Cloudy vision from cataracts doesn’t have to limit your life. Dr. Scott Hyver, a skilled ophthalmologist, provides advanced cataract surgery, helping patients in the San Francisco area restore their vision with the latest technology and personalized care.
Our Bay Area practice combines decades of surgical experience with cutting-edge equipment. We offer both traditional and laser cataract surgery options to meet your specific needs. Most patients experience dramatic vision improvement and clear vision within days of their procedure.
Ready to see clearly again? Call us today to schedule your comprehensive eye evaluation.
Serving Patients Across the San Francisco Bay Area
Daly City Office
Santa Clara Office
San Ramon Office
Meet Dr. Scott Hyver, MD - Your San Francisco Cataract Specialist
Meet Dr. Scott Hyver, MD - Your San Francisco Cataract Specialist
Gaining freedom from glasses and contact lenses through LASIK, CATARACT, SMILE, EVO ICL, RLE, and PRK has never been more accessible to San Francisco residents. Dr. Scott Hyver brings an exceptional combination of academic excellence, surgical expertise, and real-world experience to every patient who walks through our doors.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens from your eye and replaces it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). This outpatient procedure takes about 15-20 minutes per eye. Most patients go home the same day.
The surgery addresses blurred vision and other problems caused by cataracts – clumps of proteins that form in the lens of your eye. These protein deposits scatter light and create blurry, dim, or foggy vision that affects your daily activities.
Understanding Cataracts and When Surgery Is Needed
Cataracts develop when proteins in your eye’s natural lens break down and clump together, creating cloudy areas that block light. This natural aging process affects most people over 60, though cataracts can develop earlier due to eye injuries, certain medications, or medical conditions like diabetes and glaucoma. Prolonged UV exposure and smoking also increase your risk of developing cataracts earlier in life.
You might be a candidate for cataract surgery when daily activities become challenging due to vision problems. Reading becomes difficult, driving feels unsafe due to blurred vision, and glare from lights bothers you more than usual. Colors may appear faded or yellowed, and you might find yourself needing frequent prescription changes that don’t seem to help much.
Many patients also struggle with recognizing faces or experience significant vision loss that impacts their independence. This skilled cataract surgeon evaluates each patient individually during a comprehensive eye exam, considering both the severity of your cataracts and how they affect your quality of life. Not everyone with cataracts needs immediate surgery, but we recommend undergoing cataract surgery when these vision problems significantly limit your daily activities and overall happiness.
How Cataract Surgery Works
Modern cataract surgery is performed using a technique called phacoemulsification at our surgery center. The process begins with preparation where we apply numbing eye drops for local anesthesia, provide light sedation to help you relax, and clean and drape the surgical area for optimal safety.
During the actual procedure, Dr. Hyver makes a tiny incision about 2-3mm in the cornea, then uses an ultrasound device to break up the cloudy lens inside the eye. The lens fragments get gently removed through the same small opening, and your new intraocular lens implant gets inserted and positioned precisely. The incision typically heals without requiring stitches due to its small size and precise placement.
Cataract surgery is performed to remove all cloudy lens material while minimizing tissue trauma to the cornea and ensuring proper healing for optimal results. Most patients feel no pain during this advanced cataract surgery since you’ll be awake but completely comfortable throughout the procedure. The combination of local anesthesia and light sedation creates an experience that most patients find much easier than they expected.
Cataract Surgery Options in San Francisco
We offer multiple cataract treatments and surgical approaches to match your specific needs and preferences. Each option provides excellent outcomes with high patient satisfaction rates across the Bay Area.
Traditional Cataract Surgery Procedure
Traditional cataract surgery uses precise handheld instruments to remove your cloudy lens through a proven technique that has helped millions of patients worldwide regain clear vision with excellent recovery time. The process includes manual incision creation in the corneal tissue, followed by ultrasound energy to break up the cataract and gentle suction to remove lens pieces before inserting your artificial lens implant.
This approach works well for most cataracts and provides consistently excellent results. Dr. Hyver has performed thousands of these procedures with remarkable success as an experienced cataract surgeon, building a reputation for precision and patient care throughout the Bay Area.
Traditional surgery offers several important advantages for patients. Most insurance plans provide full coverage for this proven procedure, and the quick recovery time allows you to return to normal activities sooner than you might expect. The minimal discomfort during and after surgery makes this an excellent choice for patients who want reliable, time-tested results without additional out-of-pocket costs.
