Eye Doctor for Cataracts in Fort Myers
Do you suspect you have a cataract? How would you know? Many of our patients describe their vision as if they are looking through a dirty window or a waterfall. If this sounds like your vision, you may have a cataract so it is time to look for a trusted eye professional. If you’re looking for an eye doctor for cataracts in Fort Myers, look no further than the trusted professionals at Elmquist Eye Group, southwest Florida’s leading eye care center.
Signs of a cataract
Cataracts can begin to form as early as age 40. About 20 percent of adults have early cataract formation by age 40 but, in the early stages, there are no signs. A person can have a cataract for years and years with no significant impacts to vision. As the cataract progresses, patients typically have one or more of these symptoms:
- Cloudy vision: fuzzy spots in your vision as if you are looking through a dirty windshield, or blurred vision that appears as if you are looking through a waterfall
- Light sensitivity: increased sensitivity to sunlight or bright indoor lights.
- Glare: halo formation around bright lights
- Night vision difficulty: gradually worsening night vision and glare or halos around oncoming headlights
Cataracts progress in your 50s and after age 60 may be significant enough to need surgery. By age 60, cataracts can become significant enough to affect vision, and at that time, surgery is needed. In fact, surgery is the only remedy for a cataract.
How do cataracts form?
Many of our patients think cataracts are a disease, but they are not. A cataract is a natural part of aging. They are caused by a natural protein breakdown in the eye. These proteins deposit on the eye lens and over time harden and scatter the incoming light, thus affecting vision. When this happens, patients experience the signs mentioned above.
Genetics can determine whether you get cataracts, and lifestyle factors also impact whether you have cataracts. If your vision has become significantly impaired, we will likely recommend surgery and will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate for the surgery.
Regular eye exams are important in detecting and monitoring the progression of a cataract. Surgery may not be needed for years. Instead, we can likely just keep adjusting your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription as the cataract grows. When surgery is needed, our board-certified surgeons are ready. This surgery involves removal of the natural clouded lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is very safe and effective; in fact, cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries performed today.
Have you had cataract symptoms? Or maybe you have had no symptoms but are within the age range when cataracts begin forming, and you’re wondering whether you have one. Either way, make an appointment to see an eye doctor in Fort Myers at Elmquist Eye Group. Eye exams are a foundational part of your health care when it comes to cataracts. What are you waiting for? Contact us today.