Cataract Surgeons in SW Florida
Did you know that cataracts can begin to form during your 40s? By age 75, about half of all Americans will have cataracts. The only remedy is surgery, and you’re fortunate to have Elmquist Eye Group, the best cataract surgeons in SW Florida, nearby your home or office.
Are Cataracts Common?
Cataracts are very common. They are not a disease but a normal part of aging, and cataracts affect approximately 25 million Americans over age 40. Aging causes the natural proteins in the eye to break down, form on the lens, and affect vision.
Cataracts definitely get progressively worse over time. At first, you may not notice symptoms, but as the cataract worsens, there are definite signs. Most people first notice symptoms during night driving. Halos may form around oncoming headlights or streetlights. Many of our patients say their vision with severe cataracts is similar to looking through a waterfall.
You can look for several early symptoms:
- Cloudy or blurred vision (the most common symptom)
- Noticeable spots in your vision
- Difficulty with night vision
Why Night Vision is Affected
The protein deposits characteristic of cataracts cause the lens to darken. While daylight is usually sufficient to compensate for this darkening, night vision is not, which is why many patients notice poor vision while driving at night. Many people also experience sensitivity to bright lights. In both day and night vision, the cataract causes light to pass through the lens in a different way, creating the characteristic halos at night or glare during the day.
Remember that it may take years for you to notice cataract symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are very important. Our experts at Elmquist Eye Group use a comprehensive procedure to detect the presence of cataracts before you even notice any vision problems.
Cataracts neither disappear on the own nor can they be reversed. We can help slow the progression using measures like wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun exposure, and taking proper eye nutrition like vitamins C and E and omega-3 fatty acids.
At first, we might be able to frequently change your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription to help with your vision, but surgery will inevitably be needed for later stage cataracts.
Elmquist Cataract Surgeons
Our cataract surgeons in SW Florida use the bladeless technique because of its superior precision and accuracy. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures in medicine today. Our Elmquist surgeons use the FDA-approved LenSx system designed by Alcon because of its superior femtosecond laser technology and automated procedures. The procedure has truly revolutionized cataract surgery and our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons have years of experience performing it.
Never let your cataracts go untreated. After all, untreated cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the world today. Without any intervention, your cataracts will continue to grow, and since they can affect one or both eyes, you must take cataracts seriously to preserve your precious eyesight.
Don’t delay. If you have been experiencing symptoms of cataracts, give Elmquist Eye Group a call. Our experienced cataract surgeons in SW Florida will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and plan your appropriate course of treatment. Because cataracts develop slowly, you’ll have plenty of time to consider all your options. Come see us! We want you to be our next new patient.