Cataract Care

Effective Cataract Care in El Paso

smiling senior woman outdoors At the practice of Daniel G. Blumenfeld, M.D., we know how valuable your vision is to you. If you’re dealing with a cataract, we offer compassionate care and effective treatment to protect and restore your eyesight.

Our El Paso ophthalmologist uses the latest techniques and technology to eliminate cataracts and provide you with clear vision once more. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and find out how we can help!

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How Cataracts Work

A cataract appears when protein cells clump together within your eye’s natural lens, blocking light and clouding your vision. This condition is common with aging, and other factors can increase the likelihood of developing it, such as family history, diabetes, long term UV exposure, or certain medications.

At first, the effects of a cataract can be minor, and people sometimes choose not to deal with it immediately. However, cataracts worsen over time, becoming wider and denser and impacting more of your sight. If left untreated, a developed cataract could lead to total blindness. Fortunately, modern treatment for cataracts can fully restore vision, and the sooner the issue is addressed, the more straightforward and successful treatment will be.

normal vision

Normal Vision

vision with cataract

Vision with Cataract

Do I Have a Cataract?

It may be tricky to tell if changes in your eyesight are the effect of a cataract or something else. Some people may even experience better near vision in the earliest stage. However, the symptoms become easier to detect as time passes.

You may be dealing with a forming cataract if you experience:

Blurry vision
Lights seem too bright
You see a “halo” effect around light sources
Double vision in one eye
Decreased night vision, and sensitivity to glare from headlights
Dull or fading colors

If you experience any of these indicators or are generally affected by a change in your sight, we urge you to contact our office. Whether your situation is due to a cataract or something else, fast detection is often vital to receiving the effective care you need.

Diagnosing Cataracts in our El Paso Office

Diagnosing a cataract starts by gathering information about your situation. Dr. Blumenfeld listens patiently and carefully to your symptoms and concerns. Once he understands what you’re dealing with, he’ll conduct tests to determine whether a cataract is the cause and how advanced it is. Testing your visual acuity and dilating your pupils are two common methods used to diagnose cataracts.

Treatment for a Cataract

patient looking at eye model After a cataract is confirmed, the doctor will discuss your treatment options. There are several factors to consider, including the size of the cataract and how much your vision is impaired. In the early stages, a new prescription can be enough to help you see clearly and perform daily activities without much difficulty. However, glasses are only effective at managing your current symptoms – they won’t stop the cataract from eventually getting worse.

While cataracts typically develop slowly over time, they don’t disappear on their own. The only way to completely treat a cataract is to surgically remove it and replace it with a specialized synthetic lens. At our practice, we use the latest techniques and tools to improve your treatment experience and promote a positive result.

What’s Involved in Cataract Surgery?

This treatment is relatively quick and can be done in a single outpatient visit in about fifteen minutes. Local anesthesia is used to make the process as comfortable as possible.

First, the cloudy lens is removed, eliminating the cataract. Once this step is complete, a specialized intraocular lens (IOL) is placed, becoming a permanent part of the eye. Your new lens is tailor-made to your unique needs, from its shape to the type of material used. Dr. Blumenfeld is meticulous in designing a lens that best supports your vision.

Cataract Surgery Aftercare

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, allowing you to rest comfortably in your own home while you recuperate. Recovering from cataract surgery can seem quick, and you may feel ready to return to normal activity the next day. However, you’ll want to give your eye the time and rest it needs to heal properly.

Using caution during the first week will help you avoid complications and make the process as comfortable as possible. Here are a few simple tips to make your recovery easier for you.

Use your prescribed eye drops as directed. These are vital to prevent infection and inflammation, and they only take a few minutes to apply.
Don’t drive at all the day after surgery, even if you feel confident in your eyesight.
Avoid rubbing your eye, bending over, or putting pressure on your eye for the rest of the day after surgery.
Avoid exposing your eyes to dust, dirt, pollen, wind, or other irritants for the first few weeks after treatment.
Avoid swimming or using a hot tub for a few weeks after your surgery; this will reduce the risk of infection.

Most people feel only slight discomfort after cataract surgery. If you do have some pain, an oral pain reliever like acetaminophen should provide relief.

Can You Get Cataract Surgery After Going Blind from a Cataract?

senior man getting his eye tested If your cataract has progressed to cause complete vision impairment, you may think the change is permanent. Fortunately, modern treatment makes it possible for us to treat cataracts even if you’ve effectively lost all sight.

While we strongly encourage you to visit us when you first start to notice changes, it’s never too late to seek the care you need. Dr. Blumenfeld treats every patient with compassion and understanding. He takes the time to understand your situation and then educate you on the likely results, benefits, and potential risks. We want you to be able to make an informed decision about your treatment, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have.

Enjoy a Clearer View in El Paso

If you have a cataract that’s impacting your vision, having an eye doctor you trust is vital. Daniel G. Blumenfeld, M.D., combines his years of experience with high-end technology to deliver fast, effective care no matter how much your cataract has advanced. Visit our office today and let us help you see clearly and confidently once more!