Worldwide, untreated cataracts account for a significant cause of visual impairment and blindness. Many people in the world have several barriers to treatment, but fortunately for Floridians, you have access to Elmquist Eye Group, the best cataract surgeons near Naples, Florida.
Why cataract prevalence remains high in the world
Rates of cataract blindness are declining worldwide, but still remain high in many global areas. Incidence of blindness is highest in sub-Saharan Africa in adults over age 50. The greatest declines in cataract blindness have been in western Europe, East Asia and Latin American. Why the decline? Because cataract surgery is now more available worldwide.
Across the globe, more cataract surgeries are being performed, and postoperative outcomes of patients have improved greatly. There simply are not enough ophthalmologists to reduce the cataract burden worldwide. Tools like a surgery simulator to train ophthalmologists in small incision cataract surgery hold promise for increasing the number of surgeons. Countries and private foundations alike are making investments in eye care infrastructure in certain regions of the world.
Cataract surgery
We are fortunate in America to have amazing doctors like those at Elmquist Eye Group. Although more than 25 million Americans have cataracts, many do have available surgeons nearby.
Surgery is the only way to permanently fix a cataract. The clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens implant to restore vision. Elmquist surgeons are experienced in both surgical techniques, the traditional surgical blade procedure and the newer laser-assisted surgery. Because the laser technique allows a more precise surgery, Elmquist surgeons definitely prefer this method. The laser technique allows us to not only repair the cataract, but also simultaneously correct complicated vision problems (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism). Most patients are candidates for the laser procedure, so we tend to use this method in the majority of our patients.
Basically, the surgeon uses the laser to make an incision in the lens. Then, the surgeon softens and breaks up the cataract and removes it from the eye. Our patients rarely have complications. At the most, patients simply report a slight itching or redness for a couple of days after surgery. We prescribe eye drops to remedy these problems.
Cataract surgery requires a very experienced and knowledgeable surgeon and you’ll definitely find that experience at Elmquist. Our surgeons are board-certified and fellowship-trained by two prestigious organizations, the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, respectively.
Great results
We perform all cataract surgeries in our state-of-the-art surgical outpatient facilities. After the surgery, you can go home the same day and rest your eyes.
Patients are truly amazed at how good their vision is after surgery. Quite often, the patient has lived with the cataract for a long time. As a result, the “picture” they see has often become blurry and yellowed. Vision is not sharp and colors have often faded. After the surgery, patients are quite often stunned at how sharp and vibrant their vision is.
Elmquist Eye Group surgeons have been providing comprehensive eye care to southwest Floridians for 25 years. If you’re in Naples and are looking for the best cataract surgeons near you, look no further than Elmquist Eye Group in nearby Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Call us today to schedule your cataract evaluation.