Eye Surgery

Ophthalmology specializes in eye care to help improve your vision. Cataract eye surgery is performed at Lakes Regional Healthcare by Steven Fox, MD, an ophthalmologist from Wolfe Eye Clinic in Des Moines, Iowa. 

A cataract occurs where there is a buildup of protein in the eye’s natural lens that makes it cloudy. The eye functions much like a camera lens. Light rays enter the eye, passing through the cornea and then the pupil and into the lens. The lens bends the light rays to focus objects onto the retina, which is the lining on the back of the eye. From there, the image passes through the retinal cells into the optic nerve and finally to the brain which processes the image. The lens also adjusts the eye’s focus to help see things clearly both up close and far away.

About 70% of people over the age of 60 and 90% of people over 70 will develop cataracts. The process is generally gradual and people do not realize what is happening until they have an eye exam. Early cataract symptoms may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, or other options. If these do not help and vision loss interferes with everyday activities such as driving, reading or watching television, cataract surgery is the only effective treatment.

To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Fox, visit or call 712-262-2379.