Cataracts develop when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to symptoms like progressively blurred or dim vision, increased difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, and often seeing colors as faded or yellowed. The only effective treatment is cataract surgery, a highly successful outpatient procedure where the ophthalmologist makes a tiny incision to break up and remove the clouded lens, replacing it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The costs for this surgery can vary significantly and are influenced by the technology used (e.g., laser-assisted vs. traditional), the type of premium IOL chosen (e.g., multifocal or toric lenses for astigmatism), and the surgical facility fees, with insurance often covering only the basic procedure. Therefore, finding a skilled ophthalmologist is paramount; patients are advised to seek a surgeon who specializes in cataracts, performs a high volume of surgeries, and offers a thorough consultation to discuss the best IOL options based on the patient's lifestyle and visual needs.