WHAT ARE CATARACTS?
As we age—or due to factors like diabetes, eye inflammation, previous eye surgery, or long-term use of certain medications such as steroids—the eye’s clear natural lens can become cloudy, a condition known as a cataract. Cataracts don’t develop at the same pace for everyone, and their impact on vision can vary from person to person.
A cataract occurs when the eye’s clear natural lens becomes cloudy, making vision appear blurry or hazy—much like looking through a foggy or frosted window. While cataracts often develop as a normal part of aging, they can also result from conditions like diabetes, certain medications such as steroids, or even an eye injury. More than half of people over 65 have some degree of cataract, and by age 75, most experience vision changes significant enough to affect daily life. If you’ve started to notice cloudy vision, it may be a good time to meet with one of our experienced cataract surgeons in Stuart or Port St. Lucie.
Cataracts usually form gradually, and in the beginning, brighter lighting or updated glasses may help improve vision. Over time, however, the clouding can worsen and begin to interfere with daily activities. When this happens, cataract surgery may be needed. The good news is that cataract removal is one of the most common, safest, and most successful surgeries performed today.
Many people mistakenly believe cataracts are a disease or that they form as a growth on the outside of the eye. In reality, cataracts develop inside the eye when the natural lens, called the crystalline lens, becomes cloudy. This lens normally helps focus light so we can see clearly. When it remains clear, vision is sharp, but if the lens becomes opaque or cloudy, vision becomes blurry and less distinct.
SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of cataracts include blurry, cloudy, or dim vision, trouble seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, halos around lights, needing brighter light for reading, frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription, colors appearing faded or yellowed, and sometimes double vision in one eye. Bright lights from the sun, lamps, or headlights may feel overwhelming, and glare or halos can make driving difficult or unsafe. You might also notice more eyestrain or find yourself blinking often in an effort to clear your vision.
WHEN TO SEE US
In certain cases, cataracts may need to be removed urgently—especially if they are contributing to glaucoma or causing specific types of glaucoma. Most often, though, the decision for surgery is based on how much your vision is affecting your daily life. If you’re noticing vision problems, it’s important to see your eye doctor for a full evaluation to determine whether cataract removal is the right choice. Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts, involving removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with a clear lens implant. To learn more about your options, contact our experienced cataract surgeons in Stuart.
CATARACT DIAGNOSIS
At your cataract evaluation, your eye doctor will test how well each eye sees, check if new glasses could improve your vision, and use dilating drops to examine your lens for clouding. Your overall eye health will also be reviewed. If you’re a good candidate for surgery, your doctor will explain the results, answer your questions, and help you schedule the procedure.
CATARACT TREATMENT OPTIONS
Each year, over 1.4 million Americans have cataract surgery, with more than 95% experiencing improved vision and no complications. Our skilled cataract surgeons in Stuart and Port St. Lucie perform this safe, outpatient procedure using only numbing drops for comfort.
CATARACT SURGERY
During cataract surgery, Dr. Frenkel makes a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea and uses a gentle ultrasound instrument to break up and remove the cloudy lens. A clear intraocular lens (IOL), customized for your eye, is then implanted to restore focusing power. Most surgeries are quick, safe, and result in clearer vision right away. Afterward, you’ll use eye drops for a few weeks, and glasses may still be needed for your sharpest vision. In some cases, the lens capsule can become cloudy later, but this is easily treated with a simple in-office laser procedure. Now patients also have the option of choosing a bladeless, computer-controlled laser to perform several of the most critical steps of cataract surgery. The LenSx femtosecond laser is an advanced precision technology that operates with computer control, helping surgeons to customize the procedure to your eye. It is a technologically advanced option for cataract patients as well as those with increased astigmatism, as the LenSx corrects moderate astigmatism. To find out more about the astigmatism treatment offered by our doctors, contact us.
Achieve Exceptional Vision
with Dr. Frenkel's PanOptix Trifocal Lens Implant
Experience unparalleled clarity and detail at all distances with Dr. Frenkel's PanOptix Trifocal Lens Implant. Join countless patients enjoying transformative results post-cataract surgery. See the world like never before and embrace a life of vivid vision.
Distance Vision:
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94% of patients secure 20/40 or better vision, meeting driver's license vision test standards.
Intermediate Vision:
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94% accomplish 20/40 or better vision.
