What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. This commonly begins to occur as we age, normally affecting, to some degree, most individuals in their 60's. However, children are occasionally born with congenital cataracts and young adults, as well, can develop debilitating visual impairment from a cataract.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Generally, visual problems occur mostly as blurred vision in one or both eyes. Under certain conditions, your vision may be worse than others from your cataract. You may notice a "starburst effect", halo around headlights at nighttime, glare from lights or the sun making it harder for you to see. Color vision, as well, can be severely affected by your developing cataract. Colors are dull and not as bright as they once were.

How can i tell i'm ready for cataract surgery?
You are ready for cataract surgery, only, when it is interfering with your lifestyle. This is different for different individuals. An elderly nursing home patient, may not be as bothered by the same degree of a cataract as an active, younger person. Most ophthalmologists, today, no longer use the term "ripe" when determining when cataract surgery is appropriate. Instead, the surgery is generally indicated when your vision is interfering with your lifestyle and, therefore, the enjoyment of your life.

The cataract consultation
An evaluation for cataracts at All Saints Eye Center involves a thorough evaluation of your entire eye. This involves a detailed evaluation personally performed by Dr. Zimm.

Surgical Center
Your cataract procedure is performed at an out patient ambulatory surgical center. You will typically be at the center normally for 1 1/2 hours. After you are brought into the surgical center, a slight sedation is given. Generally, Dr. Zimm uses the no-stitch cataract technique using only drops for topical anesthesia. You leave the surgery center wearing only dark glasses, no patches are needed. Most of the time, you require little or no pain medication.

The procedure itself involves a technique known as phacoemulsification, in which, sound waves are used to break up the cataract itself. An implant is inserted through the same incision.

Where is the cataract surgery performed?
Dr. Zimm performs cataract surgery at an outpatient ambulatory surgery center so no hospital is needed. In addition, Dr. Zimm is performing cataract surgery in both Naples and Fort Myers, giving you, the patient, more flexibilty in scheduling your procedure.

Postoperative care and visual recovery
You are seen the following day after cataract surgery. Visual recovery is usually rapid. However, occasionally swelling can occur which will limit your vision in the immediate postoperative period. Topical eyedrops are used for a few weeks after the surgery and, generally, patients are seen several times after surgery. Complication rates average less than 2% and Dr. Zimm and his staff, will be happy to discuss in detail, these issues in greater depth during your evaluation.

Trust experience
Dr. Zimm is one of the most experienced cataract surgeons in the area. He has removed over 10,000 cataracts in Southwest Florida.

All Saints Eye Center is able to perform catarct surgery in both Naples and Fort Myers!

To make an appointment with Dr. Zimm, or for more information about how you can benefit from cataract surgery, call 239.592.5511.