The unpleasant side effects of cataracts can become increasingly common as you age, but that does not mean it has to affect your quality of life. At Eye Centers of Florida, our highly qualified doctors and state-of-the-art facilities have allowed us to provide world-class cataract treatments for thousands of patients across Southwest Florida.
Our eyes contain a natural lens that lies just behind the pupil. This lens bends and focuses light, which allows our brains to clearly process the images we see. A cataract is the clouding of your eye’s natural lens, making it difficult for light to pass through the eye and focus properly. The result is a gradual loss of vision.
Cataracts tend to develop as we age and often begin to occur around 55. However, some experience cataracts before 50 due to underlying medical conditions like diabetes, medications, family history, or sporadically. Other factors that increase the risk of cataracts include smoking and UV exposure, as well as trauma from surgery or an injury to the eyes.
Cataracts can create symptoms including:
Eye Centers of Florida proudly offers laser-assisted cataract surgery using Alcon’s LenSx® laser. This innovative laser transforms cataract surgery by providing unprecedented precision and customization. The advanced technology incorporates computer control into essential steps of the procedure, giving cataract patients the most state-of-the-art surgical option available.
No-stitch cataract surgery allows for rapid recovery with minimal discomfort and enhanced vision without the use of stitches. Our cataract surgeons create a small incision at the edge of the cornea, enabling them to remove the cataract and insert the IOL without the need for sutures. The area will naturally heal and seal, minimizing discomfort and irritation that can sometimes be associated with stitches.
Thanks to topical anesthetics, you can now undergo cataract surgery without the need for traditional anesthesia. This approach eliminates the discomfort and anxiety often associated with needles.
After surgery, we will prescribe eye drops and advise you to rest. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to check your eyes and make sure they are healing properly.
Typically, you can return to your normal activities within 24 to 72 hours after surgery. If your normal activities include physical work or working outdoors, your doctor may recommend a longer recovery period.
Most patients choose between standard or high-tech lens implants, based on their vision goals and eye health. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons to discover which lens is best for you and your lifestyle.
A portion of the cost of laser cataract surgery and advanced lens implants is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans. However, there may be an additional out-of-pocket cost. At Eye Centers of Florida, we offer 0% financing options for up to 24 months to help make your procedure more affordable.
Our experienced eye surgeons take the time to thoroughly discuss the best surgical options for your visual health and unique needs. Collectively, our cataract surgeons have performed over 20,000 cataract surgeries, helping to restore vision and improve quality of life for countless patients. We provide both standard and advanced laser cataract surgery, offering choices between monofocal and advanced lens implants.
No, if both eyes require surgery, they are typically performed 1-2 weeks apart.
You will usually be at the surgery center for about 2 hours, but on average the surgery only takes about 10 minutes.
No, general anesthesia is not necessary to perform cataract surgery. You will receive a light sedation to help you relax. Although you will still be awake, most patients will not remember the surgery.
No. Eye drops are used to numb the eye. Patients feel pressure on the eyelids, cool fluid, and see a ring of lights.
Many will feel comfortable driving, but there are also many who may have an imbalance between their eyes after their first surgery. Those who have an imbalance and reduced depth perception are encouraged to limit driving during the week between surgeries. In addition, caution should be taken while walking up and down stairs and curbs after the first eye if the depth perception is initially reduced.
The most important thing is not to rub your eye. You will need to wear a clear, plastic shield at night for the first week to help protect the eye. Although the risk of infection is rare, we also ask you to avoid swimming in pools and hot tubs for the first two weeks.
