Hazy lazy days may be part of retirement, but they don’t have to be. When the clouds you see are not in the sky, but in the lenses of your very own eyes, it’s time to have a conversation with your Ophthalmologist about cataract surgery. In Florida, cataract surgery is one of the most common outpatient procedures performed. Over 90% of cataracts are caused simply by growing older.

Over time, the clear lens behind the iris can become cloudy, making everyday tasks like driving, cooking and taking medications daunting at best. Light coming through the lens must be clear in order for the image to register sharply on the retina at the back of the eye. As we age, that clouding can effect the quality of our lives. It’s at that point that cataract surgery may be needed. Do not feel alone, many people in Florida need Cataract Surgery. Cataracts develop for more than 60% of those over 60 years old. A million and a half cataract surgeries are performed in the US every year and Cataract Surgery In Florida is a big percentage of that number.

Cataract surgery is the removal of the clouded lens with implantation of a new clear artificial lens to replace it. The entire Cataract surgery procedure should take about an hour. The patient is awake and usually a local anesthesia is all that is needed.

Before the procedure, the surgeon will use an ultrasound machine to measure the eye’s size and shape to determine the necessary power of the lens implant. A tiny incision is made in the eye and the clouded lens is removed. Depending on the severity of the Cataract, one of two common Cataract Surgery procedures is followed to accomplish this removal.

Phacoemulsification (aka Phaco)
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This is the preferred method of Cataract removal today. Phacoemulsification (Phaco) uses a very small incision, 1/8” or 3 mm. The rapidly vibrating tip of the needle size probe transmits ultrasound waves to gently break up the Cataract and then the fragments are vacuumed out. The lens capsule is left in place to support the new implant.

Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (aka ECCE)

This method is necessary if the surgeon is unable to break up the Cataract due to advanced conditions. A larger incision is made ( 3/8” or 10mm) and the entire lens is removed in one piece. The lens capsule is left in place.

A new clear artificial lens is implanted in the now empty lens capsule. The Intraocular Lens or IOL is made of plastic, acrylic or silicone. Once implanted, the new IOL needs no care and becomes part of your body.

Some implants are rigid and require larger incisions with stitches - and a longer recovery as a result. New flexible implants, however, are smaller (¼” in diameter) and fold into place requiring no stitches. Most IOLs filter out UV light -known as blue-blocking lenses. Cataract Surgery now can now even correct vision near and far, although the intermediate range is not as sharp. More and more improvements are coming

Whoever you decide on to have your Cataract Surgery in Florida with, go in prepared with the right questions to ask.

You need to find a Florida Cataract Surgeon, you’ll have to take time to educate yourself. We will guide you down this path by bringing as much Cataract Surgery in Florida information as we can to this site.

In upcoming weeks, we’ll be adding Florida Cataract surgeon information for you to go through. We will have Cataract surgeons listed, and Cataract practices in Florida.

Cataract surgery can make the difference in your everyday life. The process can restore your vision and let you once again see clear.

Please check back with us to  see our growing list of Cataract Surgeons in Florida.