Cape Coral Cataract Treatment

Contrary to popular belief, cataracts are not a disease. In fact, a cataract is a natural part of aging. By the time you reach age 60, you are likely to have early-stage cataracts. By the time you reach age 75, your cataract may be significant enough to affect vision. Cataracts cannot be prevented, and surgery is the only remedy. Fortunately for you, Elmquist Eye Group has been serving southwest Florida for 25 years. Our Cape Coral location, as well as our Fort Myers location, both offer the very best in cataract treatment.

When do I need surgery?

Patients should consider surgery when the cataract is significant enough to affect your vision and disrupt your daily activities like reading or driving. When cataracts occur, proteins break down and deposit on the lens. These protein deposits disrupt the eye’s ability to focus light on the retina. Instead, light scatters and affects vision and daily tasks like driving, cooking, reading and watching television. If you are having difficulty with these tasks, it is likely time for surgery.

For a time, in the early stages of cataracts, we may be able to avoid surgery. Instead, we can do more frequent adjustment of your eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eventually, though, surgery will be needed. When that time comes, our surgeons will have a detailed discussion with you regarding every aspect of the surgery. We will determine whether you are a good candidate and also discuss your expected post-surgical outcome. Then, we will decide together whether surgery is right for you and right for you at this time.

What is cataract surgery like?

Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Elmquist surgeons use a technique that involves bladeless laser-assisted surgery. In the surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL) implant. The artificial lens is a permanent lens replacement. The Elmquist surgeons use Alcon’s LenSx femtosecond laser system for the surgery because it was the first FDA-approved laser system and remains the industry leader for safe, effective cataract surgeries.

Artificial lenses have been implanted for about 50 years, but these days, the technology is very advanced. In fact, IOL lenses are so advanced that any type of vision correction –nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism – can be corrected. At Elmquist, our team will help you select the most appropriate lens and we will fully inform you regarding all lens options.

Elmquist surgeons have one goal – they want you to have a pleasant surgical experience. To accomplish this, our eye care team extensively prepares you prior to your surgery. Prior to surgery, we will perform extensive measurements to determine your most suitable IOL implant. After the surgery, we monitor you post-surgery then send you home with eye drops. For a few days after surgery, you will have to take it easy – no bending or strenuous exercise. We will schedule several post-operative eye exams to check your healing progress after surgery.

A highly successful procedure

Cataract surgery is an extremely safe procedure. Our Elmquist Eye Group surgeons are highly skilled in the precision, safety and accuracy of the revolutionary LenSx cataract surgery. If you are a patient with cataracts, give us a call today. We have been providing Cape Coral cataract treatment for southwest Floridians for nearly three decades. You’re in good hands with Elmquist Eye Group.