As your vision declines due to cataracts, it’s natural to wonder when and if surgery should be in your future. Ultimately, the choice is very personal, and should be made following a consultation with an experienced cataract specialist. Here are three important aspects to consider...

Impact on Quality of Life

Thankfully, cataracts won’t rob you of your vision overnight. They develop slowly over time, making symptoms increasingly worse. Some patients can live comfortably with eyeglasses or other vision correction for years after being diagnosed with cataracts. Eventually, however, cataracts will negatively impact your quality of life. If you are nearing the point where you can no longer enjoy daily activities – whether reading, playing cards, driving a car, or any other common tasks – it may be time for surgery. Surgery is the only effective, long-term treatment for cataracts, and can allow you to once again enjoy these activities.

Access to State-of-the-Art Treatment

Cataract surgery is a specialty in every sense of the word, and your eyes are too valuable to trust to anyone but the best. If you are considering cataract surgery, do your homework to identify a qualified eye surgeon who offers state-of-the-art technology and treatment options. Many patients today opt for laser-assisted cataract surgery. Laser-assisted surgery is pain-free and more precise that its traditional surgical alternative. Dr. Gregory Snodgrass of North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care was the area’s first eye surgeon to use the LenSx laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Recovery Time

Cataract surgery recovery times differ based on the type of procedure you choose. Traditional cataract surgery often requires a longer recovery and more discomfort during the recovery process compared to laser-assisted cataract surgery. Laser-assisted surgery causes less trauma to the eye, leading to quicker and easier recovery. With laser-assisted surgery, patients are typically released from the surgery center 30-60 minutes after the procedure. And many patients report improved vision in that time. Patients are then generally recommended to wear an eye shield off-and-on for up to a few days.

If you have questions about cataract surgery, or are ready to explore your cataract surgery options, call 352-373-4300 to today to contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care. Our physicians and staff look forward to hearing from you.