Intraocular Lenses in Chicago, IL

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses placed in the eye during refractive lens exchange. They function just like your natural eye lens and address a wide range of conditions, including cataracts and refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in the Greater Chicago area.

Replacing your natural lens with an advanced IOL at Wickerpark Eye Center can provide clearer and sharper vision. Dr. Daniel Tepper is pleased to offer a wide variety of IOLs to meet the diverse needs of our patients. To explore your options, contact our office in Chicago, IL, and speak with our team about an appointment.

Before intraocular lenses, patients had to use thick eyeglasses or special contact lenses after cataract removal. After a refractive lens exchange using premium IOLs, patients reduce their need for glasses or contacts. Wickerpark Eye Center is excited to offer many options for intraocular lenses, including:

• Toric IOLs: Used for astigmatism correction, toric lenses can provide freedom from glasses after cataract surgery.
• Alcon AcrySof® IOLs: Our AcrySof IQ IOLs include toric lenses, monofocal lenses, and the ReSTOR® multifocal lens.
• TECNIS Symfony® IOL: The Symfony lens from Johnson & Johnson can correct astigmatism, as well as age-related farsightedness or presbyopia.
• TECNIS® Monofocal IOL: The advanced TECNIS lens comes preloaded in the iTEC® delivery system for optimal predictability and functionality.

Our team also uses arcuate relaxing incisions, a means of refining the shape of the corneal surface for enhanced results after treatment.

Intraocular lenses can help you regain clear eyesight with the help of artificial lenses that function like your natural lens. Benefits of intraocular lenses installed at Wickerpark Eye Center in Chicago, IL may include:

• Treating refractive errors
• Improving eyesight at every distance
• Fixing cataracts
• Decreasing the need for glasses or contacts
• Several IOL options are available
• Enabling a more active lifestyle

While intraocular lenses can provide benefits for many patients in Chicago, certain health conditions may disqualify you, such as Fuchs' Dystrophy and other issues. Other factors that affect your candidacy at Wickerpark Eye Center include:

• Dry eye: Issues with dry eyes can interfere with your ability to safely undergo refractive lens exchange. We provide a range of dry eye treatments to help restore your candidacy.
• Macular degeneration: For patients with advanced macular degeneration, an IOL may make their vision worse. Our team can recommend alternatives for patients with this condition.
• Previous refractive surgeries: If you have already undergone refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, you are unlikely to get the results you want with an IOL.
• Glaucoma: In the early stages, patients with glaucoma can still benefit from an IOL. However, if your glaucoma is poorly controlled or you have already undergone glaucoma surgery, refractive lens exchange may not work for you.

You can discuss your options with Dr. Tepper or a trained member of our team during your initial consultation. We can determine the best way to improve your vision.

Refractive lens exchange typically occurs during cataract surgery. However, some patients choose to undergo this procedure to treat cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism on their own. Before your procedure, Wickerpark Eye Center will take measurements of your eye and determine which IOL is right for you.

Our team begins a refractive lens exchange by numbing your eye and providing you with a form of sedation so you can relax. We then create tiny incisions in your cornea to access your lenses. Advanced tools are used to soften or break up your lens before removal then the innovative IOL is put into place.

According to a study by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 97% of patients who received intraocular lenses were satisfied with their outcomes!

When your anesthetic eye drops start to wear off, you may have some mild irritation. However, it should only last a few days and can be handled with over-the-counter pain medication. Many patients who get RLE can expect to observe clearer vision in as little as a week, and many of them will even greatly decrease or eliminate their reliance on glasses.

During the initial several weeks, you might notice some instances of blurry vision, halos, and dryness off and on. These are standard parts of the recovery process and aren't a cause for concern. Dr. Tepper will plan a series of necessary follow-up visits in the months after your surgery to monitor the course of your recovery.

Refractive lens exchange is a fast and simple procedure. You may spend a short time resting in our facility before a responsible adult drives you home. It's normal for patients to experience minor side effects and discomfort after getting an IOL, but these are manageable with prescriptions and medications from Wickerpark Eye Center.

Recovery from refractive lens exchange takes about eight weeks. During this time, we'll ask you to follow recovery instructions such as:

• Keep your eye covered, even while you sleep
• Avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your eye
• Use all medication provided by your doctor
• Avoid heavy lifting and exercise

Which intraocular lens is right for me?
Lens technology has advanced significantly in recent years, which leads to more lens types and options than ever before. The team at Wickerpark Eye Center will perform a comprehensive exam to determine which IOL is right for your needs. We take into consideration your current prescription and whether you want to reduce your dependency on glasses.

How long do intraocular lenses last?
Modern IOLs should last for many years, but it is difficult to predict exactly how long they will remain fully functional. Patients should return for regular eye exams in Chicago, TX, to monitor their lenses and ensure they are still working as they should. Contact our office sooner if you have concerning symptoms or experience a sudden change in vision.

Will insurance cover an intraocular lens procedure?
It depends on your insurance provider and individual policy. You may want to check with your insurance company before scheduling an appointment to confirm that IOLs covered under your plan. Dr. Tepper also offers easy payment plans so patients can afford their procedures. Our goal is to provide high-quality vision correction that is affordable for any budget.

Refractive lens exchange and the placement of intraocular lenses can bring dramatic changes to your vision. If you're interested in exploring IOLs at Wickerpark Eye Center, Dr. Daniel Tepper and members of our trained staff can help guide you through the process. Contact our clinic in the Greater Chicago area to schedule a consultation today. Our practice proudly works with patients of all needs and backgrounds.