Cataract Surgery Recovery
Elmquist Eye Group provides the highest level of patient care and can help ensure a safe and speedy recovery following cataract surgery.
Cataracts are the most common cause of blurred vision in people over the age of 50. Although no medication or special diets can cure them, cataracts can be surgically removed by your ophthalmologist and replaced with a permanent artificial lens implant to restore your lost vision.
Exceptional Eye Care
Elmquist Eye Group was founded in Fort Myers in 1992 by Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist. He is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in general ophthalmology and cataract surgery. Dr. Elmquist has been selected as one of America’s Top Doctors by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. based on nominations from other physicians.
Dr. Elmquist and his highly skilled associates, including Dr. Kate Wagner; partner, Dr. Nina Burt, and Dr. Sarah Eccles-Brown, offer a complete range of eye care services including comprehensive eye exams and diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, glaucoma, presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and other eye conditions.
With our state-of-the-art facilities, highly specialized equipment and the latest technology, the Elmquist team is committed to delivering exceptional care in a comfortable and caring setting.
Cataract Treatment
Cataracts are treated by surgically removing the eye’s clouded natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens or IOL. Unlike a contact lens, it is placed permanently inside the eye. It cannot fall out, does not require cleaning, and you will not even notice that it’s there.
Although all surgeries have risks, cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries performed in the U.S. today, and Elmquist Eye Group offers bladeless laser-assisted cataract surgery which is designed to make the procedure even more precise, safe and accurate.
The surgery itself is brief and painless. The eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. The incisions made during surgery are extremely small (about 1/8-inch). Most of the time they are self-healing, which means that no stitches are necessary.
Cataract Recovery
Most patients who undergo cataract surgery notice an improvement in their vision right away, but it will continue to improve for several months. Many patients are amazed by the brightness of colors and the clarity of their vision.
Some patients feel mild to moderate irritation, like the feeling of an eyelash or grain of sand in the eye, for the first few days after surgery. This feeling should improve with each passing day.
You should be able to resume most of your normal routine the day after your surgery, but should avoid rubbing your eyes and doing strenuous activities. In the case of driving after cataract surgery, be prepared to have someone else drive you if you don’t feel your vision is sufficiently clear to drive safely.
You will typically have several follow-up appointments after your cataract surgery. Your vision and eye pressure will be checked, and you will be given detailed instructions for the eye drops you will use.
Whether or not you will need glasses after cataract surgery depends on the type of intraocular lens that was implanted. In some cases, you will still need to wear glasses for reading and near work.
Recovery following modern cataract surgery is usually quick, and most patients enjoy better vision within days. Make an appointment at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers or Cape Coral to learn about the latest options in cataract treatment and lens technology. Call us today at (239) 936-2020 to get started on the road to good vision.