Laser Cataract Surgery San Francisco CA
Laser cataract surgery uses femtosecond laser technology with the latest technology to perform key surgical steps with computer-guided precision. This advanced cataract surgery option can enhance surgical accuracy and potentially improve outcomes through more precise incision creation, gentler cataract removal, and reduced ultrasound energy use, which may lead to faster healing and shorter recovery time.
The laser creates the initial incision and begins breaking up your cataract with incredible precision before traditional techniques complete the removal process. This combination approach maximizes both precision and safety for patients in the San Francisco area while potentially reducing trauma to surrounding eye tissues.
Our ophthalmology practice uses the most advanced laser systems available in the Bay Area, ensuring you receive cutting-edge care with proven results. During your cataract consultation, we’ll discuss whether laser surgery fits your specific situation, considering factors like your cataract type, overall eye health, and personal preferences. While laser surgery may involve additional costs beyond traditional surgery, many patients find the enhanced precision and potentially faster recovery worth the investment in their vision.
Premium Intraocular Lenses and Different Lens Options
Your lens choice significantly impacts your vision after surgery and your long-term satisfaction with the results. We offer several intraocular lens (IOL) types to match your lifestyle and vision goals, with options designed to help reduce your dependence on glasses for various activities.
Standard monofocal lenses provide clear vision at one distance, typically optimized for distance vision to help with driving and outdoor activities. Most insurance plans cover these IOLs completely, though you may still need reading glasses for close-up tasks. These lenses offer excellent clarity and have the longest track record of success among all lens options.
Premium multifocal lenses correct both distance and near vision, allowing you to see clearly for intermediate and near tasks without constantly reaching for glasses. These advanced lenses work particularly well for active lifestyles and significantly reduce your dependence on glasses for most daily activities. While they involve additional costs beyond standard insurance coverage, many patients find the freedom from glasses invaluable.
Toric lenses address both cataracts and astigmatism in a single procedure, reducing your need for glasses after surgery through precise alignment during the operation. These specialized IOLs are available in both standard and premium versions, allowing you to correct multiple vision problems simultaneously for optimal visual outcomes.
Trifocal IOLs represent the latest advancement in premium intraocular lenses, providing clear vision at distance, intermediate, and near ranges for comprehensive vision correction. These sophisticated lenses maximize your independence from reading glasses and work exceptionally well for patients who want the broadest range of clear vision possible.
During your comprehensive eye evaluation, our eye doctors work closely with you to understand your daily activities, hobbies, and vision preferences. This detailed discussion helps us recommend the lens option that will best enhance your vision and restore your vision to meet your specific lifestyle needs and goals.
What to Expect During Surgery
Your cataract surgery appointment involves several carefully coordinated steps designed for your comfort and optimal outcomes. You’ll arrive 30-60 minutes before surgery for final eye measurements, marking, and preparation. Our team applies eye drops to dilate your pupil and administers light sedation to help you relax.
The Surgical Procedure
During the 15-20 minute procedure, you’ll lie comfortably on the surgical table while local anesthesia keeps you pain-free. A small device holds your eyelids open, and you’ll see bright lights but no surgical details. Dr. Hyver talks you through each step while the ultrasound device works quietly to remove your cloudy lens. Your new intraocular lens gets positioned precisely during this time.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
Immediately after surgery, you’ll rest in our recovery area for 15-30 minutes. Our team places a protective eye shield, reviews post-operative instructions, provides prescription eye drops, and schedules your next-day follow-up appointment. Most patients feel ready to go home within an hour of completing their surgery.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
Your vision recovery follows a predictable pattern, though individual experiences vary slightly. Understanding normal healing helps distinguish between expected changes and potential problems.
Immediate Vision Changes
Immediate vision changes include initial blurriness or haziness, which is completely normal. Colors may appear more vibrant immediately, and light sensitivity typically increases temporarily. You might experience mild burning or itching sensations, and your vision will fluctuate during early healing.
First Few Days of Recovery
During the first few days, gradual clearing of vision begins with distance vision often improving quickly. Bright lights may seem more intense, and some patients see “halos” around lights. Your eye feels more comfortable each day as healing progresses.
