Any type of surgical procedure is serious, as they all involve some level of risk. Thankfully, cataract surgery has a relatively low occurrence of complications and a high probability of success when performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. Approximately 3 million Americans per year have cataract surgery with 99.5% experiencing minor or no postoperative complications, according to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Still, you should always carefully consider the risks and rewards of any procedure, and discuss your specific prognosis with your doctor. If you then choose to proceed with cataract surgery, here’s what you can expect.

Cataract Surgery Overview

Cataract surgery replaces the patient’s damaged natural eye lens with an intraocular lens implant. There are two basic categories of cataract surgery: traditional and laser-assisted. The two procedures differ greatly in how they are performed, the patient’s recovery experience and the likelihood of complications.

If your ophthalmologist only offers traditional cataract surgery, seek a second opinion to properly familiarize yourself with both options. Laser-assisted cataract surgery is generally preferred, as it is completely pain-free, stitch-free and produces fewer traumas to the eye, allowing for faster healing.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

Most laser-assisted cataract surgery patients report improved vision while still in the recovery room. Patients wear an eye shield off-and-on for up to a few days, and may initially experience some cloudy or blurred vision, and potentially some redness. These are normal short-term side effects. Some see clearly almost immediately, while others require a week or two.

Your surgeon may ask you to come into the office for a follow-up visit a day or two after surgery to ensure you are healing normally.

As stated before, serious cataract surgery complications are extremely rare. The procedure does not require full sedation, eliminating many potential health risks. Complications can include inflammation, infection, bleeding, swelling, drooping eyelid, retinal detachment, glaucoma and loss of vision, among others. Patients with other existing eye diseases or medical conditions are at increased risk for such complications, but the overall incidence is still less than 0.5%. This makes cataract surgery one of the safest procedures in the country.

The decision to have cataract surgery is one you should always discuss with both your eye physician and family. Ask plenty of questions to make sure you have a solid understanding of the risks and benefits. For a consultation, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today.

Cataract surgery is very common in the United States, with more than 3 million Americans electing to have the procedure each year. With advances in technique and technology, including laser-assisted surgery, cataract surgery is now faster and more effective than ever, both in terms of the procedure itself and patient recovery.

Diagnosis and Scheduling

If you get regular eye exams from a comprehensive vision care practice, your eye doctor will likely identify cataract development long before symptoms require surgery. Cataract progress will be monitored closely over time. In some cases, patients live with slow-developing cataracts for years before they noticeably impact daily life. Eventually, however, all cataracts require surgery to correct.

When the time is right, you can review your surgical options with your eye physician and schedule your surgery. Depending on availability, the time from decision to procedure is generally less than a few weeks.

Cataract Surgery Procedure

You’ll likely be asked to arrive at the eye surgery center early in the morning on the day of your procedure. You will complete some paperwork and be prepped for surgery. Assuming you choose laser-assisted cataract surgery, once inside the operating room, the surgeon will use the computer to precisely map your eye’s surfaces. This takes very little time. A laser will then be used to make a tiny incision. The old, damaged lens is broken up and removed, and a new artificial lens implanted. The whole procedure takes just a few minutes. 

Of course, it’s always far more important to complete the procedure effectively than quickly, so that will be your eye surgeon’s focus.

Recovery Time

Immediately following surgery, you will spend about 30-60 minutes in a recovery room to allow your eye(s) to adjust. Many patients report improved vision before even leaving the recovery room. Still, you will need someone to drive you home. It’s recommended that most patients wear an eye shield on-and-off for a few days. Depending on how quickly your eyes adjust, and in lieu of any complications, you may see clearly within a few hours or it may take a week or two.

If you believe you or someone you love may have cataracts, contact us today to schedule your consultation with North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care.

Why is it that every time we see Santa Claus, he’s wearing eyeglasses? It’s safe to assume there aren’t any licensed opticians at the North Pole, but what could be the cause of his seemingly poor eyesight?

Well, here are a couple of theories… 

Environmental Factors

The eyes are delicate structures. Many environmental factors can interfere with proper functioning. It may be constant exposure to the Arctic’s cold, dry winds. Or it could be allergies. Perhaps Santa is allergic to reindeer dander. These types of influences can lead to dry eye syndrome. Another common cause of dry eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction. Of course, age, medications and medical conditions can also play roles.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

As people get older, the macula (the part of the retina responsible for your central vision) tends to break down. Macular degeneration results in reduced capacity to interpret fine details. So, if Timmy got a boy duck, instead of the toy truck on his wish list, Santa’s macular degeneration could be to blame. Santa may be dealing with haziness, blurriness, dark areas, less vivid colors and more. So, come on, cut Santa a break, and enjoy your duck. 

