What are cataracts?
Cataracts cloud your vision and make the world look blurry, hazy, or less colorful, affecting your ability to perform essential tasks like reading and driving. The professionals at Wickerpark Eye Center are proud to offer advanced tools and technologies to treat cataracts, including laser cataract surgery and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs).
Cataracts are classified as the clouding of your natural eye lens, usually developing in adults over 40. Laser cataract surgery removes the affected lens, while premium IOLs are available for patients with refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Cataract surgery allows you to reclaim your independence and feel more confident in your day-to-day life. When you're ready to see the world more clearly, meet with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel Tepper and ask about femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. We can help you restore clear, sharp vision in Chicago, IL.
Who is a candidate for cataract surgery?
Cataracts are generally related to aging and can occur in one or both eyes. Even though cataracts start out small, they will grow over time and eventually cause total vision loss. Some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and controlling your blood sugar may slow the progress of cataracts. However, cataract surgery is currently the only viable option for restoring clear vision.
Cataracts often show no signs when they are small. As the cataract grows larger, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Light sensitivity
- Glare
- Double vision
- Halos around lights
- Colors that seem faded or yellow
- Cloudy or dim sight
Wickerpark Eye Center can treat people throughout the Chicago area suffering from mild, moderate, and severe vision loss caused by cataracts.
What happens during cataract surgery?
Dr. Tepper begins cataract surgery by using eye drops to dilate your pupil and numb the area. We can also provide oral sedatives and anesthesia to help you feel relaxed. We then use a precise femtosecond laser to make small incisions on the cornea, giving us access to the clouded natural lens of the eye. Once the cataract is removed, we will place the intraocular lens that we chose at the time of your consultation. With the IOL in place, the incisions are carefully closed to complete the procedure.
Cataract Surgery Reviews
Which IOL should I choose?
During your consultation, Dr. Tepper will discuss the different artificial lenses available to you during cataract surgery. We offer a variety of IOLs with different benefits. One of the key factors in choosing an IOL is the type of eye issues you face besides cataracts. Astigmatism, for example, is a common concern that often accompanies cataracts. Selecting an IOL that corrects astigmatism can reduce your dependency on prescription lenses after your surgery. Our options include the following:
- Toric: Toric artificial lenses can restore your vision while correcting astigmatism
- Alcon AcrySof®: We provide a range of lenses from AcrySof IQ, including monofocal lenses
- TECNIS Symfony®: The Symfony lens corrects age-related farsightedness, as well as astigmatism
- TECNIS® Monofocal: This advanced monofocal lens comes preloaded for optimal predictability
How long is recovery from cataract surgery?
Your vision will be blurry for the first few days after cataract surgery. It does take time to get used to the artificial lens, which is why we recommend taking time from work and social activities. Wickerpark Eye Center may prescribe you medicated eye drops or place a protective shield over your eye to allow for proper healing. We have patients return to our office for follow-up appointments as needed so Dr. Tepper can monitor their progress.
You should start to notice a difference in your vision right away. Colors may seem brighter, though your vision may remain blurry at first. During the first week of recovery, make sure to wear the protective eye shield while sleeping or napping. All discomfort is typically resolved by this time. We will check your cataract surgery results about a month after the procedure as well. Most patients fully heal within about eight weeks. At this point, you can undergo surgery for the cataract in the other eye if needed.
Cataract surgery FAQs
How safe is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is very common. In 2017, approximately 3.8 million cataract procedures were performed in the United States alone. This surgery has evolved in recent decades to be incredibly straightforward. Wickerpark Eye Center in Chicago also uses top-of-the-line technology — so treatment is precise and comfortable. Dr. Tepper also has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified ophthalmologist and is proud of his results.
What are the costs of cataract surgery?
The cost of cataract surgery at Wickerpark Eye Center varies based on numerous factors, including the type of IOL chosen and the technology used. For example, our femtosecond laser can make your procedure faster and more comfortable but can raise the final cost. We can work with Medicare or your insurance company to help you claim the best possible coverage. Our team can also coordinate with third-party financing institutions to help you budget for out-of-pocket costs.
How can I prepare for cataract surgery?
Dr. Tepper Wicker thoroughly prepares patients so they understand the basics of cataracts and why they have cloudy vision. We also take the time to answer all your questions before surgery. Because certain medications can increase your risk of bleeding, make sure to disclose all of your prescriptions so we can recommend alternatives. You should also inform us about any medical conditions that may impact your recovery. Our goal is to ensure a safe and successful surgery.
Are you ready to see clearly?
An intraocular lens as part of cataract surgery has allowed countless patients to see the world clearly and vibrantly again. Undergoing cataract surgery with a skilled eye doctor can transform your overall vision and quality of life.
Dr. Daniel Tepper is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has been providing advanced cataract surgery to patients in the Chicago, IL area for over 20 years. Our team at Wickerpark Eye Center performs state-of-the-art cataract treatment in a compassionate environment. Dr. Tepper works alongside fellowship-trained optometrist Dr. Parisha Shah to restore and maintain your vision.
