Laser Cataract Surgery Cape Coral

If you have trouble reading, seeing in the distance, or difficulty with night vision, you may have a cataract. They are an inevitable part of the aging process, but Elmquist Eye Group in Cape Coral and Fort Myers is pleased to offer the revolutionary new bladeless laser-assisted cataract procedure and the latest advancements in intraocular lens technology.

Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist, founder of Elmquist Eye Group, is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has been selected as one of America’s Top Doctors by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. He specializes in general ophthalmology and cataract surgery, and has provided exceptional eye care to the residents of Southwest Florida for more than two decades.

The Alcon LenSx® laser brings a new level of customization to cataract surgery at Elmquist Eye Group, allowing each procedure to be specifically tailored to each patient’s eyes. The addition of computer-guided controls makes this the most technologically advanced cataract surgery option. It allows Dr. Elmquist to perform cataract surgery with unparalleled precision and accuracy.

Following are some highlights of the traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgeries that should help you understand the differences between the two procedures. 

Traditional Cataract Surgery

Traditional cataract surgery is extremely safe and effective. Dr. Elmquist makes a tiny incision in the side of your cornea with a hand-held blade to remove the cloudy lens. In a process known as phacoemulsification, he inserts a small probe into the eye which releases ultrasonic waves that fragments the lens and makes it easy to suction out.

Dr. Elmquist then inserts the intraocular lens (IOL) you’ve chosen into the eye. The incision is so tiny that it does not usually need stitches, and the eye heals itself. Traditional cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis, takes about 20 minutes, and most individuals recover and return to their normal activities very quickly.

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Bladeless laser-assisted cataract surgery has been used to remove cataracts for the last 10 years. It provides the same excellent outcome as traditional cataract surgery, but it uses a different method.

Dr. Elmquist uses special computer software to create a surgical plan with a 3-D map of your unique eye. The plan informs him of the location, depth, and length of the cataract. Using the plan and map, the femtosecond laser creates the incisions and assists in the cataract removal with a higher degree of precision than in traditional cataract surgery.

The laser also softens and fragments the cataract for removal, but the laser’s light energy is gentler and causes minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Dr. Elmquist removes the old lens and inserts the new artificial IOL. Laser cataract surgery takes 5 to 10 minutes. Recovery time is very similar to traditional cataract surgery, and most individuals recover and return to their normal activities very quickly.

When To Have Cataract Surgery

By 2020, it is expected that 30 million Americans will have some type of age-related cataracts. While there is no reason to rush into cataract surgery unless your poor vision is significantly impacting your lifestyle, there are some reasons you may want to consider doing it sooner than later. Patients who elect to have cataract surgery experience fewer hip fractures and are able to enjoy better driving performance.

If you think you may be a candidate for cataract surgery or want to find out more about laser cataract surgery in Cape Coral, Florida, contact Elmquist Eye Group at (239) 936-2020 to talk with Dr. Trevor Elmquist. He is a highly qualified cataract surgeon and would be delighted to answer your questions and help restore clarity and crispness in your vision.