HOUSTON -- A sea lion at the Houston Zoo is having cataract surgery, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

Deano, a 25-year-old California sea lion, has detached lenses in his left and right eyes, which has caused him to lose vision in both eyes.

His surgery requires general anesthesia. Zoo officials said his age presents risks and concerns for the surgery, but it is needed to improve his quality of life.

The procedure will be performed at the Zoo's Denton A Cooley Animal Hospital and is expected to take about four hours.

He may have to stay out of the water for about three weeks after the surgery, officials said. He will have to have eye drops up to four times a day for several months.

Deano has lived at the Houston Zoo for about a year. California sea lions can live into their 30s.