Traditional Cataract Surgery near Chicago, IL

In most cases, cataracts are an unavoidable part of getting older that start to develop after 40 years of age. This is the age when the proteins comprising the lens of the eye often begin to degrade or clump together. The fogginess caused by cataracts eventually gets worse and prevents light from arriving at the retina correctly. This fogging of the eye's lens ultimately results in loss of vision, and often, total blindness if not treated appropriately. Considered to be both incredibly safe and extraordinarily effective, traditional cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) is among the most frequently conducted procedures globally. The ocular surgeons at Kirk Eye Center are knowledgeable in traditional cataract surgery so call our office in River Forest or Gurnee, IL today to learn more about cataract removal options.

Traditional cataract surgery offers a wide number of benefits. Kirk Eye Center's patients in River Forest, IL notice a number of advantages, such as:

• Lower cost than laser cataract surgery
• Effective results
• Safe procedure
• Quick recovery time

Suitable candidates for traditional cataract removal surgery should be in good general health. Particular types of astigmatism might lessen the chances of optimal results, which might impact an individual's eligibility for the treatment. However, some types of astigmatism are now treatable in the same procedure with the cataract surgery. Likewise, some preexisting eye problems, such as macular degeneration or retinal detachment, might affect a patient’s eligibility for cataract surgery. At Kirk Eye Center, patients will undergo an in-depth eye examination to establish whether traditional cataract surgery is the most effective treatment.

We offer traditional cataract surgery as a fast and comfortable outpatient procedure that typically lasts around ten minutes per eye. Like with laser cataract surgery, the patient stays conscious; however, his or her eyes are completely numbed prior to surgery. First, we will put a suction device on each eye to guard against movement. Next, we will manually create a microscopic incision at the rim of the corneal tissue. Then, a different device will be used to reach the lens through the incision. This device crumbles the cataracted lens by emitting ultrasonic waves so it can be easily taken out and replaced with a new intraocular lens through the same opening. The opening will close up on its own quickly.

View Video

Once the surgery is done, each patient is provided with thorough at-home care instructions to ensure the smoothest healing and recovery. These rules may include points, like the appropriate use of any anti-inflammatory eye drops, whether an eye bandage will be needed, advice on sleeping without putting pressure on the eyes, and not doing strenuous exercises. It is normal for cataract surgery patients to deal with a degree of distorted vision for an hour or so following the procedure, but this is temporary. It's also possible to have slight bruising that looks like a black eye for a short period.

Is cataract surgery painful?

Cataract surgery is not a painful procedure. Most individuals report feeling only a minor amount of discomfort after surgery, and this can be controlled with medication and eye drops. Recovery from our cutting-edge cataract procedure is typically quick and easy, with most people returning to their normal activities within a few days.

Does cataract surgery prevent future vision problems?

Yes, cataract surgery can help prevent future vision problems in River Forest. By removing the cloudy lens from your eye, surgery can restore your vision and prevent further deterioration. However, it’s important to note that cataract surgery will not prevent all future vision problems. These include age-related changes to the eyes after surgery.

What restrictions will I have after cataract surgery?

There will be some restrictions after cataract surgery. Kirk Eye Center does recommend avoiding strenuous workouts and contact sports for a short period. You will also need to wear sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. These prevent irritation and give your eyes time to heal properly. We discuss all post-operative instructions beforehand.

When you visit Kirk Eye Center, our primary goal is maximizing your vision and total ocular health. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts or have noticed the usual symptoms, contact our River Forest or Gurnee, IL office to schedule a consultation with our expert ophthalmology team and discover all the options for managing the condition, such as this remarkable procedure for better vision.