First Month Improvements
First month improvements bring dramatic vision enhancement that becomes obvious to patients. Clear vision continues stabilizing while your ability to see fine details returns. Night vision gradually improves, and your dependence on glasses often decreases significantly.
Long-Term Vision Outcomes
Long-term vision outcomes show that most patients achieve 20/20 or better vision. Color perception becomes more vivid, contrast sensitivity improves markedly, and overall quality of life enhances substantially. Many patients reduce their dependence on glasses considerably. Patients in the San Francisco area consistently report being amazed by how much their vision improves after surgery.
Your Cataract Surgery Experience
Understanding what happens during and after your procedure helps reduce anxiety and sets realistic expectations. Our experienced team guides you through every step of the process.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe and Painful?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest medical procedures performed today. Millions of people worldwide undergo this surgery annually with excellent success rates. Over 98% of patients experience improved vision, while complications occur in less than 1% of cases. Most issues that do arise are minor and treatable, with serious complications being extremely rare.
Regarding pain during surgery, patients consistently report minimal to no discomfort. Local anesthesia completely numbs your eye, so you feel no pain during the procedure. Most patients report only slight pressure sensations, and mild discomfort may occur as the anesthesia wears off.
Our surgery center maintains the highest safety standards with a sterile surgical environment, advanced monitoring equipment, and an experienced surgical team. We conduct thorough pre-operative health screening to ensure you’re ready for surgery. Bay Area patients consistently report feeling comfortable and secure throughout their surgical experience.
Cataract Surgery Recovery Time
Recovery from cataract surgery progresses quickly for most patients. Understanding the timeline helps you plan your activities and work schedule appropriately. During the first 24 hours, you’ll keep your eye shield on while sleeping and avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye. Use prescribed eye drops as directed, and expect some mild discomfort, which is completely normal. Your vision may seem cloudy or blurry initially.
The First Week of Healing
The first week brings gradual vision improvement as you attend your follow-up appointment. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise while protecting your eye from dust and water. Most people can return to light activities during this period.
Two to Four Weeks Recovery
Between 2-4 weeks, significant vision improvement becomes apparent. Many patients notice enhanced colors and clarity during this time. Driving may be possible with doctor approval, and you can return to most normal activities while final healing continues.
Complete Recovery Timeline
Complete recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks for full healing. Your final vision stabilizes during this period, any remaining cloudiness usually resolves, and your eye doctor confirms complete healing. Individual recovery time varies based on your overall health, the complexity of your cataract, and how well you follow post-operative care instructions.
Returning to Daily Activities
Resuming normal activities safely requires following specific timelines. These recommendations ensure proper healing while allowing you to return to the things you enjoy.
Driving After Surgery
Most patients can drive within 1-3 days after surgery, but you must pass a vision test first. Your depth perception needs time to readjust, so start with familiar, short trips and avoid night driving initially. This gradual return to driving helps ensure your safety and comfort.
Work and Professional Activities
Work and professional activities can typically resume quickly. Office work usually begins within 2-3 days, and computer use is fine with frequent breaks. Physical labor requires 1-2 weeks off, while outdoor work needs eye protection. Flying is generally safe after one week.
Exercise and Recreation Timeline
Exercise and recreation have varying timelines. Walking and light exercise can begin immediately, but avoid swimming for a minimum of two weeks. Golf and tennis typically resume after one week, while contact sports require several weeks. Yoga and bending exercises need modification initially.
Household Tasks and Daily Living
Household tasks can mostly resume right away. Light housework can begin immediately, but heavy cleaning should wait one week. Cooking and meal preparation are fine, though gardening needs eye protection from dust. Pet care requires careful hygiene during the healing period. Most Bay Area patients find they can resume 90% of their normal activities within one week of surgery.
Meet Your Cataract Eye Doctors in San Francisco
After Your Cataract Surgery
Proper aftercare ensures optimal healing and the best possible vision outcomes. Our team provides detailed instructions and ongoing support throughout your recovery.
Cataract Surgery Aftercare Instructions
Following your post-operative care plan prevents complications and promotes faster healing. These guidelines apply to all patients undergoing cataract surgery at our practice.
Your eye drop regimen includes antibiotic drops to prevent infection and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling. Follow the exact schedule provided, wash your hands before applying drops, and avoid letting the bottle tip touch your eye. This medication routine is crucial for proper healing.
