Cataracts are a common eye issue that occurs as people age. Unfortunately, they can cause blurry vision, double vision, and, in severe cases, blindness. What are cataracts, and how does cataract surgery improve your vision? Dr. James E. Croley III or a knowledgeable member of our team can provide information and resources during your initial consultation. Read below as we cover common cataract topics and more.
Visit or call the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida offices in Cape Coral, Lehigh, or Bonita Springs for an eye evaluation. You can also schedule an appointment online.
What are Cataracts?
A cataract occurs when proteins in the lens of the eye clump together, usually because of age, chronic illness, or physical trauma. They are more likely to develop in men and women over 40 years old. As these clumps grow, you notice symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day activities. This is because the cataract interferes with the images transmitted to the brain from the retina.
Cataracts develop slowly and gradually increase over time, so you may not show symptoms at first. Untreated cataracts in Cape Coral may lead to:
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Difficulty reading
- Seeing halos around light sources
- Light sensitivity
- Double vision
- Loss of vision
Can You Treat Cataracts Without Surgery?
Some people want to know whether they can address blurry vision without resorting to surgery. While you can improve your eyesight by wearing a new pair of glasses or adjusting your lights when reading, these aids do little to correct problems associated with advanced cataracts, like halos around lights or double vision. More than that, brighter reading lights can’t help with essential activities like driving.
Some doctors encourage patients to get cataract surgery in Lee County to reverse their condition. The only reason for cataract removal surgery is if your blurred vision is interfering with your lifestyle; that is, if you are having trouble reading, the distance vision is blurred to the point that you are not happy with what you can see, you are having trouble driving at night, or you are having difficulty seeing well enough at work. The only real reason to have cataract extraction surgery is that you are unhappy with your vision, not that the eye doctor tells you it is time.
Can You Reverse Cataract Blindness with Surgery?
Can cataract blindness be reversed through cataract surgery? In short, yes! During this procedure, an ophthalmologist removes the affected lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). This artificial lens is clear, fitted to match your needs, and cannot develop cataracts in the future. Laser cataract surgery takes this procedure a step further because no incisions are needed to complete treatment, reducing your side effects and risk of complications.
Even though surgery can reverse cataract blindness, patients should not wait until it reaches that point to seek help. This is because advanced cataracts are more difficult to remove, making the surgery a little more complicated. When you come in for a cataract assessment, Dr. Croley will discuss your symptoms and create a custom surgical plan for removing the affected lens if you decide to have surgery. We will also review what side effects to expect after treatment is over.
Learn about Cataract Surgery in Bonita Springs, FL
While there are no natural solutions for cataracts, specialists agree that the best way to remove them permanently is through surgery. The Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida recommends scheduling regular eye exams with a trained ophthalmologist to catch cataracts before they lead to blindness. Learn more about cataract surgery options by meeting with Dr. James E. Croley III. We can help you stay on top of your eye health.
Get Your Vision Checked Today
At the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida, our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. James E. Croley III, uses state-of-the-art tools and techniques to help his patients manage their cataracts and other eye conditions. Dr. Croley is a member of the following professional organizations:
Schedule an appointment online or call our office near you!
CAPE CORAL
- 613 Del Prado Boulevard, 33990
- (239) 772-2122
LEHIGH ACRES
- 1150 Lee Boulevard, 33936
- (239) 368-1020
BONITA SPRINGS
- 4061 Bonita Beach Road, 34134
- (239) 949-1190
