Blurred vision, glare at night and reading difficulty are all early symptoms of cataracts. Surgery is the repair for a cataract, and in cataract surgery, we replace the clouded cataract lens in the eye with a new artificial lens. Fortunately, you have the best cataract surgeons near Sanibel, Florida at Elmquist Eye Group.

How do cataracts form?

Cataracts are not an eye disease nor are they caused by an eye disease. In reality, a cataract is a natural protein breakdown in the eye. This breakdown is a natural part of aging. Over time, the proteins build up on the lens, making it cloudy and opaque. A normal lens with no cataract correctly focuses light on the back of the eye to produce clear vision. When a cataract is present on the lens, the protein buildup scatters light and distorts vision.

Many of our patients describe their vision as if they are looking through a dirty window, or describe it as if grease is smeared over their glasses. Many people with cataracts have blurred vision and glare when looking at headlights or in sunlight. Many people have dull color vision as well.

Cataracts develop slowly over time and usually affect both eyes. They are very common in older people. In fact, most people will eventually be affected by cataracts. As people age, cataracts form, and most people will have cataracts in one or both eyes by age 65. In the early stages, eye doctors can diagnose cataracts through an eye exam. We monitor the growth of the cataract over time, and a decision to proceed with surgery is usually recommended when you begin to have difficulty performing daily activities like driving or reading.

Cataract treatment

A person can have a cataract for y ears without really being bothered by it. Our eye care team will monitor it and can make more frequent changes to your vision correction prescription. Surgery may not be necessary for many years, but it is important to know that cataract surgery is the only true corrective procedure. Cataract surgery is extremely safe and effective. The cataract must be removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular implant (IOL).

We will surgically remove the cataract and replace it with an artificial lens, and we can even correct vision. These days, you can choose from a wide variety of intraocular lenses that restore vision in different ways.

As people are living longer, cataracts are much more frequent in the US. Around 30 million Americans have cataracts today. If you have begun to have difficulty with watching television, reading or driving at night, you may have a cataract. Have you noticed that you have more difficulty recognizing faces? This is another sign of a cataract. Clear vision is essential for all of these activities, so if you suspect you have a cataract, come see our experienced cataract surgeons near Sanibel, Florida. At Elmquist Eye Group, we want you to be our next patient, so give us a call today.