Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery

No Needle. No Stitch.
See clearly again.

Dr. Malitz performs every cataract surgery himself using only numbing drops — no injections, no sutures, no patch. Most patients see better that same evening.

10 min
Typical procedure time
1 day
Back to normal activities
$0
Standard surgery with insurance

Is it time for cataract surgery?

Most people develop cataracts gradually. If you're experiencing any of these, it may be time to talk to a surgeon:

✓ Blurry or cloudy vision that glasses can't fix
✓ Glare or halos around lights at night
✓ Double vision in one eye
✓ Colors look faded or yellowed
✓ Needing brighter light to read
✓ Frequent prescription changes

If your daily life is affected, cataract surgery is one of the most successful procedures in medicine — with the vast majority of patients seeing 20/20 or better.

Our Approach

What makes our cataract surgery different

Dr. Malitz has performed thousands of cataract surgeries using a technique designed for patient comfort and fast recovery.

💧 No Needle

Only numbing eye drops are used — no injections around or behind the eye. Less anxiety, less risk, faster recovery.

🧵 No Stitch

A micro-incision so small it seals itself with the eye's natural pressure. No sutures means faster healing and less discomfort.

👨‍⚕️ One Surgeon

Dr. Malitz does your exam, your surgery, and your follow-ups. You're never handed off to someone you haven't met.

Lens Options

Choosing your new lens

Every cataract surgery replaces your cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. You have two paths: a standard lens covered by insurance, or the Envy — the premium lens Dr. Malitz uses exclusively after implanting thousands of lenses across every major platform.

Insurance / Medicare Covered

Standard Monofocal Lens

Gives you clear vision at one distance — usually far. You'll still need reading glasses for close-up work, but your distance vision will be sharp. This is what Medicare and most insurance covers fully. A perfectly good choice if you don't mind readers.

Distance
Excellent
Intermediate
Limited
Near
Glasses needed
Typically $0 out of pocket · co-pays & annual deductibles may apply

Not sure which path is right for you? That's exactly what the consultation is for. Dr. Malitz will examine your eyes, discuss your daily visual demands, and recommend the option that actually fits your life — including the standard monofocal if that's the better choice for your eyes.

What to Expect

Your cataract surgery, step by step

The whole process — from walking in to walking out — takes about an hour. The surgery itself is roughly 10 minutes.

Consultation with Dr. Malitz

A thorough eye exam, lens measurement, and honest conversation about whether the Envy or standard monofocal fits your lifestyle. We verify your insurance and give you a written cost estimate before anything is scheduled.

Day of surgery

Numbing drops are applied — no needles. High-frequency sound waves break the cataract into microscopic particles, which are gently removed. Your new lens is implanted through the same tiny incision. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes per eye.

That evening

Most patients notice improved vision within hours. Your eye may feel slightly gritty or watery — this is normal. Begin prescribed drops immediately.

Next-day follow-up

Dr. Malitz checks your eye personally. Most patients are already seeing significantly better. Light sensitivity and mild dryness typically resolve within a few days.

Full recovery

Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 days. Complete healing takes 4–6 weeks, during which your vision continues to sharpen. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the second eye is typically done 1–2 weeks after the first.

See our full cataract recovery guide →

Cataract recovery in the desert is different.

Las Vegas's extreme UV, dry air, and air conditioning all affect how your eyes heal after surgery. Every recovery plan we write accounts for where you actually live — not generic post-op instructions written for patients in Ohio.

☀️

UV protection post-op

Desert sunlight is intense. We provide specific guidance on sun protection during the critical first weeks of healing.

💧

Dry eye management

Low humidity accelerates tear evaporation. Our drop schedules are calibrated for Las Vegas conditions, not textbook averages.

❄️

Indoor air considerations

Year-round A/C drops indoor humidity further. We'll recommend environmental adjustments specific to your home and work setup.

