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3 Convenient Locations โ€” Williamsville ยท Lockport ยท Cheektowaga  |  Call (716) 633-2203
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Expert Cataract Surgery in Western New York

Restore clear, vibrant vision with proven cataract surgery and today's most advanced lens technology โ€” performed by one of Western New York's most experienced ophthalmologists.

1,000s Surgeries Performed
3 WNY Locations
40+ Years of Excellence

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Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
UB Clinical Faculty
40+ Years Serving WNY
3 Convenient Locations
With Cataract
Blurry
After Surgery
Clear
4 Million+ Cataract surgeries performed in the U.S. each year โ€” one of the safest procedures in medicine.

What Is a Cataract and When Should You Have Surgery?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. As proteins in the lens break down with age, vision gradually becomes blurry, dim, or washed out โ€” like looking through a foggy window.

Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide. The good news: surgery is highly effective and routinely covered by Medicare and most insurance.

  • Blurry or cloudy vision that glasses no longer correct
  • Glare and halos around lights, especially at night
  • Faded or yellowed colors and reduced contrast
  • Frequent prescription changes that don't seem to help
  • Difficulty with daily tasks โ€” driving, reading, or watching TV

Premium IOLs โ€” See More, Depend on Glasses Less

During cataract surgery, your clouded natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). Dr. Legarreta offers today's most advanced premium lens options from Alcon.

Trifocal

Clareon PanOptix

Alcon ยท Trifocal IOL

The world's first and most widely implanted trifocal IOL, designed to deliver clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances simultaneously.

  • Full range of vision โ€” near, intermediate, and distance
  • Reduced dependence on glasses for most daily activities
  • Proven trifocal design with 20+ years of Alcon innovation
  • Excellent performance in bright and low-light conditions
Extended Range

Clareon Vivity

Alcon ยท Extended Depth of Focus IOL

The first and only non-diffractive extended depth of focus IOL. Designed for patients who want a seamless, continuous range of vision with an exceptionally low rate of visual disturbances.

  • Smooth, continuous vision from distance through intermediate
  • Non-diffractive X-WAVE technology minimizes halos and glare
  • Ideal for patients with active lifestyles or night driving concerns
  • Strong option for patients with mild dry eye or higher expectations
Advanced Monofocal

Clareon

Alcon ยท AutonoMe Delivery System

Alcon's newest generation monofocal IOL โ€” featuring an advanced hydrophobic acrylic material for outstanding optical clarity and a uniquely stable, glistening-free design for lasting performance.

  • Exceptional optical clarity and contrast sensitivity
  • Glistening-free material for long-term visual quality
  • Delivered via the AutonoMe pre-loaded injector for precision
  • Strong baseline option for patients prioritizing distance vision

Your Journey to Clearer Vision

Cataract surgery is one of the most refined procedures in medicine. Here's what the process looks like from start to finish.

1

Consultation & Evaluation

Dr. Legarreta performs a comprehensive eye exam including measurements for precise IOL selection and reviews your lens options with you.

2

Day of Surgery

The procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye at our ambulatory surgery center. You'll be awake but comfortable with numbing drops โ€” no needles, no stitches.

3

Immediate Recovery

Most patients notice dramatically improved vision within 24 hours. You'll use prescription eye drops for a few weeks and attend a follow-up visit.

4

Long-Term Results

Your new IOL is permanent. Most patients experience a significant reduction in glasses dependence and enjoy clear vision for the rest of their lives.

Experience You Can Trust

Choosing a cataract surgeon is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your vision. Here's why patients across Western New York choose Dr. Legarreta.

1

Thousands of Surgeries Performed

Dr. Legarreta has performed thousands of cataract surgeries over his career. That volume translates directly to precision, consistency, and superior outcomes for every patient.

2

Physician-Owner of a Dedicated ASC

Dr. Legarreta operates in his own ambulatory surgery center โ€” giving patients a focused surgical environment purpose-built for eye procedures, not a hospital operating room shared across specialties.

3

University of Buffalo Clinical Faculty

As a Clinical Assistant Professor at UB School of Medicine, Dr. Legarreta remains at the forefront of surgical technique, new IOL technology, and evolving cataract care standards.

4

Full Alcon Premium IOL Portfolio

Dr. Legarreta offers the complete range of Alcon's premium lens technology โ€” PanOptix, Vivity, and Clareon โ€” and will match you to the lens best suited for your eyes and lifestyle goals.

Find Us Near You

Williamsville

Our primary location serving Amherst, Clarence, and the Northtowns.

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Lockport

Serving Niagara County, the Niagara Region, and cross-border patients from Ontario.

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Cheektowaga

Conveniently located for Southtowns, Depew, Lancaster, and East Side residents.

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Cataract Surgery FAQ

Surgery is typically recommended when cataracts are significantly affecting your daily activities โ€” driving at night, reading, watching television, or performing your job. If your glasses are no longer providing satisfactory vision and your cataract is the cause, it's time to consider surgery. Dr. Legarreta will evaluate the density of your cataract and your functional vision to help you make the right decision.
A standard monofocal IOL corrects vision at one distance โ€” typically far โ€” meaning you'll still need reading glasses for up-close tasks. Premium IOLs like PanOptix and Vivity are designed to provide a broader range of vision, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, occupation, and visual goals โ€” Dr. Legarreta will guide you through the options.
Yes โ€” Medicare and most major insurance plans cover standard cataract surgery when it is medically necessary, including the standard monofocal lens. Premium IOL upgrades (PanOptix, Vivity, Clareon with additional features) typically involve a patient co-pay beyond the covered portion. Our team will review your specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs before your procedure so there are no surprises.
The surgical procedure itself takes approximately 10โ€“20 minutes per eye. You'll spend additional time at the surgery center for pre-operative preparation and a brief recovery observation period before being discharged. Each eye is typically done on a separate day, about 2โ€“4 weeks apart.
Yes, you'll be awake โ€” but the procedure is entirely painless. Numbing drops are applied to your eye, and a mild oral sedative is offered to help you relax. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable and quick the experience is. There are no needles, no stitches, and no patching required after surgery.

Ready to See Clearly Again?

Schedule your cataract consultation with Dr. Legarreta and find out which lens option is right for your vision goals.