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As we age, changes in our vision are common, but when they cloud our ability to see, cataracts may be the reason. Cataracts can make everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces more difficult. The good news is that cataracts are highly treatable. An eye exam and conversation with your doctor can be the first step toward clearer, brighter vision.

Understanding cataracts

Cataracts can form in one or both eyes. They occur when proteins in the eye’s natural lens begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. This can cause blurred or dim vision, increased sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colors.

Because cataracts develop slowly, people often do not realize how much their vision has changed until it becomes a barrier to daily life. That was the case for Susanne Kaboord, who turned to Dr. Aishat Adebayo, a UTMB ophthalmologist, for a solution.

“My eyes were getting very tired very quickly, and I was having difficulty reading,” Kaboord said. “And I just kept thinking, 'oh, I need to get my prescription updated.'”

Although aging is the most common cause, cataracts are also linked to diabetes, long-term sun exposure, smoking, certain medications, or previous eye injuries. No matter the cause, early evaluation is key.

Feeling nervous is natural

Surgery is the gold-standard method — and the only proven treatment — for removing cataracts and restoring clear vision. Because eyes are sensitive and vital to our daily living, some people are understandably anxious about any procedure on their eyes. However, cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States and is both safe and effective.

“After surgery, many patients notice improved vision very quickly, sometimes even the same day or by the next day,” Adebayo said. “The restrictions after surgery are usually minimal, such as avoiding heavy lifting and bending over for about a week.”

When to consider cataract surgery

It may be time to talk with your doctor if you are:

• Struggling to see well enough to drive safely
• Finding it difficult to read or do close-up work
• Avoiding nighttime activities because of glare or halos
• Noticing that colors seem faded or washed out
• Feeling that your glasses prescription never seems right

Your doctor can determine whether cataracts are affecting your quality of life and surgery is needed.

What happens during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. During the surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens. Many patients notice vision improvements within days. Recovery is usually quick, and discomfort is generally minimal.

Advancements in lens technology also offer options that can reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the need for glasses after surgery. Your care team will help you choose the lens that best fits your lifestyle and vision goals.

Why you should not wait

While cataracts are not usually an emergency, delaying evaluation can allow symptoms to worsen and impact safety, independence, and overall quality of life. Seeing a doctor early helps you understand your options and decide on the best time to move forward with treatment.

Most importantly, clearer vision can help you stay active, engaged, and confident in your daily life.

For Kaboord, every day begins differently now that her cataracts are gone, and she no longer needs glasses.

“I’ve worn glasses all my life, and it took me forever to stop reaching for my glasses in the morning,” she said.

Ready to take the next step?

“Early intervention can really make a huge impact on your vision,” Adebayo said. “It is important to choose an ophthalmologist who listens to you, answers questions clearly, and makes you feel comfortable throughout the process. Our team here really is focused on giving you the best care from start to finish. We want every patient to feel that their eye care is a partnership, and that we are working together every step of the way.”

Learn more about cataract surgery at UTMB Health.

In honor of Obesity Week (March 2-6), we’re excited to share a new conversation featuring Dr. Sarah Samreen, Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at UTMB, and Dr. Andrea Stark, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine.  After receiving fantastic feedback from their last episode, they’re back — this time tackling some of the most common questions about obesity treatments, a topic that is often misunderstood.

Whether you’re curious about medical weight‑loss options, exploring bariatric surgery, or just trying to understand the rapidly evolving landscape of obesity care, this episode is packed with clear explanations, myth‑busting, and practical guidance from two leaders in the field. Dr. Samreen and Dr. Stark break down topics patients ask every day, including:

Realistic weight loss expectations

• What to expect with lifestyle changes alone
• How first‑generation medications differ from newer GLP‑1 therapies
• Why “average weight loss” isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all
• The role of medication titration and timelines

Bariatric surgery vs. medication — what’s the difference?

Dr. Samreen walks through:

• Expected weight‑loss ranges for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and ESG
• Why bariatric surgery still leads in long‑term durability
• How combination therapy (medications + surgery) can be a game changer for some patients

Costs, coverage, and the future of access

The doctors discuss:

• Why some patients may need lifelong medication, and what that means financially
• How upcoming Medicare changes could expand access
• Why out-of-pocket costs drive patients toward risky alternatives

Red flags and safety risks

They dive into concerning trends they're seeing:

• Compounded GLP‑1 medications with unknown ingredients
• Extreme undereating and muscle loss on poorly supervised telehealth plans
• The dangers of traveling abroad for bariatric surgery
• How lack of pre‑op education impacts long‑term success

Clearing up misconceptions

Dr. Samreen addresses a common fear — whether surgeons require preoperative weight loss to “earn” surgery — and explains why the UTMB approach is grounded in compassion and evidence, not punishment or shame.

