Cataract Surgeon in Fort Myers
Cataract surgery today is precise, painless and safe. If you are looking for a highly qualified cataract surgeon in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or elsewhere in Lee County, get in touch with Elmquist Eye Group today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Yasaira Rodriguez to get more information about cataract treatment.
Dr. Rodriguez is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, specializing in general ophthalmology and cataract surgery.
Dr. Rodriguez, along with board certified optometrists, Kate Wagner, OD, and Nina Burt, OD, provide a full spectrum of eye care services and can handle all of your family’s vision needs.
Cataracts are most common among people over age 65, but they can also occur in younger people. According to the National Eye Institute, over 24.5 million Americans aged 40 and older are affected by cataracts. Some cataracts result from conditions like diabetes, certain types of medications, such as prednisone and corticosteroids, and other problems. There are also congenital cataracts that are present at birth.
The symptoms of cataracts include:
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Halos and glare around lights
- Colors seem faded or yellowed
- Needing brighter light for reading and other activities
- Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
- Double vision in one eye
If you think you may have a cataract that is affecting your normal everyday activities, it may be time to have a cataract evaluation and to consider having it removed so that you can get back to enjoying life.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we are asked about cataract surgery.
Q: Does cataract surgery hurt?
Thanks to anesthetic eye drops which numb the eye and medications that can help you relax, most patients undergo cataract surgery with little to no discomfort.
Q: Will you put me to sleep for the surgery?
No. Cataract surgery takes very little time, so it’s not necessary for you to be put to sleep. Instead, the eye will be numbed, and you will be awake for the surgery.
Q: If I have cataracts in both eyes, can I have surgery on both at the same time?
Only one eye can be operated on at a time, but surgery on the second eye can often be done within a few weeks after the first surgery.
Q: How long does the surgery take?
Cataract surgery usually lasts less than 10 minutes. However, there are some pre-surgery preparations and a short recovery period afterward, so you may be in the surgery center for up to two hours.
Q: Can I drive immediately after cataract surgery?
You will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery. Your vision will most likely be blurry for a short time and you will have to make arrangements for someone to drive you home. Each person heals differently, but most people see well enough to drive the day after their cataract surgery.
Q: When will I be able to resume my normal activities?
Most patients are able to resume reading and watching TV by the next day and can return to work within two days to one week. Ask your doctor if you have questions about exercise and other activities.
As you evaluate cataract surgeons in the Fort Myers area, we encourage you to meet with our surgeon. She would be delighted to answer any questions you may have and help you decide on the best treatment option for your unique eyes. Call us today at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment.