Cataract Surgeon in Kansas City

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of blurry vision as we age, and cataract surgery is one of the most effective ways to get clear vision back. Dr. Neeti Alapati is a board-certified ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon who treats patients from across the Kansas City metro at her Lenexa, KS office and at Somers Eye Center in North Kansas City, MO.

She performs both routine and complex cataract surgery, with standard and premium lens options, and takes the time to explain your choices so you can decide what fits your eyes, your lifestyle and your budget.

Why Kansas City Patients Choose Dr. Alapati for Cataract Surgery

• Board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained at Washington University in St. Louis.
• Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2023 and 2026.
• A glaucoma specialist, too. Many cataract patients also have glaucoma or high eye pressure. Dr. Alapati plans cataract surgery with both conditions in mind.
• A Kansas City native with more than 10 years of experience, who also teaches and cares for veterans at the Kansas City VA.
• Most insurance and Medicare accepted, with coverage and any lens upgrade costs reviewed before surgery.

Understanding Cataracts and Their Impact

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. It develops slowly and can cause blurry or dim vision, glare and halos around lights, trouble driving at night, and faded colors. When those changes start getting in the way of daily life, cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens.

Types of Cataract Surgery

Routine cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). It is a common, highly effective outpatient procedure.

Complex cataract surgery is for patients with additional eye conditions, such as glaucoma, or other complicating factors. It takes a tailored surgical plan to get the best possible result.

Intraocular Lens Options

Standard (monofocal) lenses give clear vision at one distance, usually far. They are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Most patients still use glasses for some tasks, such as reading.

Premium lenses include toric lenses, which correct astigmatism, and multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lenses, which can reduce the need for glasses at more than one distance. Premium lenses carry an additional out-of-pocket cost for the upgrade.

Posterior YAG Capsulotomy

Months or years after cataract surgery, some patients develop a haze behind the new lens called posterior capsule opacification, or "after cataract." A YAG capsulotomy is a quick, painless in-office laser procedure that clears the haze and restores sharp vision.

What to Expect

1. Comprehensive evaluation. A thorough eye exam and measurements to plan your surgery and choose the right lens.

2. Personal consultation. Dr. Alapati walks you through the procedure, lens options, benefits and risks, and answers your questions.

3. Surgery. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, typically done one eye at a time.

4. Follow-up care. Post-operative visits to check healing and make sure your vision is on track.

Cataract Surgery for Lenexa, Overland Park, Olathe and the Kansas City Metro

Our main office is at 11071 Hauser Street, Unit 4b in Lenexa, KS, with easy access for patients from Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Leawood, Merriam and the rest of Johnson County. For patients north of the river, Dr. Alapati also sees patients at Somers Eye Center, 2790 Clay Edwards Drive in North Kansas City, MO, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma as well, learn more about our glaucoma specialist care in Kansas City.

Cataract Surgery FAQs

Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery with a standard (conventional) intraocular lens. After you meet the Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and a Medigap or other supplemental plan may cover some or all of that. Medicare Part B also covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses, after each cataract surgery with a lens implant. We will review your specific coverage at your visit.

How much do premium cataract lenses cost?

Premium lenses, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses, are not fully covered by Medicare or most insurance plans. Insurance generally still covers the surgery itself, and you pay the added cost of the lens upgrade. That cost depends on the lens type and is charged per eye. We give you the exact price at your consultation, before you decide, and there is no obligation to upgrade.

How do I know if I'm ready for cataract surgery?

It is usually time to consider surgery when cataracts make everyday activities harder, such as driving at night, reading, seeing clearly in bright light or recognizing faces. A cataract evaluation will show how far your cataracts have progressed and whether surgery makes sense now.

Can I have cataract surgery if I have glaucoma?

Yes. Many patients have both conditions. As a glaucoma specialist, Dr. Alapati plans cataract surgery around your eye pressure and current glaucoma treatment.

Where do you see patients?

At our main office in Lenexa, KS, Monday through Friday, and at Somers Eye Center in North Kansas City, MO, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.

Schedule a Cataract Consultation

If cataracts are affecting your vision, call (913) 800-2673 or request an appointment online to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Alapati.