Specialists for Cataract Surgery in Fort Myers
When you need cataract surgery specialists in Fort Myers, Elmquist Eye Group can help. We are pleased to offer the revolutionary bladeless laser-assisted cataract procedure and the latest advancements in intraocular lens technology.
Yasaira Rodriguez, MD, Kate Wagner, OD and Nina Burt, OD provide complete eye care services for all members of your family in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lee County and beyond.
About Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Elmquist Eye Group offers bladeless laser-assisted cataract surgery, a procedure that is designed to make the treatment more precise, safer and more accurate. It provides the same excellent outcome as traditional cataract surgery, but uses a different method.
Dr. Rodriguez uses special computer software to create a surgical plan with a 3-D map of your unique eye. The plan informs her of the location, depth, and length of the cataract. Using the plan and map, the femtosecond laser creates the incisions and assists in the cataract removal with a higher degree of precision than in traditional cataract surgery.
The laser also softens and fragments the cataract for removal, but the laser’s light energy is gentler and causes minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Dr. Rodriguez removes the old lens and inserts the new artificial intraocular lens (IOL) you have selected.
Laser cataract surgery takes 5 to 10 minutes. Recovery time is very similar to traditional cataract surgery, and most individuals recover and return to their normal activities very quickly.
Of course, there are risks with any type of surgery, and they should be discussed with Dr. Rodriguez before surgery.
About Intraocular Lenses
Today, there are several options when it comes to intraocular lenses. Your eye doctor will help you decide which lenses may be right for you. The four main types are:
Monofocal –A monofocal lens is a one-distance lens. It is the most basic of the available IOLs and is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans. With a monofocal lens, you may be able to drive without needing glasses, but most people will also need glasses for distance, intermediate and near vision, such as for working on a computer or reading a book.
Multifocal –If being less dependent on glasses is one of your goals, consider multifocal lenses. These IOLs correct for all distances and give you good near and far vision. You may experience halos around lights when driving at night, but this diminishes over time and most patients are not significantly bothered by it.
Toric –If you have astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea), you may be a candidate for the Toric lens. Unlike eyeglasses, standard IOLs cannot correct astigmatism. For this reason, the more astigmatism you have, the more dependent you would be on eyeglasses even after cataract surgery.
The cataract surgery specialists at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers are among the most qualified in Southwest Florida. For answers to your questions about surgery and intraocular lenses, get in touch with us today at (239) 936-2020 and schedule an evaluation.