Cataracts Surgery Procedure
Specialists in Cataract Surgery for Southwest Florida Patients
Snead Eye Group Discusses Cataracts Treatment Options
Cataracts are a common vision problem plaguing many adults, especially as they get older. Typically caused by aging, eye injuries, or inherited genetic disorders, eye cataracts are the progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataract symptoms include blurry or cloudy vision, glares or halos around lights, and double vision. The only way to correct cataracts is to remove them through cataract surgery and replace the eye’s lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). With offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and Naples, Snead Eye Group specializes in cataract surgery for Southwest Florida patients. If you’re ready to learn more about our cataract treatment options, please schedule an appointment.
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How Common Is Cataract Surgery in the United States?
Cataract surgery is considered an outpatient procedure and is one of the safest and most effective vision surgeries available. Roughly half the U.S. population over the age of 75 will develop cataracts impacting their vision, making it one of the most widely performed surgeries in the United States every year. Most cataract surgeries do not experience any complications and may be completed in about 15 minutes. While the idea of any surgery may seem scary at first, rest assured you’re in excellent hands at Snead Eye Group. Our eye specialists will provide everything you need for a speedy cataract surgery recovery.
What Happens During Cataract Eye Surgery?
During cataract eye surgery, a surgeon will use a blade to create the incisions necessary to remove the clouded eye lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. Small incisions are made along the side of your eye’s cornea, while a laser carefully breaks apart the cloudy lens. Suction is used to remove these lens fragments from your eye. Then the surgeon inserts the IOL behind your eye’s pupil, making sure your iris (the colored part of your eye) lines up in the same position relative to your natural lens.
What Should I Expect During Cataract Surgery Recovery?
Cataract surgery incisions are self-healing without any stitches. You may be given a prescription for antibiotic eye drops to reduce the risk of infection or oral pain medications to help with any discomfort. Complications from cataract surgery are rare but may include bleeding, swelling, inflammation, infection, drooping eyelids, retinal detachment, glaucoma, secondary cataracts, or vision loss. Always consult your eye doctor when making informed decisions about your vision care.
How Should I Prepare for a Cataract Eye Surgery Procedure?
Prior to your cataract eye surgery, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your eye health and determine if anything could prevent you from having surgery. They will also measure your eye’s size and shape at this time. This allows them to select the best type of intraocular lens to use for your implant. Intraocular lenses look and feel natural and do not require any special care. Snead Eye Group offers a range of IOL implants for you to choose from, including multifocal lenses, and toric or astigmatism lenses. Because insurance companies may not pay for all available types, your doctor will help you select the IOL that works best for your budget and lifestyle.
You’ll be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least 12 hours before your cataract surgery. You may also need to stop taking certain medications that could increase your risk of bleeding during surgery. Because your vision may be blurry or distorted after surgery, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Most patients rest after cataract surgery but can resume normal activities within a few days. However, every individual heals differently. Your doctor will give you post-op instructions to ensure your cataract surgery recovery goes smoothly.
Why Should You Choose Snead Eye Group for Cataract Surgery?
Snead Eye Group is one of the only facilities in Southwest Florida to use LenSx® Femtosecond Cataract Laser Surgery for an optimized cataract surgery experience. Using this FDA-cleared cataract laser allows us to make more precise and accurate incisions. The results are fewer complications from cataract surgery. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 98% of patients see successful results from cataract eye surgery. Many of our patients at Snead Eye Group experience clearer vision than before they even developed eye cataracts. Our eye doctors welcome the opportunity to discuss the benefits of cataracts treatment with you during a consultation.
Explore Cataract Surgery Costs & Benefits During a Consultation
If you’re interested in exploring the option of cataract surgery at one of our Southwest Florida eye surgery centers, please contact us. We would be happy to help you schedule an appointment and answer any questions you may have regarding cataract surgery costs or recovery. New patients may also download patient forms and view our patient testimonials prior to their first visit.