Did you know that nearly 25 million Americans have cataracts? Since surgery is the only permanent fix, many of these patients turn to laser-assisted cataract surgery. Indeed, patients in SW Florida who need cataract evaluation and care have been turning to Elmquist Eye Group’s expert ophthalmologists for over two decades.

Precision Surgery

Our surgeons prefer the laser-assisted surgery over traditional methods because it allows a much more precise cataract correction. The surgeon uses a specialized laser to make a lens incision; the laser allows a precise depth and length of incision. Once the incision is made, the surgeon uses the laser to soften or break up the cataract for easier removal.

Our surgeons consider the precision and accuracy offered by using the laser-assisted technique one of the key aspects that makes this surgery extremely precise, safe and effective. Use of the laser technology makes surgical error and post-surgical complications like infection much less likely to occur. Patients rarely have complications, instead experiencing only mild itching and redness for a couple of days afterwards.

The laser technique means that our surgeons can achieve a much higher level of precision than is possible with traditional surgical blade cataract surgery. For instance, this precision allows complicated vision problems like astigmatism to be corrected in the same surgery.

Surgeon Experience Matters

Naturally, surgeon experience matters and our Elmquist surgeons have extensive experience performing this laser-assisted cataract surgery. Our surgeons are extremely well-trained. All patients want a well-trained and experienced surgeon, and you’ll get that at Elmquist. Our surgeons are board certified and fellowship trained by two prestigious organizations, the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, respectively.

Elmquist Eye Group surgeons have been providing expertise to southwest Florida patients for 25 years. We perform the surgery in our state-of-the-art medical facilities and surgical suites which feature the latest in highly specialized eye equipment. Rest assured — you will be in good hands at Elmquist.

Extensive eye tests are done prior to the surgery, including a visual acuity test and a glare test, both of which provide the surgeons with important insight into the state of your cataract. During the glare test, varying degrees of glare that are typical of a normal day are tested to determine how glare affects your vision. The visual acuity test is done with dilated eyes to obtain a detailed visual acuity determination regarding your near and far vision and to examine your eye’s internal structures.

Patients should know that surgery is eventually necessary to permanently fix a cataract. Without it, cataracts, which are a normal part of aging, will continue to grow and eventually lead to severe vision loss and even blindness. Your eyesight is precious, so don’t delay.

Call Elmquist Eye Group today. Our experienced team is standing by ready to provide you with a comprehensive eye exam and cataract assessment. If we determine that you are a good candidate for the procedure, there’s no better team in SW Florida for laser-assisted cataract surgery.