As we head into November—when schedules fill up with travel, family gatherings, and end-of-year deadlines—many patients start thinking about the quality of their vision and whether it’s time to address cataracts. If you’ve noticed increasing glare at night, halos around lights, faded colors, or a steady decline in clarity that new glasses can’t fix, cataracts may be the reason.
For some patients, there’s another important factor: glaucoma or elevated eye pressure. The good news is that modern ophthalmology often allows us to address both concerns in a coordinated way. Cataract surgery can restore visual clarity, and when appropriate, it can be paired with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) to help manage eye pressure and potentially reduce reliance on glaucoma drops.
At Azure Eye Center, we provide cataract and glaucoma evaluations for patients throughout Fort Worth and surrounding communities—including Alliance, Keller, Saginaw, North Richland Hills, Haslet, Watauga, Justin, Haltom City, and Lake Worth—who want clear guidance and a plan tailored to their eyes and lifestyle.
Understanding Cataracts: Why Vision Changes Over Time
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. It typically develops gradually and can make everyday activities more difficult—reading, driving at night, watching TV, or recognizing faces in dim lighting. Many patients describe cataract vision as “looking through a foggy window” or feeling like headlights have become uncomfortably bright.
While early cataracts may be managed temporarily with updated prescriptions, brighter lighting, or anti-glare strategies, cataracts do not reverse on their own. When cataracts begin to interfere with daily life, cataract surgery becomes the definitive solution.
If you’d like an overview of symptoms, timing, and next steps, you can start here: Cataract information at Azure Eye Center.
What Cataract Surgery Involves—and Why It’s So Effective
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in medicine, and it has an excellent safety profile when performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. During surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL becomes your new “internal lens,” designed to improve vision and reduce the blur caused by the cataract.
Most cataract procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and many patients notice meaningful improvement in clarity soon after surgery—often within days, with vision continuing to stabilize as the eye heals.
Your IOL selection is an important part of planning. Depending on your eyes, visual goals, and overall eye health (including any glaucoma considerations), your surgeon will recommend lens options that align with what matters most to you—such as distance vision, reading, or minimizing nighttime glare.
Where MIGS Fits In: Cataracts and Glaucoma Often Overlap
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that can damage the optic nerve—often related to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Many glaucoma patients use prescription drops to lower pressure. Others may require laser treatment or surgery depending on the severity and how well pressure is controlled.
If you have both cataracts and glaucoma (or ocular hypertension), it may be possible to combine cataract surgery with a MIGS procedure in the same surgical setting. MIGS stands for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery—a category of procedures designed to help improve the eye’s fluid outflow and lower eye pressure with less tissue disruption than traditional glaucoma surgery.
To learn more about glaucoma evaluation and treatment pathways, visit: Glaucoma care at Azure Eye Center.
Benefits of Combining Cataract Surgery with MIGS
Not every cataract patient needs MIGS, and not every glaucoma patient is a candidate. However, when it’s appropriate, combining cataract surgery with MIGS may offer several advantages:
- One procedure, one recovery window: Addressing cataracts and glaucoma management at the same time may reduce the need for multiple separate interventions.
- Potential pressure reduction: MIGS can help lower IOP, supporting long-term optic nerve health.
- Possible reduction in glaucoma drops: Some patients may be able to reduce the number of medications they use (results vary by patient).
- Earlier intervention for mild-to-moderate glaucoma: MIGS is often considered when glaucoma is in earlier stages, especially if the patient is already planning cataract surgery.
For patients in Alliance, Keller, Saginaw, North Richland Hills, Haslet, Watauga, Justin, Haltom City, or Lake Worth who commute for care, the “one plan, one recovery” approach is often a practical benefit—especially during the busy fall and holiday months.
What MIGS Is (and What It Isn’t)
MIGS refers to a family of glaucoma procedures that may involve micro-stents, small implants, or canal-based techniques to enhance the eye’s natural drainage. MIGS is not the same as traditional glaucoma surgeries, which are typically reserved for more advanced disease and may involve different risk/benefit considerations.
Because MIGS includes multiple approaches, the best option—if any—depends on your glaucoma type, your current pressure control, optic nerve status, and the overall health of your eyes.
Who Might Be a Candidate for Cataract Surgery + MIGS?
You may be a candidate for combined cataract surgery and MIGS if you:
- Have visually significant cataracts affecting daily life
- Have mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma or elevated IOP
- Use glaucoma medications and want to explore options to reduce drop burden
- Need a comprehensive plan that balances vision goals with pressure management
That said, candidacy is highly individualized. Some glaucoma patients may do best with cataract surgery alone, while others may need non-surgical treatments or different surgical strategies. The right answer comes from a detailed exam, diagnostic testing, and a thoughtful discussion of risks, benefits, and expectations.
What to Expect From Your Evaluation at Azure Eye Center
A strong outcome starts with strong planning. A cataract and glaucoma evaluation typically includes a review of your visual symptoms, refraction testing, eye pressure measurement, and a close assessment of the lens, optic nerve, and drainage system. If glaucoma is present or suspected, additional testing may be recommended to understand the stage of disease and establish a baseline.
If you are exploring cataract surgery, your visit will also include measurements that guide IOL selection and surgical planning.
If you’d like to learn more about the physician leading your care, visit: Meet Dr. Truong.
Local Eye Care That’s Close to Home
Azure Eye Center is proud to serve patients across the Fort Worth area and nearby communities. We routinely see patients who live and work in Alliance, Keller, Saginaw, North Richland Hills, Haslet, Watauga, Justin, Haltom City, and Lake Worth—many of whom want a high level of clarity about their options, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
If you’ve been told you have cataracts, if you’re noticing glare that makes night driving uncomfortable, or if you’re a glaucoma patient who has drifted back onto multiple drops after a period of stability, now is an excellent time to schedule an evaluation and revisit your long-term plan.
Take the Next Step Before the Year Ends
November is an ideal time to plan ahead—especially for patients trying to coordinate surgery timing around work, family obligations, or insurance calendars. If cataracts or glaucoma are impacting your quality of life, you do not have to “push through” blurred vision or increasing drop complexity.
Start with the resources below, then schedule a consultation to determine the best path for your eyes:
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace a comprehensive eye exam or individualized medical advice. Candidacy for cataract surgery and MIGS depends on your specific diagnosis and clinical findings.