Advanced Laser Cataract Surgery in Tampa Bay, Sebring & Gainesville
For more than 25 years, Newsom Eye has been Florida's trusted cataract specialist, with more than 100,000 surgeries performed. Led by T. Hunter Newsom, MD — inventor of the Newsom Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery technique and a principal investigator in the FDA study of the Light Adjustable Lens — our surgeons have helped thousands of patients see clearly again.
What Are Cataracts?
As people age, the natural lens of the eye becomes harder and gradually changes from clear to a brownish, cloudy color, decreasing the quality of vision and perception. This clouding is a cataract. It is a natural part of aging: many people begin developing cataracts in their 40s or 50s, and symptoms typically become noticeable in their 60s or later.
Common cataract symptoms include:
- Blurry or clouded vision
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty seeing at night, including halos around lights
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
When Is the Right Time for Cataract Surgery?
Many patients wonder if they are “too young” for cataract surgery. The answer depends on your vision needs. While most people have surgery around age 65, cataracts can develop earlier.
The right time for surgery is when cataracts start interfering with your daily activities — reading, driving (especially at night), or using screens. If you notice difficulty with these tasks, a consultation at Newsom Eye can help you decide when treatment makes sense for you.
Not sure if it's cataracts?
Take our quick online Cataract Self-Test to see whether your symptoms point to cataracts and whether it's time to schedule an evaluation.
Take the Cataract Self-TestThe Newsom Eye Cataract Difference
We go beyond restoring vision — we enhance lives, with technology and techniques you won't find just anywhere.
Newsom Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery
Dr. Newsom pioneered this technique, replacing bladed instruments with a femtosecond laser for a safer, more precise, less invasive procedure.
Learn about the technique →
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)
The only intraocular lens that can be adjusted after surgery, so your vision is fine-tuned to how your eye actually heals. Dr. Newsom was a principal investigator in its FDA study.
Explore the LAL →
Customized Lens Options
From standard monofocal implants to premium lenses with a greater range of focus, we match your lens to your lifestyle to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
Compare lens options →
AAAHC-Accredited Surgery Centers
Every procedure is performed in our own Medicare-deemed surgery centers in Tampa, Sebring and Gainesville — the highest standard for outpatient surgery.
Our surgery centers →What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
The Newsom Eye cataract team uses advanced, bladeless techniques for a safe and precise procedure. Here's how it works.
Comfortable, drop-only anesthesia
Cataract surgery begins with topical anesthetic drops. A femtosecond laser or gentle ultrasound softens the clouded natural lens.
The clouded lens is removed
The softened lens is gently removed through a tiny incision — and with the Newsom Bladeless technique, no bladed instruments are used.
A new clear lens is placed
A clear intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the same incision, restoring vision at distance, intermediate and near ranges based on the lens you choose.
Meet Our Cataract Surgeons
Board-certified ophthalmologists performing cataract surgery across Newsom Eye locations.
Life After Cataract Surgery at Newsom Eye
Coach Tony Dungy's Vision Victory
Cataract surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens
Raymond Hyer: Clear Vision with the LAL
Tampa business owner · Cataract patient
Amazing Cataract Outcomes
Newsom Eye patients share their resultsCataract Surgery FAQs
What is a cataract?
A cataract is the natural lens of the eye becoming hard and cloudy with age, changing from clear to a brownish color and decreasing the quality of vision. The hardening can begin in your forties, but cataracts usually do not become noticeable until your sixties.
What are the three types of cataracts?
The three primary types are nuclear sclerotic cataracts, posterior subcapsular cataracts and cortical cataracts. Learn more on our Types of Cataracts page.
Is there a cure for cataracts?
No pill or vitamin can reverse the aging that hardens and discolors the lens. Cataract surgery — removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens — is the safe, effective treatment, and Newsom Eye offers the most advanced techniques available.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The procedure itself usually takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, though you should plan to be at the surgery center for about two hours.
How long is the recovery from cataract surgery?
Most patients fully recover in about a week. Vision is blurry immediately after surgery, so plan to have someone drive you home. Some patients return to work the same day, but we recommend taking the day off if possible.
What is the difference between a standard monofocal lens and a premium lens?
A standard monofocal lens corrects one distance, so glasses are usually still needed for near and intermediate vision. A premium lens provides a greater range of focus. The Light Adjustable Lens goes a step further — it is the only lens that can be adjusted after surgery to fine-tune your vision.
What is Newsom Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery?
It is a technique developed by T. Hunter Newsom, MD that uses a femtosecond laser instead of bladed instruments to create the micro-incisions for cataract removal, offering a safer, more precise and less invasive procedure. It is performed at our AAAHC-accredited Tampa Surgery Center.
Five Convenient Florida Locations
Sebring
4211 US Highway 27 NSebring, FL 33870(863) 385-1544
Carrollwood
13904 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 200Tampa, FL 33618(813) 908-2020
South Tampa
113 S Armenia AveTampa, FL 33609(813) 908-2020
Brooksville
14543 Cortez BlvdBrooksville, FL 34613(352) 596-4030
Gainesville
2521 NW 41 StGainesville, FL 32606(352) 377-7733
Ready to see clearly again?
Contact Newsom Eye today to learn more about cataracts, cataract surgery and how you can live your life with NEWSOM EYES.