Cataract Specialist in Cape Coral

Many things can cause a cataract to form, the most common being the natural aging process. If you think you may have a cataract, E. Trevor Elmquist, DO, a leading cataract specialist in Cape Coral, can provide safe and effective treatment that will improve your vision for years to come.

Dr. Elmquist is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has been selected as one of America’s Top Doctors in ophthalmology by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. He has been providing exceptional eye care to the residents of Southwest Florida for over 25 years.

Dr. Kate Wagner, his partner, and Dr. Nina Burt, his associate, are board certified optometrists. No matter what type of concern you may have about your eyes, our talented Elmquist Eye Group team offers a full range of vision care, from routine exams for glasses to bladeless laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about cataracts and cataract surgery. Armed with a little knowledge, however, you will gain a better understanding and be able to achieve the best possible visual results from your cataract treatment.

Cataract Myths & Facts

MYTH #1: A cataract is a film over the eye that can be removed.

FACT: A cataract is not a film over the eye. It is a gradual thickening of the normally clear lens that causes it to become cloudy. Light entering the eye is distorted or is unable to reach the retina, which is responsible for transmitting images to the brain. Also, a cataract cannot be removed from the lens. Instead, the lens has to be replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens or IOL.

MYTH #2: Only older people develop cataracts.

FACT: Cataracts are most common among people over 65 years of age, but they can also occur in younger people. According to the National Eye Institute, over 24.5 million Americans aged 40 and older are affected by cataracts. Some of their cataracts have resulted from conditions like diabetes, certain types of medications, such as prednisone and corticosteroids, and other problems. There are also congenital cataracts that are present at birth.

MYTH #3: Cataracts can spread from one eye to the other.

FACT: Cataracts can develop in one eye or both eyes, but they do not spread from one eye to the other.

MYTH #4: Cataracts can grow back.

FACT: A cataract cannot come back after surgery. However, in a small percentage of patients, the membrane that held the natural lens in place can become cloudy, causing symptoms that are similar to those of a cataract. This condition is treated with laser surgery in a simple, painless procedure that involves making an opening in the membrane to allow light to enter the eye.

MYTH #5: You can make cataracts worse by doing close-up tasks like reading or sewing.

FACT:  The causes of cataracts are not related to how you use your eyes. However, you may notice that you have a cataract when you can no longer easily do close-up tasks without using a lot more light.

MYTH #6: Cataract surgery is dangerous.

FACT: Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries performed in the U.S. today, with a better than 95% success rate. Of course, there are risks with any type of surgery, and they should be discussed with your doctor before surgery.

MYTH #7: It can take long time to recover from cataract surgery.

FACT: Most patients who undergo modern cataract surgery notice an improvement in their vision right away, but it will continue to improve for several months. With a few exceptions, such as rubbing your eyes and doing strenuous activities, you should be able to resume most of your normal routine the day after your surgery.

When you need an experienced cataract specialist in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, or elsewhere in Lee County, you can count on Elmquist Eye Group to provide the highest level of care.  Call us today at (239) 936-2020 for an appointment.