Activity Restrictions and Guidelines
Activity restrictions help protect your healing eye. Avoid heavy lifting over 10 pounds for one week, don’t bend over or strain, and stay out of swimming pools or hot tubs for two weeks. Protect your eye from wind and dust, and wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Daily Care Instructions
Daily care requires keeping water out of your eye when showering and sleeping with your protective eye shield for one week. Avoid makeup near your eye for one week, don’t drive until your doctor clears you, and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. These precautions ensure optimal healing.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact our office immediately if you experience sudden vision loss or severe pain, flashing lights or new floaters, increasing redness or discharge, nausea or vomiting, or any concerns about your healing progress. San Francisco area patients receive 24/7 contact information for urgent questions or concerns.
Cataract Surgery Cost and Insurance
The cost of cataract surgery varies based on your specific needs, lens choices, and insurance coverage. We work with patients to make this life-changing procedure as affordable as possible while ensuring you receive the highest quality care.
Cataract Surgery Cost with Insurance
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, provide comprehensive coverage for traditional cataract surgery when it’s medically necessary. This typically includes the surgeon’s fees, facility costs, and standard monofocal intraocular lenses. Your out-of-pocket expenses are usually limited to deductibles and copayments.
Insurance coverage applies when your cataracts significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life. Our team works directly with your insurance company to verify benefits and handle pre-authorization requirements, making the process seamless for you.
Premium Lens Upgrade Costs
Premium intraocular lenses like multifocal, toric, or trifocal IOLs involve additional costs beyond standard insurance coverage. These upgraded lenses typically cost between $1,500 to $3,000 per eye, depending on the specific lens type and technology.
While insurance covers the basic lens portion, you pay the difference for enhanced features. Many patients find this investment worthwhile considering the reduced dependence on glasses and improved quality of life these premium lenses provide.
Out-of-Pocket Cost for Cataract Surgery with Insurance
Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific insurance plan, deductible amounts, and lens choices. For traditional surgery with standard lenses, costs typically range from $200 to $1,000 per eye after insurance coverage.
Laser cataract surgery may involve additional fees of $500 to $1,500 per eye since most insurance plans don’t cover the laser portion. However, many patients appreciate the enhanced precision and potentially faster recovery this technology offers.
Payment Options and Financing
We offer flexible payment options to help manage your cataract surgery expenses. Many patients use health savings accounts (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA) to cover costs with pre-tax dollars. We also provide financing plans through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit for qualified patients.
Our financial counselors review your insurance benefits during your consultation and provide detailed cost estimates. This transparency helps you make informed decisions about your treatment options without unexpected surprises.
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost
The total cost of cataract surgery includes surgeon fees, facility charges, anesthesia costs, and follow-up care. For patients without insurance, traditional cataract surgery typically costs $3,000 to $5,000 per eye, while laser-assisted procedures range from $4,000 to $6,000 per eye.
Premium lens options add $1,500 to $3,000 per eye to these base costs. While this represents a significant investment, most patients consider it worthwhile given the dramatic improvement in vision and quality of life cataract surgery provides.
Value of Professional Expertise
Choosing an experienced cataract surgeon like Dr. Hyver ensures you receive exceptional care with proven results. Our comprehensive approach includes thorough pre-operative evaluations, advanced surgical techniques, premium equipment, and dedicated post-operative care to maximize your outcomes.
The value of restored clear vision extends far beyond the initial cost. Most patients experience improved independence, safety, and enjoyment in daily activities that make cataract surgery one of the best investments they’ve ever made in their health and well-being.
Why Choose Dr. Scott Hyver for San Francisco Cataract Surgery?
Excellence in Ophthalmology Care
Selecting the right cataract surgeon is crucial for achieving optimal results and peace of mind throughout your treatment journey. Dr. Scott Hyver combines extensive experience, advanced technology, and personalized patient care to deliver exceptional outcomes for San Francisco area patients.
Expertise and Experience
Dr. Scott Hyver brings decades of specialized experience in cataract surgery and comprehensive eye care to patients throughout the Bay Area. His extensive training in the latest surgical techniques and commitment to continuing education ensures you receive the most advanced care available.
With thousands of successful cataract surgeries performed, Dr. Hyver has built a reputation for precision, safety, and excellent patient outcomes. His expertise spans all types of cataract cases, from routine procedures to complex surgical challenges requiring specialized techniques.