Why this matters

Obesity is a chronic, complex disease — not a personal failure. Conversations like this help reduce stigma, expand understanding, and empower patients with the facts they need to make informed choices. Whether you’re seeking care or supporting someone you love, this episode brings clarity to a topic too often clouded by misinformation.

For an appointment call 800-917-8906 or schedule online.

Obesity care has changed dramatically in just a few years. New medications, minimally invasive procedures, improved surgical techniques, and a deeper understanding of the biology of obesity have transformed treatment—and patient expectations. Yet with so much noise in the media, many patients still feel confused, hesitant, or unsure where to start.

In our newest video, UTMB Health bariatric surgeon Dr. Sarah Samreen and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Andrea Stark sit down for an open, candid conversation about what's new, what's misunderstood, and what patients need to know right now. Below is a recap of some of the most important insights they shared.

Obesity is a chronic disease—not a personal failure

Both physicians emphasize something the medical community now knows clearly: Obesity is driven by complex hormonal, genetic, and metabolic factors—not simply “calories in, calories out.”

Stark notes that key hormones such as leptin were only discovered in the 1990s—meaning our understanding of obesity is still evolving. But it's evolving fast.

This shift is critical because it helps reduce stigma.

“We don’t shame patients for seeking care for diabetes or heart disease—yet we still shame people seeking treatment for obesity,” Samreen says.

Modern bariatric surgery is safe, standardized, and highly effective

Many prospective patients are surprised to learn how far bariatric surgery has come. Samreen explains that UTMB Health is a nationally accredited Center of Excellence, meeting the highest standards set by the American College of Surgeons.

Key points she highlights:

• Less than 1% major complication rate
• One-night hospital stays
• Robotic and minimally invasive procedures
• Outcomes comparable to common surgeries like gallbladder removal

Outdated perceptions like open surgeries, longer recovery times, and higher risks simply don’t reflect today’s reality, she stresses.

When to consider surgery vs. medication

Stark considers each patient’s BMI, health conditions, personal goals, and expected weight‑loss outcomes. If medications or lifestyle changes alone can’t safely get a patient to his or her health goals, she refers them to Samreen.

Patients with type 2 diabetes especially benefit from surgery, which is often the most effective long‑term treatment for diabetes remission, Stark says.

Both physicians emphasize that the right treatment varies—and the beauty of UTMB’s program is that patients don’t have to choose blindly.

A whole-team approach: The power of multidisciplinary care

One of the strongest messages from both physicians is that no single treatment works in isolation. That's why UTMB's program includes:

• Bariatric surgeons
• Obesity medicine physicians
• Registered dietitians
• Counselors
• Physical therapists
• Body composition and metabolism testing
• Long-term follow-up for lasting success

This cohesive, connected model helps prevent a major risk in weight-loss care: loss of muscle mass, which can undermine long-term metabolic health. UTMB monitors muscle and fat composition continuously—something not always available through online or non-accredited programs.

New advances: Endoscopic procedures and evolving medications

Stark and Samreen agree that exciting developments mean we are in a breakthrough era for obesity care.

Endoscopic bariatric procedures that are incisionless, performed through the mouth, result in lower cost and faster recovery and are ideal for patients with moderate obesity or those who can’t tolerate long-term medications.

Promising medication developments are also making obesity care easier. These include:

• New FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medications
• Reduced cash-pay pricing for several anti-obesity medications
• Anticipated Medicare coverage improvements
• The growing role of medications in treating weight regain after surgery

The bottom line: You don’t have to navigate this alone

Patients often delay care because of fear, stigma, or confusion about where to start. But UTMB is here to help.

“Whatever their path—surgery, medication, or both—we just want to help our patients be healthy," Stark says.

This video is the first of many conversations between Samreen and Stark as they work to educate, empower, and support patients throughout Texas and beyond.

Watch the full conversation to learn more—and take the first step toward understanding your best options for long-term health.

