, clearer sight is more accessible, safer, and more customized than ever before. If you or a loved one is noticing changes in vision, we’re here to help.

Schedule a cataract evaluation at Reeve-Woods Eye Center and learn how the latest technology can restore your vision and your confidence. Visit our office in Chico, California, or call (530) 317-EYES to book an appointment today.