Eye Specialist for Cataracts Bonita Springs
Did you know that the most common cause of cataracts is aging? It’s true. If you are over age 60, and you don’t have an eye doctor or it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, come see our eye specialist for cataracts near Bonita Springs. Elmquist Eye Group is close by, just to the north of you, in Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
What is a cataract?
Cataracts involve clouding of the lens of the eye. The condition is very common. In fact, doctors treat more than three million Americans each year for cataracts. Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye clump onto the natural lens and prevent normal light from passing through to the retina. As a result, the cloudy lens makes objects appear blurry and hazy. Many patients also state that colors appear to be faded.
Other common symptoms include a higher sensitivity to light and glare and difficulty seeing at night. Some people see halos around lights, while others find the need for a brighter light during reading.
The eye functions much like a camera does. The light focuses on the lens at the back part of the eye called the retina. Over time, a cataract lens becomes cloudy and prevents the light from properly passing through to the retina.
While aging is the most common risk factor, people with a family history of cataracts are also at risk. People who are obese or who have diabetes and high blood pressure are at higher risk, and certain lifestyle factors like alcohol abuse and smoking also increase risk. Finally, people who have had past eye surgeries are also at higher risk.
How are cataracts treated?
Cataracts can be removed with surgery. Over 1.5 million patients per year have cataract surgery with an overall 95 percent success rate.
During the surgery, our skilled surgeon creates a small incision in the lens, breaks up the cataract with a small laser, and then removes the material. An artificial lens is then implanted. We can either implant a clear lens or a premium lens designed to correct vision. During the initial consultation and surgical preparation, our expert team will help you choose the lens best suited to your needs.
You can also take steps to reduce your risk of developing a cataract. First, reduce your exposure to UV light by wearing sunglasses when outdoors. If you are a smoker, quit; you can also curb your alcohol intake. Cataracts progress very slowly and painlessly. Over time, patients notice that vision has become blurred.
If you have a cataract or suspect that you do, the Elmquist Eye Group skilled team is ready to help you take the next steps. Our skilled surgeons will use our state-of-the-art surgical technology to help you achieve your desire to be free of cataracts. We invite you to make an appointment with us today. We have two convenient locations just north of you for an eye specialist for cataracts near Bonita Springs. Choose either Fort Myers or Cape Coral; either way, one of our dedicated ophthalmologists is ready to see you at your initial consultation and answer any questions that you may have. We look forward to meeting you as you take this important step toward caring for your eye health.