Insurance & Cost

We'll tell you what it costs before you commit

Standard cataract surgery is one of the most commonly covered procedures in medicine. Here's how it works.

Standard Surgery (Covered)

Medicare and most insurance plans cover standard cataract surgery with a monofocal lens. We file claims on your behalf.

  • Surgery + facility fee — covered
  • Standard monofocal IOL — covered
  • Post-op follow-ups — covered
  • Your cost: typically $0 or small co-pay after deductible

Envy Premium Lens Upgrade

If you choose the Envy, the base surgery is still covered by insurance. You pay only the upgrade fee for the advanced lens.

  • Base surgery — still covered by insurance
  • Envy IOL upgrade — out-of-pocket fee
  • Financing available through CareCredit
  • HSA & FSA accepted
See full pricing details →

No insurance? We accept virtually all insurance programs, but if you're uninsured or underinsured, we offer self-pay programs with cataract surgery starting at $3,600. Financing is available so cost doesn't have to be the reason you put off seeing clearly.

Common Questions

What patients ask us most

Does cataract surgery hurt?
No. We use numbing drops only — no needles, no injections. Most patients say they feel light pressure but no pain. The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and you're awake the entire time but comfortable.
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Yes. Medicare covers standard cataract surgery with a monofocal lens. If you choose the Envy premium lens, Medicare still covers the base procedure — you pay only the lens upgrade fee. We verify your coverage before scheduling.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients see better within hours and return to normal activities in 1–2 days. Full healing takes 4–6 weeks, and we'll see you for several follow-up visits during that time. Desert-specific recovery guidance — including dry eye and UV protection — is part of every post-op plan we write.
Why does Dr. Malitz only use the Envy for premium lens patients?
After implanting thousands of premium lenses across every major platform — including over 1,000 PanOptix cases and hundreds of Synergy, Odyssey, and Crystalens implants — Dr. Malitz found that the Envy delivers the most consistent combination of visual range, image quality, and low visual disturbance. Committing to one lens also allows him to optimize the entire surgical process for that specific platform, which produces more predictable outcomes. Read more about the Envy IOL →
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
With a standard monofocal lens, you'll likely still need reading glasses. With the Envy premium IOL, most patients significantly reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses — the lens provides excellent distance and intermediate vision with functional near. Results vary by person, and Dr. Malitz will set realistic expectations at your consultation.
I have diabetes. Can I still have cataract surgery?
Usually yes, but with important caveats. Poorly controlled diabetes can affect healing and may limit visual improvement — particularly if diabetic retinopathy is present. Surgery can also sometimes cause additional swelling of the retina. Dr. Malitz will evaluate your retinal health and be straight with you about what surgery can and can't do in your specific situation.
I have macular degeneration. Will cataract surgery make it worse?
Current evidence suggests that cataract surgery probably does not contribute to the progression of macular degeneration. However, because a cataract obscures the surgeon's view of the retina, removing it sometimes reveals deterioration that was already there but not yet visible. Dr. Malitz will discuss this with you honestly before surgery so there are no surprises.
What kind of results can I realistically expect?
If the retina, cornea, and optic nerve are healthy, most patients achieve 20/20 or better at distance. But we focus on something we call "20/happy" — meaning the goal isn't just a number on a chart, it's whether your vision works for your daily life. Some patients are thrilled with 20/25; others need sharper. A satisfied outcome starts with setting realistic expectations at your consultation, which is why Dr. Malitz takes the time to explain what's possible for your specific eyes.

Ready to talk about cataracts?

Your first visit is with the surgeon — not a tech, not a salesperson. Dr. Malitz will examine your eyes, answer your questions, and give you a clear plan with a written cost estimate.

Or call us directly: 702-362-3900  ·  W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas

Pricing ranges are estimates and may vary based on diagnosis, lens selection, and insurance coverage. Final pricing confirmed at consultation. Recovery timelines vary by individual. © 2026 Southwest Eye Institute. All rights reserved.