Clear vision, without leaving the island.
Cataracts cloud the eye's natural lens and slowly dim your world. We handle your full cataract workup and after-care right here in Hilo, with surgery performed by our skilled eye surgery team, so most patients never have to fly off-island to see clearly again.
When the world starts to look cloudy.
A cataract is a clouding of the clear lens inside your eye. It usually comes on slowly with age, softening colors, adding glare and halos around headlights, and making it harder to read or drive at night.
Cataracts cannot be reversed with drops or glasses, but modern cataract surgery is one of the safest, most effective procedures in medicine. The cloudy lens is gently removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, and clear vision is restored.
Most of your cataract journey stays in Hilo.
Traveling to Oʻahu for eye surgery means time off, airfare, and arranging help far from home. We keep as much of the process as possible on-island: your evaluation, the precise eye measurements that guide your lens choice, and your follow-up visits all happen here in Hilo.
The surgery itself is performed right here by our skilled eye surgery team, so you get experienced surgical care and familiar faces for your before-and-after, close to home.
From cloudy to clear, step by step.
Evaluation
We confirm the cataract, check the health of the rest of your eye, and talk through whether surgery makes sense for you now.
Measurements & lens
Precise measurements guide your artificial lens choice. We explain your options in plain language.
Surgery day
Your surgeon removes the cloudy lens and places the new one. The procedure is quick and done with numbing drops.
Recovery in Hilo
We guide your eye drops and follow-up visits locally as your vision sharpens over the days that follow.
Cataract surgery questions
Can I have cataract surgery on the Big Island without flying to Oʻahu?
Yes. Your cataract evaluation, measurements, lens planning, and after-care are handled right here in our Hilo office, and surgery is performed by our skilled eye surgery team, so most patients can restore clear vision without leaving the island. Call (808) 935-2964 to start with an evaluation.
How do I know if I have cataracts?
Common signs include cloudy or blurry vision, glare or halos around lights, faded colors, and needing more light to read. A comprehensive eye exam in Hilo can confirm whether cataracts are the cause and how far along they are.
Does insurance or Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is typically covered by Medicare and most medical insurance when it is medically necessary. We accept Medicare and will review your specific coverage and any out-of-pocket costs at your evaluation.
Is it painful, and how long is recovery?
The procedure is done with numbing drops and is generally comfortable and quick. Most people notice clearer vision within days and return to normal activities soon after, following the simple eye-drop and follow-up plan we provide.
How do I get started?
Request a cataract evaluation online or call (808) 935-2964. We will examine your eyes, explain what we find, and walk you through your options.
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Learn moreReady to see clearly again?
Start with a cataract evaluation in Hilo. We will explain exactly what we find and what your options are.
Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed. As with all medical and surgical procedures, not everyone is a suitable candidate. A qualified provider is responsible for evaluating suitability and reviewing risks, benefits, and after-care. Surgery is performed by a licensed eye surgeon.