Did you know that cataracts are age-related? In fact, most people over age 55 have already begun to develop cataracts. If you are over age 55, visit us at Elmquist Eye Group, where you will find the best cataract doctor in Cape Coral.
A Natural Part of Aging
The eye lens is made of natural proteins that begin to break down with age. As these proteins break down, they clump on the lens and begin to cloud vision. Normally, the lens focuses light on the retina, but the cataract formation prevents the light from focusing because the protein formations cause light to scatter.
Cataracts form very slowly over a long period of time. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you likely have a cataract:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Reduced color intensity
- Increased light sensitivity
- Difficulty seeing at night
- More frequent lens prescription changes
Treatments
There is no medical treatment to prevent or slow cataract progression. As cataracts worsen, so does your vision. Surgery to replace the lens is the only option and fortunately you have access to the best cataract doctor in Cape Coral. Because cataracts do form very slowly, the vision changes are gradual.
Our doctors recommend strategies like wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and increasing antioxidant vitamin consumption. Nutrition is very important and nutrients like vitamins C and E, zinc and lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of cataracts.Bottom of Form If you smoke or drink alcohol, reduction or cessation can help because these lifestyle choices make people more susceptible to cataract formation.
When you have cataracts, it is very important to have regular checkups to determine the progression of the protein deposits. We can make more frequent eyeglass prescription changes and add anti-glare coatings to help with night driving. You can do things at home, too, like increasing the amount of light when reading.
However, when a cataract progresses to the point of affecting your everyday vision, our doctors will likely recommend surgery, which involves removing the lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. The artificial lens functions just like your natural lens and requires no care. We can even implant lenses that correct your vision.
During the surgery, our Elmquist surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea, then uses an ultrasound probe to break up the cataract which is then suctioned out. Cataract surgery is one of the safest procedures done today. It can have minor risks like infection and bleeding, but these are rarely experienced. Our cataract patients are amazed at how easy the procedure and recovery are, and how much better their vision is after the surgery.
If your vision has become blurry or you’ve had trouble seeing at night, you might have cataracts. If you have noticed any of the above symptoms of cataracts, come see the best cataract doctor in Cape Coral at Elmquist Eye Group. We also have a convenient Fort Myers location. We are confident in our ability to provide you with outstanding eye and cataract care, so come see us today!