Cataracts

Santa is no spring chicken. Estimates put him at 1,746 years old. That’s way beyond the age at which most Americans develop cataracts. By age 80, more than half of all Americans experience cataracts. By the year 2020, studies estimate more than 30 million Americans will have cataracts. So, Santa likely has cataract symptoms including cloudy or blurred vision, double vision, halos, light sensitivity and more. No wonder he relies on his elves for much of the detail work. 

This holiday season, have a heart. Make sure to write your wish lists in big letters and maybe keep a light on near the tree for old Saint Nick. We’re all getting older and our eyes are aging along with us.

If you could use a fresh eye exam leading into the New Year, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today. 

With the holidays fast approaching, you’ll likely spend more time with your parents, grandparents or other relatives in coming weeks. Besides being a great opportunity to catch up, share stories and create new memories, it’s also a chance to observe their health. Older relatives can sometimes be reluctant to admit when physical abilities such as eyesight begin to weaken or fail.

Watch for these warning signs… 

Clarity Issues

If mom, dad or grandma always enjoyed reading the daily paper, but now toss it aside, it could be because they can no longer read it comfortably. Ask questions: why aren’t you reading the paper, is the type too small, does it seem cloudy, etc. Follow up with questions about their ability to drive and interpret street signs and lights. Cataracts symptoms often include halos that make traffic lights hard to read.

Balance

Poor eyesight often leads to impaired balance, stumbles and even life-threatening falls. Elderly people may be quick to dismiss these incidents as just part of getting older, but proper vision care could improve their ability to successfully navigate their home and life. If a family member seems less stable on his or her feet, remember it could be related to vision, and schedule an eye exam.

Frustration

Failing eyesight often leads to crankiness in the elderly. Vision is the sense many people rely on most for daily activities. When it fades with age, frustration and poor attitude naturally follow. This can impact every aspect of life and relationships, especially if the individual is slow to admit to having impaired vision. Watch for signs, ask questions and lend a compassionate ear. Many people prefer to seem in control rather than admit their body is failing. Don’t allow loved ones to suffer in silence.

If someone you care about may have a vision issue, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today to schedule a consultation.

By the year 2020, medical experts estimate more than 30 million Americans will have cataracts. So, it’s not surprising that cataract treatment information is of great interest to the public and news media alike. ABC affiliate, WCJB TV20, recently featured North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care in a “Your Health” news segment to shed some light on cataracts.

A cataract is clouding of the eye’s natural lens resulting from a build up of proteins. As new cells form, existing cells are compacted together. The damage is permanent and continually robs patients of their vision over time.

For the segment, “Your Health” interviewed Sally Thompson, a North Florida Cataract and Vision Care patient from Gainesville, who shared the challenges she faced with cataracts, and how Dr. Gregory Snodgrass helped her see clearly again. 

Thompson told “Your Health” that cataract symptoms made many aspects of life difficult, including driving. “Traffic lights or oncoming headlights, there’s a huge glow around it. Like a halo or a burst of a starburst of light around it.”

Halos are a common cataract symptom, along with cloudy or blurred vision, double vision, glare, light sensitivity and lens discoloration. Symptoms may be minor early on, but inevitably get worse. An ophthalmic evaluation is required to accurately diagnose the progression of cataracts.

Dr. Snodgrass explained that surgery is the only effective treatment option to permanently correct cataracts. “The only way to correct that, ultimately, is to remove the cloudy lens, and replace it with a clear, intraocular lens implant. And then, the cataract will not return.”

Following her diagnosis, Thomson opted for laser-assisted cataract surgery. She said the experience was simple and painless. “It’s the easiest thing you could ever imagine. I’ve had more pain with a paper cut. I had the surgery in the morning. I was out by noon. I went home and took an hour nap and I went back to work. I worked until 5:30 that day." 

Faster recovery is a primary reason many patients like Thompson choose laser-assisted cataract surgery versus traditional cataract surgery. Laser-assisted cataract surgery produces less eye trauma, and thus, fewer trauma-related side effects. Many patients report improved vision before even leaving the recovery room. And both the surgery and recovery are pain-free.

Contact North Florida Cataract Specialist and Vision Care today to schedule your consultation.