Parents shouldn’t have to navigate genetic conditions alone. In this month’s Houston Moms + UTMB Health video, Dr. Erin Cooney explains how her team walks alongside families — helping them find clarity, treatment options, and support for the future.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

Dr. Erin Cooney is an Associate Professor in the Division of Medical Genetics & Metabolism at UTMB Health, serving as Medical Director for UTMB Biochemical Genetics & Newborn Screening and the UTMB Genetics of Autism Clinic, and Medical Supervisor for UTMB Prenatal Genetics. Dr. Cooney’s clinical focus is on medical genetics and the inborn errors of metabolism and advocates on a national level for improved metabolic practices through the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders Public Policy Committee.

Schedule a visit

UTMB Pediatric Urologist Dr. Jonathan Gerber spoke with Houston Moms host Meagan Clanahan, covering topics like circumcision, bedwetting, and other common urological issues in children. Get expert insights and practical advice every parent should hear.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

Dr. Jonathan Gerber s a fellowship trained Pediatric Urologist who believes that the child is the most important person in the room during a clinic visit and should be treated as such in order to alleviate the usual fear of seeing a doctor. His clinical interests include the full breadth of pediatric urology, from prenatal urologic counseling, newborn circumcisions and revisions to hernias, hydrocele and undescended testicles. He sees hydronephrosis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, obstructive uropathy, neurogenic bladder including spina bifida, and hypospadias.

Schedule a visit

At the University of Texas Medical Branch, pet therapy plays a key role in pediatric care. Certified therapy dogs visit regularly, helping young patients cope with the stress of hospitalization and offering a welcome distraction from any procedures and uncertainty.

UTMB’s team child life specialists work closely with volunteers to support the emotional and developmental needs of both patients and their families, ensuring care goes beyond physical treatment.

For families like Heather’s, whose daughter was hospitalized for the first time, the impact of a visit from therapy dog Rosie was unforgettable. 

“It’s been scary for her,” she said. “But I’m glad this experience will leave her with positive memories—not just the hard times.”

Volunteer Lindsay Weinmann, who has over a decade of pet therapy experience, sees the benefits firsthand. 

“I hope those few minutes spent with the dog give children a break from their worries and allow them to just smile,” she said.

At UTMB, healing is shaped not only by medical treatment but also by emotional well-being, community connection, and inclusive support systems, and pet therapy is just one of the many ways the hospital guarantees those being treated feel seen and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

“We have a holistic approach to our care here at the hospital, and it isn't just the medicines,” said Senior Child Life Specialist Regina Burdett. “It's about the emotional state mindset of a patient and family. It's everybody involved. So, our dogs are just one of the tools that we have in our toolbox to help them out.”

UTMB child psychologists Dr. Claire Kirk and Dr. Cody Dodd spoke with Houston Moms Meagan Callahan about how to help children navigate traumatic events and disasters. They shared expert advice on fostering resilience, having age-appropriate conversations, and recognizing when it's time to seek professional support.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

Dr. Kirk is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UTMB. She engages in clinical work, research, teaching, and training, with the aim of advancing the field of clinical psychology, particularly as it relates to childhood trauma. She is also dedicated to improving access to mental health care for vulnerable and underserved youth.

Summer brings long days, new adventures, and unexpected risks for young children. Did you know that most unintentional ingestions happen in just a moment, often when a caregiver steps away for just a second? These accidents can happen fast, but the good news is, many are preventable.

 

Here are five expert tips to help keep your child safe this summer:

1. Store Safely: Keep medications, vitamins, and cleaning products up high and locked away—out of sight and out of reach.

2. Keep Original Containers: Never transfer dangerous liquids like bleach or detergent into drink bottles or food containers. Original packaging helps prevent confusion and contains safety information.

3. Beware of Lookalikes: Colorful detergent pods and gummy vitamins can look like candy to young children. Store them securely and talk to kids about not eating anything unless it’s given by an adult.

4. Stay Alert When Traveling: When visiting friends or family, scan the environment. Grandparents’ nightstands or open purses may contain medications or items that pose a risk to curious kids.

5. Know What to Do: If your child swallows something they shouldn't, don’t wait—call the Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. They’re available 24/7 to help.

With a few simple precautions, you can prevent many of the most common summertime ingestion accidents. Stay safe, stay aware—and enjoy a healthy summer with your family.