IOL Options and Cataract Surgery
Cataracts cause cloudiness in the eyes’ naturally clear lenses. Patients with cataracts face difficulty driving, reading, and participating in their daily activities. For individuals who want to improve their sight when visual aids fail to provide relief, our practice in Hobart, IN, and Merrillville, IN, offers several IOL options and cataract surgery.
During cataract surgery, the natural clouded lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. The procedure offers several benefits, including restored sight and providing patients with a better quality of life. The board-certified ophthalmologists at Deen-Gross Eye Centers have performed over 25,000 cataract surgeries so you can rest assured you are in good hands.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Since cataracts develop slowly, many patients do not notice anything different with their vision initially. As time goes on, patients may develop symptoms that they cannot ignore. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Trouble seeing at night
- Blurry vision
- Double vision in one eye
- Increasing sensitivity to light
- Seeing halos around lights
- Constant changes with eyeglass and contacts prescriptions
During a consultation, we can assess your vision to check for cataracts. If patients have cataracts, we can provide an array of treatment options.
Who Are Good Candidates for Surgery?
In order for patients to qualify for cataract surgery, their vision should generally be 20/40 or worse. The best candidates are also individuals who have trouble with their day-to-day activities, such as watching TV, reading, writing, and driving.
IOL surgery can work for patients suffering from farsightedness and presbyopia, farsightedness due to age. Patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism can also qualify. IOL surgery can benefit patients who want to reduce time wearing visual correction aids like glasses and contact lenses.
What Are the Various IOL Options?
We offer several IOL options at Deen-Gross Eye Centers. These include AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, AcrySof® Toric IOL, and Monofocal ACRYSOF®.
AcrySof ReSTOR IOL
This option improves near, intermediate, and distance vision by correcting eyesight quality. For some individuals, they no longer need to wear glasses or contacts.
AcrySof Toric IOL
With this procedure, patients with astigmatism can achieve enhanced vision. After surgery, patients might not need visual aids.
Monofocal ACRYSOF
Patients who choose this treatment can achieve improved distance vision. Following the surgery, individuals might still need glasses or contact lenses.
What Is Involved in the Procedures?
Though the options differ, patients can expect a straightforward procedure. The doctor uses anesthetic eye drops to minimize discomfort during the treatment. Your surgeon will then make up to three small incisions in the cornea with an ultrasound probe or laser to remove the cataract. The intraocular lens is fitted into a special injector and then placed in the eye in the appropriate position.
What Should I Expect after Surgery?
After surgery, you might need to wear an eye shield or a patch for a few days to protect your eyes. It is common for patients to experience discomfort and itchiness after the procedure, which should dissipate in a few days.
A patient’s vision might be blurry immediately after surgery but should improve over the next few days. Individuals should keep all follow-up appointments with the doctor to ensure their eyes are healing properly.
Schedule a Consultation
For patients who want to learn more about IOL options and cataract surgery, we encourage them to schedule a consultation online at our Hobart or Merrillville office. You can also contact our office at (219) 769-8989 to discuss the various procedures and to see if you qualify.