Screen capture courtesy of WCJB TV20.

One of the most common complaints from vision patients is itchy eyes. Scratchy, irritable eyes can be uncomfortable and incredibly frustrating. The causes are varied, and effective treatments depend on the precise cause. Here are some of the frequent causes of itchy eyes.

Dry Eye Syndrome

When the eye fails to produce enough tear film, or the right mix of tear film components, itchy, dry eyes can result. Dry eye syndrome is a common affliction, affecting more than five million Americans. The symptoms of dry eye syndrome include scratchiness, redness, excessive tearing and more. Often, dry eye syndrome is caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. In these instances, the meibomian glands that line the eyelid fail to produce sufficient oils to lubricate the eye surface. LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation is frequently a recommended means of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Untreated, dry eye syndrome can have long-term effects. 

Allergies

Seasonal changes and environmental factors can produce many allergy symptoms, including itchy eyes. Allergens like dust, pollen and animal dander release histamines that produce itching, swelling and redness. Histamines are your body’s natural response to the introduction of elements it deems dangerous to your body. When histamines are released, they boost blood flow to the affected area, causing inflammation, which spurs your immune system to take action. Several over-the-counter remedies are available to treat allergy-induced itchy eye symptoms.

Contact Lens Issues

Contact lenses are an outstanding way to correct many vision problems, but even when properly maintained, wearing contacts can sometimes lead to contact lens discomfort and itchy eyes. Following the guidelines specified by your licensed optician should help you avoid most contact lens discomfort symptoms, but if you do experience itchy eyes, artificial tears and nutritional supplements may help. If symptoms persist, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist to diagnose the root cause. 

Blepharitis

Granulated eyelids, also known as blepharitis, is fairly common. When oily particles and bacteria cause blepharitis inflammation, itching is a frequent symptom. Dandruff-like skin particles collect along the eyelid, producing crusting. Primary treatment options generally include hot compresses, eyelid scrubs and nutritional supplements. More severe flare-ups may require prescription eye drops, ointments or oral medications.

If you’re dealing with itchy, burning eyes, schedule a consultation with North Florida Cataracts and Vision Care. Through our Dry Eye Center of Excellence, we specialize in diagnosing and tre

Blurred vision can result from everything from an early morning wakeup to cataracts. Short-term symptoms are not generally reason for concern, but longer-term blurred vision is certainly an indication to visit your eye doctor. Here are a few common causes to discuss with your ophthalmologist. 

Nearsightedness and Farsightedness

Near- and farsightedness are the most common reasons people seek vision care from an optometrist. Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, allows an individual to see nearby items clearly, but objects become blurry farther away. Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, allows an individual to clearly see objects farther away, but nearby objects are blurry. Both conditions can generally be treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is often a natural side effect of aging that involves a breakdown of the part of the retina that allows you to see details clearly. Blurred vision is a common symptom, along with dark areas or distortion in your central vision and less vivid color interpretation. While little can be done to improve the sight of someone with ARMD, early detection can slow the rate of vision loss.  

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes affects many of the body’s systems, including vision. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, which adversely impacts the part of the eye that receives and converts light into neural signals. Diabetic retinopathy can even potentially cause the retina to wrinkle or detach. In early stages, retinopathy can be symptomless, but blurred vision may be an indicator. Laser surgery and medications may be applied to slow progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Cataracts

Cataracts are caused by a build up of naturally occurring proteins on the eye lens. By age 65, more than 90 percent of people develop a cataract in at least one eye. Cataract symptoms include blurred vision, double vision, lens discoloration, light sensitivity, glare and halos. The damage is permanent, requiring surgery to correct. Treatment options include traditional surgery and laser-assisted cataract surgery, with the latter being preferred by many patients and doctors.

Of course, multiple other vision issues can cause blurred vision, so be sure to talk to your eye doctor. North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care offers complete vision screenings to accurately diagnose patients’ specific eye care needs. Schedule your consultation today to put yourself on the road to a clearer view.

What criteria should you use to choose the right eye doctor for your specific needs? Each patient is different, and your unique situation requires answering a series of questions to find the best eye doctor to diagnose and treat your vision problems.

What vision problems do you hope to overcome?

Some eye care practices are capable of diagnosing and treating simple vision challenges, while others are better equipped to handle the full breadth of vision issues. If you’re unsure what is limiting your vision, you’ll want to select a comprehensive ophthalmology practice capable of running all necessary tests to accurately identify the root cause of your vision limitations. 

