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Cataracts Specialist

Advanced Eye Center

Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon & Aesthetic Laser Services located in Hialeah, FL

Cataracts are common eye problems, affecting about half of Americans by age 75. If you experience clouded, blurred, or dim vision, the team at Advanced Eye Center, in Hialeah, Florida, is here for you. Rodrigo Belalcazar, MD, and his team can diagnose, manage, and treat cataracts to prevent further vision problems. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Cataracts Q & A

What are cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the clear lens in your eye turns cloudy. The blurred vision that results makes it difficult to drive, read, and see even facial expressions. Many cataracts develop slowly over time, eventually interfering with your vision.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

The following signs and symptoms can indicate you have cataracts:

  • Blurry vision
  • Clouded vision
  • Dim vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Light and glare sensitivity
  • A need for brighter lights
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Yellowing or fading of colors
  • Double vision

Cataracts can contribute to needing frequent eyeglass or contact lens prescription changes. When you see Dr. Belalcazar regularly, he can detect cataracts early before they cause serious vision problems.

What are the risk factors for cataracts?

Cataracts typically occur with older age. Other risk factors include diabetes, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and excessive sunlight exposure, as well as eye inflammation, injuries, previous eye surgery, excessive alcohol use, and prolonged medication use. 

How does my doctor diagnose cataracts?

To find out if you have cataracts, Dr. Belalcazar reviews your medical history and discusses your symptoms. He completes vision testing and a comprehensive dilated eye examination. 

You might read letters on an eye chart, look through various lenses, and undergo a slit-lamp examination, during which Dr. Belalcazar uses a microscope to get an in-depth view of the entire portion of your eye.

What are my cataract treatment options?

Dr. Belalcazar might recommend wearing eyeglasses to correct your vision in the early stages of cataracts. Cataract surgery is a standard treatment for cataracts. Dr. Belalcazar and his team use the most advanced laser technology to complete the surgery. 

He numbs your eye during the procedure and removes a clouded lens in the front part of your eye. He replaces it with a clear, artificial lens. You can usually go home the same day as surgery. Complete healing might take about eight weeks. After your eye heals, Dr. Belalcazar can operate on the other eye if necessary.

Don’t live with cloudy vision when cataract treatment can help you see clearly. Schedule an appointment with Advanced Eye Center, by phone, or book online today.