Near Vision:
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Delight in the details as 94% of patients reach 20/40 or better near vision.
Intraocular Lenses (IOL) we use to treat cataracts
TRADITIONAL LENS IMPLANTS
Traditional intraocular lenses have a spherical optical design, meaning the front surface is uniformly curved from the center of the lens to its periphery. A spherical intraocular lens can induce minor optical imperfections which can affect quality of vision, particularly in low-light conditions such as driving at night.
Premium lenses, on the other hand, match more closely the shape and optical quality of the eye’s natural lens, and thereby can provide sharper vision — especially in low light conditions and for people with large pupils.
The latest innovation in cataract surgery is now available with Dr. Ronald Frenkel. The ORA System,state-of-the-art “smart” eye surgery allows your expert surgeon Dr. Frenkel to take precise measurements and evaluate accuracy during the procedure. If needed, he can instantly make any adjustments, such as refining the incisions, fine-tuning the power of the Intraocular Lens implant or even performing a lens exchange if the pre-selected lens isn’t a perfect fit. Fully customizing the entire procedure to each patient’s eyes helps ensure optimum clarity and focus, making the ORA System instrumental in achieving the best outcomes for cataract surgery.
The PanOptix® IOL
The PanOptix® intraocular lens (IOL) is a premium lens option for cataract surgery that provides clear vision at near, intermediate, and distance ranges. Unlike standard lenses, which usually only correct vision at one distance, the PanOptix IOL is designed to reduce dependence on glasses for most daily activities—whether you’re reading a book, working on a computer, or driving. Many patients enjoy greater freedom and a more seamless visual experience, making PanOptix an excellent choice for those who want to see well at all distances after cataract surgery.
The Eyehance™ IOL
The Eyehance™ intraocular lens (IOL) is a next-generation lens implant used during cataract surgery that not only restores clear vision but also provides an extended range of focus compared to standard monofocal lenses. With Eyehance, many patients enjoy crisp distance vision while also seeing more clearly at intermediate ranges—such as when using a computer, cooking, or shopping—without always needing glasses. This makes it a great option for people who want a little more visual freedom in their everyday activities while still benefiting from a simple, reliable lens design.
VIVITY™ Lens Implant
The Vivity® intraocular lens (IOL) is an innovative option for cataract surgery designed to provide a broader range of vision than standard lenses. Unlike traditional monofocal IOLs, which typically give clear distance vision only, the Vivity lens uses advanced technology to help patients see well at far and intermediate distances, with improved functional vision up close. This means many people can enjoy activities like driving, working on a computer, and reading a menu with less dependence on glasses. The Vivity IOL is also designed to reduce visual side effects such as halos or glare, making it a great choice for patients who want clear, seamless vision for their everyday lifestyle.
The Odyssey ™ IOL
The TECNIS Odyssey™ intraocular lens (IOL) is a cutting-edge option for cataract surgery designed to give you a continuous and vibrant range of vision—from far and intermediate to near—so you can enjoy everyday activities like reading, working on your computer, or driving without constantly reaching for your glasses. Built on Johnson & Johnson's advanced TECNIS platform, the Odyssey™ lens improves contrast in low light and reduces common visual disturbances like halos, glare, or starbursts, thanks to its innovative optical design and blue-violet light filtering technologies. The Odyssey™ IOL is a great choice if you want a broader, more seamless vision experience with fewer compromises and a clear view in any lighting condition.
THE ACRYSOF® TORIC IOL
The AcrySof® Toric intraocular lens (IOL) is specifically designed to correct both cataracts and astigmatism in a single procedure. By replacing the eye’s cloudy natural lens and addressing the irregular shape of the cornea, the AcrySof® Toric IOL helps patients achieve sharper, more stable vision at a distance. Many people who choose this lens experience greater freedom from glasses for activities like driving or watching TV, making it a trusted option for those seeking clearer vision and an improved quality of life after cataract surgery.
The AcrySof® Toric Intraocular Lens has advanced technology that can eliminate the cataracts that cloud your vision and correct the astigmatism that distorts your vision all at the same time. In a recent FDA study 94% of patients were able to eliminate the need for glasses to see in the distance and achieved 20/25 or better. Patients enjoy activities like sports, driving, or watching T.V. and movies without the need for contacts or glasses.