Board Certification and Credentials
As a board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Hyver meets the highest standards in eye care and surgical competency. His credentials include completion of rigorous residency training, ongoing medical education requirements, and active participation in professional ophthalmology organizations.
This dedication to professional excellence translates into superior patient care and surgical outcomes. Patients benefit from his deep understanding of eye anatomy, surgical precision, and ability to handle unexpected situations with confidence and skill.
Advanced Technology and Techniques
Our San Francisco surgery center features the most advanced cataract surgery technology available, including precision surgical microscopes, ultrasound devices, and laser systems. This cutting-edge equipment enables Dr. Hyver to perform procedures with exceptional accuracy and safety.
We invest continuously in the latest technology to ensure our patients receive the best possible outcomes. From pre-operative diagnostic equipment to advanced intraocular lens options, every aspect of your care benefits from modern innovation and proven effectiveness.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Capabilities
Our comprehensive eye evaluations use advanced imaging systems to assess your cataracts thoroughly and plan your surgery precisely. These detailed measurements ensure optimal lens selection and surgical planning for your specific needs and visual goals.
Advanced diagnostic technology helps identify any additional eye conditions that might affect your surgery or recovery. This thorough approach ensures we address all aspects of your eye health for the best possible long-term outcomes.
Patient-Centered Care
Every patient receives individualized care tailored to their specific needs, lifestyle, and vision goals. Dr. Hyver takes time to understand your daily activities, hobbies, and visual preferences to recommend the best surgical approach and lens options for your situation.
This personalized attention extends throughout your entire treatment journey, from initial consultation through complete recovery. We believe that understanding each patient’s unique circumstances is essential for achieving optimal satisfaction with cataract surgery results.
Exceptional Patient Support
Our dedicated team provides comprehensive support throughout your cataract surgery experience. From scheduling your initial consultation to post-operative follow-up care, we ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and confident at every step.
Patients consistently praise our staff’s professionalism, compassion, and willingness to answer questions thoroughly. This commitment to patient education and support helps reduce anxiety and ensures you know what to expect throughout your treatment.
Outstanding Patient Testimonials
Bay Area patients regularly express their satisfaction with Dr. Hyver’s care and surgical outcomes. Many report dramatic improvements in their vision, ability to drive safely, and overall quality of life following their cataract surgery.
These positive experiences reflect our commitment to excellence in every aspect of patient care. From the initial consultation through final recovery, we strive to exceed expectations and provide an exceptional healthcare experience.
Convenient San Francisco Location – Serving the Greater Bay Area
 Our San Francisco office proudly serves patients from across the Bay Area, including nearby communities such as Daly City, South San Francisco, San Mateo, Oakland, and Berkeley. We know how important it is to have trusted, high-quality eye care close to home.
Our modern San Francisco facility is designed with your comfort in mind, featuring welcoming patient areas, state-of-the-art surgical suites, and convenient parking. Located in the heart of the city, our office is easily accessible by major highways and public transportation, making your visit as stress-free as possible.
Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Consultation in San Francisco with Dr. Hyver at Our Any Bay Area Location
Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Consultation in San Francisco with Dr. Hyver at Our Any Bay Area Location
Don’t let cataracts continue to limit your activities and enjoyment of life. Dr. Scott Hyver and our experienced team are ready to help you achieve the clear, vibrant vision you deserve through safe, effective cataract surgery.
Your cataract consultation includes a thorough eye examination to assess the severity of your cataracts and the impact of your cataracts on your vision. We use advanced diagnostic equipment to measure your eyes precisely and evaluate your overall eye health for optimal surgical planning.
During this comprehensive evaluation, we discuss your symptoms, lifestyle needs, and vision goals to determine the best treatment approach. This detailed assessment ensures we recommend the most appropriate surgical technique and lens options for your specific situation.
We take time to explain your condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes in terms you can easily understand. Our team provides detailed information about different surgical approaches, lens choices, and what to expect during recovery.
This educational approach helps you make informed decisions about your care while feeling confident and prepared for surgery. We encourage questions and ensure you have all the information needed to proceed with peace of mind.
To schedule your free laser vision correction consultation with Dr. Hyver, or if you have any questions, please complete the following:
To schedule your free laser vision correction consultation with Dr. Hyver, or if you have any questions, please complete the following:
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