Could you potentially need surgery?

Many vision issues can be addressed with eyeglasses or cataracts, but others, like cataracts, require surgery to correct. You’ll want to choose an eye care practice that offers comprehensive vision care, including both a full optical department and access to surgical options, in case your vision challenges require that level of intervention. The ideal eye care practice will offer access to a state-of-the-art eye surgery center to ensure all options are available to you.

Is there a practice location near you?

One can’t overstate the importance of convenient access. Traveling miles to your eye physician can preclude you from making regular visits. It’s easy to skip a scheduled appointment if it’s tough to get there. A practice with multiple locations, including one close to you, makes it more likely that you will keep up with follow up visits and maintain your vision care. North Florida Cataract Specialist and Vision Care has offices in Gainesville, Tioga, Lake City and Melrose to make life easy for our patients.

What level of personal service do you expect?

There are a lot of national eyeglass shops out there. Often, they take a one-size-fits-all approach – come in, order at the counter and they send you on your way. Vision evaluation, diagnosis and treatment should be treated just like any other medical care. At North Florida Cataract Specialist and Vision Care, we treat each patient as an individual. We’ll take time to listen to you and answer you questions before determining the best way to treat your symptoms.

If your vision isn’t what it once was, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today. 

By age 65, more than 90 percent of people develop a cataract in at least one eye. By age 85, more than half of all Americans have impaired vision due to cataracts. And cataracts always require surgery to correct, so it’s imperative that you have a cataract screening if you suspect you may be experiencing cataract symptoms.

So, how do you know when it’s time for a cataract screening? The simple answer is, if your vision diminishes as you get older, get a cataract screening. Seeking medical attention early can help you see clearly for the rest of your life.

The more complete answer is to watch for these cataract symptoms… 

Cloudy or blurred vision

Only a limited area of your visual field may initially be affected by the development of a cataract. Objects may be blurry when you look one direction, but not another. Cataracts are progressive, so eventually this cloudiness will overtake your vision completely.

Double vision

Double vision is often a dangerous effect of cataracts. Your mind can’t effectively process incoming visual cues, and that can result in balance issues, falls and hazardous driving.

Lens discoloration

Cataracts often cause lens discoloration that may or may not be apparent to others. If you’re experiencing dulled colors, as if looking through a brown or yellow film, it’s time to get a cataract screening.

Light sensitivity, glare and halos

Even typical amounts of light can be overwhelming to people suffering with cataracts. You may also experience disorienting glare or halos. If you consistently experience these symptoms, don’t hesitate, get a cataract screening as soon as possible.

Cataracts are treatable, and early intervention can help you avoid years of impaired vision. Your first step should be scheduling a consultation with an experienced cataract surgeon like Dr. Gregory Snodgrass.

Dr. Snodgrass and the staff at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care will talk through your cataract surgery options and answer any questions you may have. Schedule your cataract consultation today.

Laser surgery provides relief and improved vision for a variety of eye health issues. At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we specialize in laser cataract surgery to permanently treat cataract symptoms.

How Does Laser Cataract Surgery Work?

First, we evaluate the impact of your cataracts on daily quality of life. Correcting cataracts always requires surgery eventually, but you may not need surgery right away. We’ll meet with you to assess your cataract symptoms and determine if now is the right time for surgery.

If it is, indeed, time for surgery, we’ll schedule your procedure with one of the area’s most experienced cataract surgeons, Dr. Gregory Snodgrass, at our state-of-the-art eye surgery center.

There, Dr. Snodgrass will use the industry-leading LenSx laser cataract surgery system to map your eye and precisely replace your cataract-damaged lens with a new artificial intraocular lens implant.

What Should I Expect from Recovery?

Following your surgery, you’ll spend a short time in the recovery room, usually just 30-60 minutes. Patients often report improved vision during that time. Once you’re ready, a friend or family member will take you home.

At home, you’ll wear an eye shield off-and-on for up to a few days. You may experience some redness and blurred or cloudy vision during this time. You’ll then come into our office for a follow up visit. We’ll ensure the implant is positioned correctly and that you’re on the path to improved vision. 

Dr. Snodgrass has performed more than 20,000 successful cataract surgeries, so you’re in good hands when you choose North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care.

Schedule your consultation today, to determine if now is the right time for laser cataract surgery. We’ll talk through your cataract surgery options and answer any questions you have along the way. Our number one goal is providing you a clearer view.