When going about your daily life in Fort Myers, do you feel like you’re seeing everything through a fogged-up, dirty window? This is a telltale sign of cataracts.
Cataracts occur when cloudy patches form on the natural lens of the eye, impairing your vision. This usually happens as people age, and the proteins that make up the lens start to break down.
Luckily, millions of patients have successfully undergone cataract surgery to restore their vision. Then, you can get back to enjoying Fort Myers with clarity and confidence!
Keep reading to learn 4 things you need to know about cataract surgery in Fort Myers.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore cataract-impaired vision. As the condition progresses, glasses and contacts usually aren’t enough to improve your eyesight, and you might struggle to do things like drive and read.
During cataract surgery, your eye doctor will remove the natural lens of your eye and replace it with a clear intraocular lens. This lens cannot develop cataracts, meaning you’ll never have to worry about them affecting your vision again.
Four Things to Know about Cataract Surgery in Fort Myers
If you’re looking to undergo cataract surgery in Fort Myers, follow these tips to make the most out of your procedure:
1. Choose an Experienced Fort Myers Cataract Surgeon
While cataract surgery is a safe, minimally invasive procedure, you should still be mindful when choosing your cataract surgeon. You’ll want to make sure they have a proven track record of good reviews from patients, as well as quality education and training.
Dr. Frantz of Frantz Eyecare in Fort Myers is a board-certified ophthalmologist, cataract and refractive specialist, and has been chosen as one of the Best Cataract Surgeons in America in 2024 by the American College of Elective Surgery. When you choose a cataract surgeon like Dr. Frantz, you can go into your procedure knowing you’re in the best of hands.
2. Learn About Your Different IOL Options
A crucial part of cataract surgery is choosing the IOL that will replace your natural lens. There are many different IOLs that all offer varying benefits.
Monofocal lenses are covered by insurance but only allow your eyes to focus at one distance, so you may still need reading glasses. For patients who want improved vision at multiple distances, Frantz EyeCare offers premium lenses, including the PanOptix trifocal IOL, the Vivity extended depth of focus IOL, and the Light Adjustable Lens.
3. Prepare for Your Procedure Beforehand
Cataract surgery is a fast, outpatient procedure. The surgery itself only takes about ten to fifteen minutes.
However, there are things you can do to make the process easier. Before undergoing cataract surgery, ensure you have a ride to and from your procedure, as you cannot drive until your eye doctor clears you.
You should also wear comfy clothes and have everything you need set up for when you return home so you can begin resting and recovering right away. Many patients prepare for their recovery by downloading podcasts, music, or audiobooks to listen to while resting.
4. Follow Your Eye Doctor’s Postoperative Care Instructions
To get back to your life in Fort Myers with clearer vision as soon as possible, be sure to closely follow all of your eye doctor’s postoperative care instructions. They will likely ask you to do things like:
- Apply prescription eye drops according to a specific schedule
- Wear an eye shield while sleeping
- Avoid rubbing or getting water in your eye
- Refrain from strenuous exercise
- Not drive or operate heavy machinery until you are cleared
It can take several weeks for your vision to fully stabilize. However, you’ll likely see improvements in your eyesight within the first few days and be able to return to most activities.
Are you wondering if cataract surgery in Fort Myers is right for you? Schedule an appointment at Frantz EyeCare in Fort Myers, FL, today to discover if you’re a good candidate!
