As the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States, cataract removal is surprisingly routine: it’s a highly successful outpatient procedure, performed every day of the week in surgical centers throughout the country. But ironically, cataract surgery is also commonly misunderstood.
“Frequently, I see patients who have heard bits of information from friends or family members or saw something online that sounded promising,” explains Dr. Yasaira Rodriguez, cataract surgeon and Medical Director at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. “While first-hand experiences from friends and family are usually accurate, online information about medications or eye exercises that cure cataracts are inaccurate and even harmful.”
Drs. Rodriguez and Wagner recognize that medical information can sometimes feel confusing, and they understand patients may not even be sure what questions to ask when they see the doctor at their appointment. Their commitment is always to helping you completely and accurately understand your own health care and choices. “Our highest priority is patient education,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “It’s imperative that you understand our diagnosis, your treatment options, the surgical experience, and what to expect post-operatively. The vision we’ll help you achieve is what you’ll enjoy throughout your life, and we want you to get back to seeing, and doing, the things you love.”
Myth #1: Cataracts Are Growths In The Eye
A cataract is not a growth on or in the eye. It’s a clouding of the eye’s natural lens and will affect everyone if they live long enough. This clouding of the lens becomes worse over time, like a window fogging over. If left untreated, the deterioration in vision caused by cataracts will eventually result in total blindness.
Myth #2: Cataract Surgery Is Difficult
Cataract surgery is a simple outpatient procedure, during which you are awake but relaxed. A small incision is made in the eye, often using a laser. The cataract is fragmented into small pieces using ultrasound waves, and then gently suctioned away. There is virtually no pain, and you resume normal activities within just a few days.
Myth #3: Waiting Is Best
In the past, you might have thought you needed to wait until a cataract was fully clouded or “ripe” before contemplating surgery. This meant a near total loss of vision before undergoing surgery and a marked decrease in quality of life. “Thirty years ago, cataract surgery was quite invasive, and patients were told to wait for the cataract to ripen, which really meant harden,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “At that time, a very hard cataract was easier for a surgeon to remove. Today, however, ultrasound technology allows us to remove much softer cataracts, so there is no need to wait until vision is lost. We are able to give you back clear, bright vision, so you can continue enjoying the hobbies and activities you love.”
Does this mean that patients should rush into surgery the minute they’ve been diagnosed with cataracts? Not necessarily, says Dr. Kate Wagner, optometrist and partner at Elmquist Eye Group. She advises patients to consider surgery when poor vision begins to impact daily life. Dr. Wagner reports that once cataracts are removed and clear lens implants inserted, patients notice significant changes. “They’re able to return to the activities they love, but gave up due to decreased vision, poor near vision, and poor depth perception. Most tell me they wished they’d done it sooner,” Dr. Wagner says.
Myth #4: Drops Will Eliminate A Cataract
Many holistic and alternative therapies are being used throughout medicine, and eye care is no exception. However, misinformation abounds regarding treatment for cataracts. “Understandably, patients want the least-invasive solution for aging eyes and drops promising to dissolve cataracts sound simple and painless,” says Dr. Wagner. “But drops are not an option. Drops don’t slow the progression of a cataract, nor do they reverse cloudiness in the lens. For cataracts, the only solution is to remove the cloudy lens surgically and implant a clear lens in its place.”
Myth #5: I’ll Still Need Glasses After Surgery
Lens implants have made great strides in the last 20 years, and you now have a choice about the vision you’ll enjoy after cataract surgery. Traditional monofocal lens implants will usually correct distance vision, but glasses will still be needed for near, and computer work afterwards. Newer multifocal and extended-depth-of-focus implants can restore an even fuller range of vision. “We have extraordinary solutions for cataract patients now, helping patients see like they did at age 45 or 50, often without glasses,” says Dr. Rodriguez.
“We are able to give patients back their eyesight, and the things they love to do, while they still have many years to enjoy it.” Dr. Rodriguez
For over 30 years, Elmquist Eye Group has provided expert eye care anchored in excellent service. Our combination of experience, compassionate care and proven results is unparalleled.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Yasi Rodriguez, M.D.; Kate Wagner, O.D.; or Nina Burt, O.D., please call (239) 350-4181 or visit http://www.Elmquist.com.
