Eye Specialist for Cataracts Cape Coral
These days, we are all suffering more from eye strain. Overuse of the eyes leads to fatigue. Eyes can be dry, itchy and feel tired and uncomfortable. But how do you know whether your prolonged feelings of eye strain are just strain or something more serious? Any change in your vision, even if it is a subtle change, can leave your eyes feeling overworked. Cataracts are one such condition that changes your vision slowly. If you are wondering whether the symptoms you are feeling are eye strain or something else, come see the eye specialist for cataracts in Cape Coral at Elmquist Eye Group.
Eye Strain or Something More
A main culprit of eye fatigue is the greatly increased use of digital devices. Working in dim light and driving for long distances also create eye strain. But above all, uncorrected vision can really fatigue eyes.
Cataracts can create an environment of uncorrected vision. As people age, natural eye proteins break down and build up onto the eye lens. This is a slow process and the buildup causes cloudy vision over time. People with cataracts need much more frequent changes to their eyeglasses prescription, and as a result, the uncorrected vision can cause undue strain on the eyes.
People over age 65 are at higher risk. Caucasian people are at higher risk, and by age 80, about 70 percent will have a cataract. African Americans are a lower risk, with about half having a cataract by age 80. Patients with diabetes or those who use certain medications such as corticosteroids are at a higher risk as well. Importantly, people who have excessive sun exposure are also at higher risk. The UV radiation hastens the protein breakdown that causes cataracts, therefore protective sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays are very important.
What Is The Remedy?
When cataracts begin significantly interfering with vision and impairing everyday activities like reading or driving, your Elmquist eye doctor may recommend surgery. This procedure involves removal of the damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial one called an intraocular lens implant (IOL).
Although cataracts can form in one or both eyes, we only perform surgery on one eye at a time. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgeries performed today worldwide.
Elmquist surgeons perform laser-assisted cataract surgery which involves use of a laser to break up the clouded cataract lens. The surgeon then removes these particles from the eye, and implants the new artificial lens. These days, modern lens technology is very advanced and we can use implant lenses to correct a wide range of vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism.
Cataract surgery is very safe and very effective and most patients are candidates. Our eye specialist for cataracts in Cape Coral will perform a thorough eye exam when you come in and see us as a new patient. The doctor will determine whether you have cataracts and the extent to which the cataract(s) has progressed.
If you need surgery, Elmquist Eye Group surgeons are ready to provide you with the best eye care in southwest Florida. Give us a call today. You’ll have a great experience at Elmquist Eye Group.