Naples Eye Doctor Explains Cataract Surgery

One of the most common, age-related eye disorders, cataracts develop over time as proteins comprising the eye lens start clumping together. Since cataracts prevent light from reaching the retina, vision signals sent to your brain from the retina cannot be properly interpreted when blocked by clusters of abnormal proteins. Warning signs of possible cataracts include blurriness, cloudiness and dimming of vision. In more advanced stages, cataracts can actually be seen on the lens as an opaque, yellowish covering.

While most cataracts are attributed to aging, other factors may accelerate their development, such as smoking, diabetes, excessive exposure to the sun's UV radiation and long-term use of steroid medications.

How is Cataract Surgery Performed?

To remove cataracts and replace them with new lenses, your Naples eye doctor makes two, tiny incisions in your cornea, creates an opening in the lens capsule and then disintegrates the defective lens with an advanced technique called phacoemulsification. This technique allows your eye doctor to quickly remove these lens pieces and inject a viscous material to hold the lens capsule open before inserting the artificial lens. No stitches or general anesthesia are required to during or after cataract surgery.

What to Expect Following Cataract Surgery

After cataract surgery, your Naples eye doctor places a protective shield over the eye (s) that is affixed with surgical tape. You won't be able to drive for about 24 hours after the surgery so you will need someone accompany you to drive you home. You can remove eye shields while you are at home during the day but shields must be worn in bed to prevent accidental injury to your eyes.  Eye drops prescribed by your eye doctor help decrease risk of infection or inflammation. You should notice improvement in your ability to see more clearly within 48 hours of having cataract surgery. 

Schedule an appointment with our Naples Eye Doctor

If you suspect cataracts are impairing your vision, please call us today at 239-262-6288 schedule an appointment with our Naples eye doctor for a complete vision and eye health examination.