ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY
what to expect during cataract surgery
Our surgeons perform cataract surgery on an outpatient basis, in Fort Myers and Naples, with the use of local intravenous sedation and topical anesthetic drops. The actual cataract procedure only takes about 15 minutes to perform. Nonetheless, patients can expect to spend about three to four hours at the surgery center, to allow for preoperative preparation and postoperative observation.
After the topical anesthetic eye drops have been administered, your surgeon makes a very tiny incision in the eye, that is so small it’s “self-sealing.” They then perform a technique called phacoemulsification. During this step in the procedure, your surgeon uses ultrasound energy to break up the cataract-diseased eye lens into microscopic particles, which he gently suctions from the eye. An intraocular lens (IOL) implant is then inserted into the eye to compensate for the removal of the eye’s natural lens. If bilateral surgery is being performed, the eyes are typically scheduled one to two weeks apart.
Collins Vision offers a wide range of IOL options, including multifocal lenses that allow patients to see well at multiple distances and astigmatism-correcting Toric IOLs. These premium IOLs allow patients to greatly reduce or even eliminate their daily dependence on prescription eyewear.
SEE THE DIFFERENCE
"At our practice, every little detail matters."
Your time, experience and results are as important to us as they are to you. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and create a unique experience where you are greeted with enthusiasm, taken care of in a timely fashion, and receive personalized care throughout your visit with us. When patients choose Collins Vision, they know they get both great outcomes and a great experience.
We know you have options, see what sets us apart.
Our Board Certified surgeons specialize in Refractive Cataract Surgery, where the goal is to remove a patient’s cataract and reduce their dependency on glasses at the same time. Refractive Cataract Surgery is an advanced procedure that goes above and beyond traditional cataract surgery to deliver exceptional results designed to fit our patients’ vision and their lifestyle. This is something very important to our busy Southwest Florida residents who enjoy golfing, playing pickle-ball, and reading without the hassle of wearing glasses.
Instead of meeting with another doctor for your surgical consult, you will meet with the surgeon performing your surgery. Your surgical consultation is an opportunity for your surgeon to examine the health of your eyes. In addition, you will discuss your lifestyle, hobbies, and your goals after surgery to decide on a plan together. Our hope is for you to leave your consultation feeling confident and excited about your upcoming surgery and potential new vision.
Each and every one of our surgical plans is customized by our surgeons depending on your lifestyle and the health of your eyes. In comparison to larger practices, take comfort in knowing that we go above and beyond by having our surgeons hand-select your intraocular lens to ensure superior surgical results.
Better technology means better visual outcomes, and Collins Vision is a leader in bringing the latest breakthroughs in eye care to the region. We pride ourselves on using the safest, most up-to-date technology including the use of a Femtosecond Laser to perform Laser Cataract Surgery, a variety of intraocular lenses, and the latest in diagnostic equipment.
All Collins Vision clinical physicians and surgeons have advanced certifications and are experts in their field. While the majority of your post-operative care is completed by one of our clinical physicians, we believe it is critical for you to also meet with your surgeon between your first and second eye surgeries. While this is not typical in most practices, our surgeons take the opportunity to review and examine the fine intricacies of how your first eye responded and make any necessary adjustments to your second eye’s surgical plan.
CATARACT SURGERY FAQs
Cataract surgery should be performed when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities such as driving, reading or watching TV.
Patients can expect their vision to be blurry the day after surgery as the eye is still dilated. Typically, you will experience your best vision two to four weeks after cataract surgery. Patients undergoing combined cataract and glaucoma surgery typically need longer healing time before gaining their maximum vision. For patients receiving multifocal or accommodating lens implants, their near vision may not be as clear as they desire initially, but will continue improving for months after surgery.
While the results of cataract surgery are permanent in that the cataract itself cannot come back, som epatients do experience a clouding of the capsule surrounding the lens a few months or even years later. If this occurs, an outpatient laser procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy will be used to quickly and painlessly restore your clear vision.
Your procedure will take place at St. Mark’s Surgical Center. Although the procedure only takes but a minute, you can still expect to be at the surgery center for an hour to an hour and a half total. This is due, in part, to making sure your eye is fully dilated prior to seeing Dr. Collins.
Once dilated, you will then be instructed to sit in front of a machine similar to what we use when examining your eyes in our office. Dr. Collins then looks through the microscope to focus on the capsule clearly before applying the laser. The laser passes through the clear tissue of the front of the eye, through the IOL, and makes a small opening in the posterior capsule so that light can once again focus clearly on the retina.
OUR LOCATIONS
proudly serving southwest florida
FORT MYERS OFFICE
6900 International Center Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33912
239.936.4706
NAPLES OFFICE
875 105th Avenue North
Naples, FL 34108
239.936.4706
