Cataracts Symptoms
Do you believe you may have cataracts? If you have questions about the symptoms, cataract treatment, or the artificial replacement lenses that are used to restore good vision, Elmquist Eye Group is an exceptional source of information.
Elmquist Eye Group has been serving Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lee County and Southwest Florida for more than 23 years. The skilled Elmquist team provides comprehensive eye care services to everyone in the family, from children to seniors.
Symptoms of Cataracts
It’s quite possible that you may not even realize you have a cataract because they usually develop slowly. It may take many years to notice the changes in your vision, but the symptoms include:
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Difficulty reading
- Difficulty driving
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to glare and halos around lights
- Frequent changes in glasses or contacts prescriptions
- Double vision in one eye
- Colors look dim or faded
The first evidence of cataracts is usually discovered during an examination. A cataract examination is very much like a general eye exam, but your eye doctor will dilate your pupils to thoroughly examine your eyes. He or she will also do a few extra tests, such as visual acuity and glare testing, to determine the severity of the cataract.
If cataracts are beginning to form, it’s important to make sure your glasses or contact lenses are strong enough to compensate for your impaired vision. As your cataracts develop further, you can discuss with your Elmquist Eye Group whether surgery would be beneficial.
About Artificial Lens Implants (IOLs)
Treatment of a cataract involves removal of the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens or IOL. When you can no longer do things you enjoy without difficulty, Dr. Elmquist will help you decide if the time is right for cataract surgery and help you choose a lens implant that will be best for your unique eyes.
The lens implant is permanent and, unlike an artificial knee or a heart valve, it cannot wear out over time. Artificial lenses are even placed in babies following congenital cataract surgery because they are made to last a lifetime.
Today, there are several options when it comes to intraocular lenses, including monofocal, multifocal, Toric and ReStor lenses. However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to abandon your eyeglasses forever. Artificial lenses cannot accomplish distance focus in one moment and near focus in the next like a young, healthy eye can do. Depending upon your activity, you may need to wear glasses to enhance your vision further.
For more information about the symptoms of cataracts and whether a cataract may be causing your vision problems, schedule an eye exam with Elmquist Eye Group to put your mind at ease. Call us today at (239) 936-2020 for an appointment.