Cataract Surgery
in Sacramento, Roseville & Folsom
Fellowship-Trained Cataract Surgeon Serving Northern California
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, yet they are also one of the most treatable conditions in all of medicine. At California LASIK & Eye, our fellowship-trained ophthalmology team provides premium cataract surgery for patients throughout Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Davis, and the surrounding Northern California communities. Patients travel to our Sacramento practice from Roseville, Folsom, Davis, and throughout the greater Sacramento region for access to the full spectrum of premium lens options. Founded by Dr. Bradley Barnett, a Johns Hopkins-trained ophthalmologist and corneal and refractive surgery fellow, our practice is built on the belief that every patient deserves a personalized, precision-driven approach to restoring their vision.
Whether you are just beginning to notice changes in your vision or your cataracts have progressed to the point where daily activities feel difficult, we are here to help you see clearly again, with the most advanced laser technology and premium lens options available today.
- What Are Cataracts?
- Is Cataract Surgery Right for You?
- Premium IOL Options: Choosing the Right Lens for Your Lifestyle
- Preparing for Cataract Surgery
- The Cataract Surgery Procedure
- Recovery After Cataract Surgery
- Why California LASIK & Eye
- Insurance and Financing
- What Our Patients Are Saying
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Cataracts?
The natural lens of your eye is normally clear, allowing light to pass through and focus sharply on the retina. Over time, proteins within the lens can clump together and cause it to become cloudy. This clouding is called a cataract.
Cataracts typically develop slowly and may go unnoticed in the early stages. As they progress, they can significantly affect your quality of life. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Increased sensitivity to glare and bright lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colors appearing faded or yellowed
- Frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Double vision in one eye
According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery by age 80.1 While aging is the most common cause, cataracts can also develop as a result of eye injuries, prolonged UV exposure, certain medications such as corticosteroids, or underlying health conditions including diabetes.
Is Cataract Surgery Right for You?
In the early stages, updated glasses or contact lenses may help manage mild cataract symptoms. However, when cataracts begin to interfere with your ability to drive, read, work, or enjoy everyday activities, surgery is typically the most effective solution.
You may be a good candidate for cataract surgery if you:
- Experience blurry or cloudy vision that glasses cannot fully correct
- Have difficulty driving, especially at night
- Find it hard to read or perform close-up tasks
- Notice that glare or halos around lights are affecting your daily life
- Have been told by your eye doctor that your cataracts are mature or visually significant
The best way to determine whether you are ready for surgery is through a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with our team. We will evaluate the density and location of your cataracts, assess your overall eye health, and discuss your vision goals to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Premium IOL Options: Choosing the Right Lens for Your Lifestyle
One of the most important decisions in your cataract surgery journey is choosing the right intraocular lens. At California LASIK & Eye, we offer a full range of premium IOL options designed to match your vision goals and lifestyle needs. Unlike standard monofocal lenses, which correct vision at only one distance, premium IOLs can address multiple focal points and even correct astigmatism.
LASER TOUCH-UP INCLUDED
For all premium IOL options, if residual prescription persists after lens implantation at California LASIK & Eye, we offer complimentary LASIK or PRK for all suitable patients. This laser vision correction provides an unparalleled degree of precision at no additional cost to all premium lens patients. We utilize the latest LASIK and PRK technologies to eliminate all astigmatism, ensuring you have the sharpest vision at all distances. To understand the importance of eliminating all residual refractive error with premium lenses, see this review article from Dr. Barnett.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
Your cataract surgery journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Barnett. During this visit, he will perform a detailed eye exam, including advanced imaging and measurements to evaluate your cataracts and overall eye health. These measurements are essential for selecting the most appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) and planning your procedure with precision.
You will also have the opportunity to discuss your vision goals and daily activities. Whether your priority is reading without glasses, driving at night, or maintaining an active lifestyle, Dr. Barnett will help guide you toward the lens option that best aligns with your needs.
In the days leading up to surgery, you may be instructed to:
- Begin using prescribed eye drops to prepare the eye
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for a period of time before your measurements
- Arrange transportation to and from your procedure
- Follow specific instructions regarding medications, if applicable
Dr. Barnett and his team will provide clear, personalized guidance so you feel informed and prepared every step of the way.
The Cataract Surgery Procedure
Cataract surgery is a highly refined outpatient procedure designed to restore clear vision by removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with a customized intraocular lens.
On the day of your procedure, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops to keep you comfortable. You may also receive a mild oral or IV medication to help you relax.
Dr. Barnett will then create a small incision in the cornea and gently remove the cataract using advanced techniques. In many cases, laser-assisted technology is used to enhance precision during key steps of the procedure. Once the cataract has been removed, the selected IOL is carefully inserted and positioned within the eye.
The procedure itself typically takes less than 30 minutes per eye. Because the incision is very small, stitches are usually not required. After a brief recovery period, you will return home the same day with detailed post-operative instructions.
Most patients notice improved vision within the first few days, with continued improvement as the eye heals.
Recovery After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery recovery is generally quick and well-tolerated. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within 24 to 48 hours of surgery. Full visual stabilization typically occurs over the course of several weeks as the eye heals and adjusts to the new lens.
General recovery guidelines include:
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as directed
- Wear the protective eye shield provided, especially while sleeping
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and dusty environments for at least two weeks
- Most patients can return to light activities and work within one to two days
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures performed today, with a success rate exceeding 95% in patients without other eye conditions.3
Each eye is treated separately, with a recovery period in between. Your care team at California LASIK & Eye will provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and visual progress.
Why California LASIK & Eye
California LASIK & Eye was founded by Dr. Bradley Barnett, MD, PhD, a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and physician-scientist with subspecialty expertise in corneal and refractive surgery. Dr. Barnett completed his ophthalmology residency at Johns Hopkins University and his fellowship in Corneal and Refractive Surgery at the University of California, San Diego. He holds a PhD in Pharmacology, bringing a research-driven perspective to every surgical decision he makes.
Dr. Barnett has been recognized as one of the Best Cataract Surgeons in America by Best Cataract Surgeons (BCS) and is credentialed at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), two of the most respected professional organizations in the field.
Our practice serves patients across Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Davis, and the greater Northern California region. We combine fellowship-level surgical training with the latest laser and IOL technology to deliver outcomes that go beyond simply removing a cataract. Our goal is to optimize your vision for the way you actually live.
At California LASIK & Eye, you will find:
- A fellowship-trained ophthalmologist with subspecialty expertise in corneal and refractive surgery
- Johns Hopkins residency training and UCSD corneal and refractive surgery fellowship
- Recognition as one of the Best Cataract Surgeons in America (BCS)
- Membership in the AAO and ASCRS
- Access to the full spectrum of premium IOL options, including the Light Adjustable Lens
- Complementary laser vision correction for all premium IOL options
- Procedures performed at Mercy General Outpatient Surgery Center, Sacramento
- Personalized consultations that take your lifestyle and vision goals into account
- Financing options available, including CareCredit and FSA/HSA eligibility, to make premium care accessible
Insurance and Financing
The basic cataract surgery procedure and a standard monofocal IOL are typically covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans when the surgery is deemed medically necessary. Premium IOL upgrades and laser-assisted technology are generally considered elective enhancements and involve an out-of-pocket cost.
To help make premium cataract surgery accessible, California LASIK & Eye offers financing options including CareCredit. FSA and HSA funds may also be applied toward eligible out-of-pocket costs. Our team will walk you through your coverage and available financing options during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
What Our Patients Are Saying
“Excellent! I would completely recommend Dr. Barnett as an Ophthalmologist! He has state of the art equipment, extremely cordial, welcoming and very detailed with what you are experiencing. He welcomes your questions and is a very compassionate Doctor! I can’t say enough about him as I could go on and on! Thank you, Dr. Barnett, for your excellent care! It is a privilege to have you as a Doctor!”
Google Review
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“Dr Barnett is just awesome, you are blessed if you get to have him as your Doctor. I highly recommend him if you need a great eye doctor. He is very knowledgeable and personable, so ask those questions he wants you to have the best experience and care possible.”
Google Review
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“Dr. Bradley Barnett took the time to explain the process and answered all my questions. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing cataract surgery.”
Google Review
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“Dr. Barnett performed my cataract surgery and lens replacement and I am very pleased with the results! Like most people I was very nervous and apprehensive about having surgery on my eyes but Dr. Barnett and his staff were very good about explaining everything throughout the process and ensuring that I was very comfortable at all times. It was an easy and painless procedure. At Dr. Barnett’s recommendation I was fitted with Vivity lenses and I’m very happy with the choice. Before I could not drive, watch TV or read at intermediate distance without glasses, but now I can do all those things without. I have now recommended my friends and family consult with Dr. Barnett before considering cataract or Lasik surgery and would highly recommend him.”
Google Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between standard and premium cataract surgery?
How long does cataract surgery take?
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
Is cataract surgery safe?
Where are cataract procedures performed?
Where can I find premium cataract surgery near me?
Dr. Barnett Answers Common Cataract Surgery Questions
Contact Us
If you are experiencing symptoms of cataracts or have been told it may be time for surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. We proudly serve patients in Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, and Davis, and we are ready to help you find the clearest vision of your life.
Sources
1 National Eye Institute. Cataracts. Available: https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts. Accessed April 2, 2026.
2 US Food and Drug Administration. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSED) of Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device system. Available: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf16/P160055B.pdf. Accessed April 2, 2026.
3 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract Surgery: Risks, Recovery, Costs. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery. Accessed April 2, 2026.
4 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract Surgery: Risks, Recovery, Costs. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery. Accessed April 2, 2026.
