Cape Coral Cataract Surgeon

If you are having problems driving because you are experiencing cloudy vision, your life can be affected. Cataracts develop over a period of time and are often not noticed until you start having problems with reading, watching TV, and driving. If you live in the Cape Coral area, visit Elmquist Eye Group and talk to our cataract surgeon for answers to your questions.

Cape Coral Cataract SurgeonResidents of Cape Coral and Fort Myers have enjoyed high quality eye care and vision services from the Elmquist Eye Group for over 25 years.

Our knowledgeable and caring  ophthalmologist is Yasaira Rodriguez, MD, Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon

About Cataracts – Signs and Symptoms

Cataracts are a very common eye condition that occurs more often in people age 60 and over. One of the main problems with cataracts is that they are slow to develop. Most people don’t have any idea they are experiencing cataracts until they start having symptoms.

Some of the more common signs and symptoms of cataracts would include:

  • Vision that becomes blurry and/or cloudy
  • An increase in difficulty with eyesight at night
  • Colors can become faded or yellowish in color
  • Halos around lights
  • Sensitivity to glare or light
  • A bright light may be needed for reading or other activities
  • Needing a frequent change in eyeglasses/contacts
  • Experiencing double vision in one eye

If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a physician right away. If you have developed cataracts, cataract surgery is a safe, effective procedure and is the only way to treat cataracts.

Diagnostic Testing

The three most common diagnostic tests for cataracts include the visual acuity test, the slit-lamp examination, and the retinal exam.

Cataract Surgery

Once you have been diagnosed with cataracts, the physician will discuss cataract surgery with you. Typically, surgery is not recommended until the cataracts start having an effect on your daily life. The patient is usually the one that determines when they need to have the surgery performed.

The problem with delaying the cataract surgery is that the condition worsens, but this doesn’t usually harm the eye. Dr. Rodriguez will discuss with you the benefits and risks of cataract surgery. If you decide to wait on having the cataract surgery, she may recommend periodic exams to help determine if your cataracts are progressing.

What Occurs During Cataract Surgery?

Unless there is a complicated medical problem, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. During the surgery itself, the lens that is clouded is removed and an artificial lens (intraocular lens) is inserted, becoming a permanent part of your eye.

There may be some discomfort for a few days and total healing is expected within eight weeks. Cataract surgery is considered safe, but does have a risk of infection, bleeding, and retinal detachment.

Conclusion

Treatment of your cataracts can help improve your life. If you live in the Cape Coral area, call Elmquist Eye Group at (239) 936-2020. You will experience the highest level of care from our devoted cataract surgeon – from the initial consultation, evaluation, and diagnosis, to treatment and follow-up care.