Cataract Surgery

What is cataract surgery?

Cataracts describe the clouding of the lenses of your eyes. The cloudy lens distorts your vision, making objects look hazy or blurry and dulling the brightness of colors. Over time, cataracts can cause total vision loss.

Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens. Dr. Tepper replaces your natural lens with an artificial one so that you can see clearly again. He can also insert a premium intraocular lens (IOL) to fix vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

Wicker Park Eye Center offers laser cataract procedures that are less invasive than traditional cataract surgery. Dr. Tepper uses a femtosecond laser to make incisions without damaging nearby tissue. A femtosecond laser is classified as ultrafast, pulsing at one quadrillionth of a second.

When should I consider cataract surgery?

You might need cataract surgery at Wicker Park Eye Center if you have cataracts in one or both eyes that affect your ability to read, drive, or do other activities.

Cataract surgery can also be appropriate if you experience:

• Glare
• Halos around lights
• Light sensitivity
• Double vision

Dr. Tepper specializes in treating mild, moderate, and severe vision loss caused by cataracts. He can also recommend which IOL is right for your condition. He offers several high-quality lenses to restore your vision so you no longer have to rely on eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Typically, Dr. Tepper operates on one of your eyes at a time. If both eyes are clouded by cataracts, you’ll need two procedures.

What can I expect during cataract surgery?

During your cataract surgery at Wicker Park Eye Center, Dr. Tepper can provide oral sedatives and anesthesia to keep you relaxed before using the laser to make incisions in your cornea. After removing the clouded lens, Dr. Tepper inserts the IOL, positions it, and closes the incisions.

Your vision will be blurry for a few days after surgery. Plan time to recover from cataract surgery and adapt to your new lenses. Dr. Tepper can prescribe medicated eye drops to support corneal healing and gives you a shield to protect your eye while sleeping.

He monitors your healing progress during a follow-up visit about a month after surgery. Complete healing takes about eight weeks.

Call Wicker Park Eye Center today to learn if you’re a candidate for cataract surgery or book an appointment online.