Cataract Surgery Southwest Florida
If you are considering cataract surgery in Southwest Florida, get in touch with Elmquist Eye Group. We are proud to offer safe and effective treatment for cataracts, including state-of-the-art refractive cataract surgery for qualified patients in Cape Coral and Fort Myers.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common eye surgeries performed in the United States today. Elmquist Eye Group’s own ophthalmologists, E. Trevor Elmquist, DO, founder and one of America’s Top Doctors in ophthalmology, and Sarah Eccles-Brown, MD are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and have performed many cataract surgeries in their careers.
Dr. Elmquist, Dr. Brown, Dr. Kate M. Wagner, his partner, and Dr. Nina G. Burt, who are both board certified optometrists, provide a complete range of eye care services for everyone in your family from children to seniors.
Common Questions About Cataracts
There are many misconceptions about cataracts and cataract surgery. Armed with a little knowledge, however, we hope to help you gain a better understanding so that you can achieve the best possible visual results from your cataract treatment.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a gradual thickening of the normally clear lens of the eye that causes it to become cloudy. Light entering the eye is distorted or is unable to reach the retina, which is responsible for transmitting images to the brain. Cataract surgery involves removing of the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Cataracts are most common among people over 65 years of age, but they can occur in younger people as well.
When should I have cataract surgery?
The answer is different for each patient. It’s not always necessary to remove a cataract simply because it is present. Many people have a cataract but it doesn’t interfere with their daily activities. Your cataract evaluation at Elmquist Eye Group will assess the nature and the severity of the cataract, whether you are experiencing blurred vision, glare while driving at night, or having difficulty with tasks like driving, reading, and recreational activities. Your ophthalmologist will monitor the cataract’s progression and determine when you should consider surgery.
What is the difference between traditional cataract surgery and laser-assisted cataract surgery?
In traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon uses a surgical blade to make tiny incisions instead of a computer-controlled laser that is used in laser-assisted cataract surgery. Laser cataract surgery provides more precision and accuracy, but it is important to understand that complications can occur during or after surgery, some severe enough to limit vision.
How long does cataract surgery take and will I be under anesthesia?
Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, and typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete. We use anesthetic eye drops and a sedative to relax you because you are awake during the procedure. If you are allergic to certain local anesthetics or have other health problems, we may use a general anesthetic.
What happens after cataract surgery?
Because cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, patients return home the day of the surgery. Most patients have little or no discomfort and can see well right after the procedure. After surgery, you may return almost immediately to all but the most strenuous activities. As the eye heals, vision should continue to improve. Cataract surgery is a permanent surgery; once removed, they do not return.
If you have additional questions regarding cataract surgery in Southwest Florida or believe you may have cataracts, get in touch with Elmquist Eye Group at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment.