Cataract Surgery
Experiencing a Vision Emergency?
Cataracts usually develop slowly, allowing you to plan for eventual cataract surgery. However, cataracts sometimes appear suddenly, spurred by factors like eye injuries or medical conditions. If you're experiencing changes to your vision, our team is here to answer your call 24/7. Call (219) 769-8989 to arrange a consultation at our Merrillville or Hobart office as soon as possible.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract occurs when the crystalline lens (the clear lens behind the cornea) starts to become opaque and compromises the light that enters your eyes, decreasing your vision. Cataracts usually develop over time due to age, but medical conditions like diabetes and other eye conditions can increase your risk for cataracts. While cataracts don't harm your eye, they can impair your vision to the point where your quality of life suffers. Our doctors can use the latest techniques in ophthalmology to remove cataracts and restore your vision.
Treatment Can Be Nothing Short of Life-Changing
See More Clearly
After cataract surgery, you will no longer suffer from blurred, distorted vision. Instead, you will be able to see much more clearly, and may even be able to reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear.Enjoy Greater Independence
Many cataract sufferers find themselves struggling to complete daily activities and even safely move around. With improved vision, you will be able to have a more independent lifestyle.Feel More Confident
Many patients find that cataract surgery improves nearly every aspect of their life. Imagine enjoying your favorite activities again, whether you miss reading, knitting, or getting outdoors more often.Only Surgery Can Achieve a Dramatic Outcome
Cataract surgery makes a difference in your eye's health and appearance. Cloudy lenses are cleared to restore the look of how your natural lens once appeared.
Before Surgery
After Surgery
Stop Vision Loss
and Prevent Other Risks
Request a Consultation
You risk your vision by putting off cataract surgery. Over time, as cataracts worsen, your vision may become so cloudy that it's difficult to see anything. This loss of vision means missing out on important moments and increasing your risk of injury due to inadequate eyesight. By avoiding cataract surgery, you also risk developing glaucoma, an irreversible eye condition. Cataract surgery gives you back your health and independence.
Call us to get started with a consultation at our ophthalmology office in Merrillville or Hobart, IN:
(219) 769-8989
"A new lease on life" Patients Thank Our Hobart and Merrillville Teams
Jantonio S.
Hobart, IN
2023
It gave me a new lease on life after my cataract surgery
View on this siteAmber Razo
Merrillville, IN
2023
Before cataract surgery, my husband said everything was just black and he can now see things clearly again!! Thank you, Dr. Nelson, for being so wonderful!
View on GoogleEach of Our Doctors Is Board Certified
Board certification denotes an ophthalmologist of advanced knowledge and skill, even in comparison to already highly qualified peers.
Drs. Gross and Nelson are board-certified ophthalmologists. Dr. Taffora is a board-certified optometrist. They each earned their honored distinctions by completing extensive education, passing comprehensive examinations, and undergoing specialized training.
A Huge Number of People Suffer from Cataracts
"Thank God for Dr. Gross.!!!" Our Surgical Solutions Provide Results For Merrillville
L Hall
Merrillville, IN
2022
Successful and impressive cataract surgery by Dr. David Gross. Have been a patient of Dr. Gross for over 18 years. He and his staff were very helpful in preparing me for surgeries and after care. Thank you for Dr. Taffora for her care through the years. Office and tech staff have always been professional and helpful. Would highly recommend Dr. David Gross for all your ophthalmology needs
View on Googleflorence walker
Merrillville, IN
2022
Dr. Gross saved my eye yes. Ago with the help of the Lord. I had a serious eye injury and they said my eye was dead I only saw white he treated my eye and afterwards I could see again. The injury caused a cataract to form he operated and did an eye plant I've been seeing good for a number of years. Thank God for Dr. Gross.!!!
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Financing
Your Cataract Surgery
While insurance coverage will vary depending on your provider and plan, most insurance plans cover some part of the cost since cataract surgery is a necessity for many patients. Our dedicated financial team can help you find out how much of the cost your insurance plan will cover.
We also partner with CareCredit®, a financing company dedicated to healthcare, to offer no to low-interest monthly payment plans. If you choose this option, you can enjoy 0% interest for up to a full year.
If you have any questions about financing, call our practice at:
(219) 769-8989
Am I Developing Cataracts? Factors to Consider
Severe Vision Impairment
Your vision is substantially obscured by cataracts, cannot be sufficiently corrected with visual aids, and detracts from your ability to live life fully.Reliance on Lighting
You may find that you increasingly require bright lighting to complete normal tasks, such as reading.What happens during cataract surgery?
First, the crystalline lens is broken up and removed. Next, through a small incision in your natural lens, your doctor will implant an intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the natural tissue and restore focus.
Envisioning Your Treatment Timeline
Your treatment will be performed by one of our board-certified ophthalmologists at a medical facility located near our Merrillville practice.
Preparing for Treatment
It is important to be well informed about what to expect before, during, and after cataract surgery, which is why our team focuses on providing patients with comprehensive education.
During your pre-surgical consultation, it is important to voice your concerns, ask questions, and discuss your medical history with our Merrillville vision specialists. By communicating with our doctors, they can develop a completely customized course of treatment that yields optimal results.
Day of the Procedure
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes less than a half hour to perform on each eye.
Cataract Surgery Can Also Improve Refractive Errors
While the primary purpose of this surgery is to address cataracts, removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an IOL can also correct existing refractive errors. The IOL we recommend will be based on whether you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. In this way, treatment can reduce or even completely eliminate your reliance on glasses and contacts.
We Use the Latest IOLs
Once we remove the cataract, we can implant intraocular lenses to replace your clouded lens and improve your vision. There is a variety of artificial lenses available to meet a range of needs. Our doctors will explain your options during your consultation.
Monofocal AcrySof IOL
Monofocal AcrySof® IOLs correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, but not both. Recipients will still need to wear glasses for certain tasks.
AcrySof Toric IOL
The AcrySof® Toric IOL features the same high-end materials and design as the monofocal IOL, but it is designed for those with astigmatism. This intraocular lens can improve the clarity of distant objects and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses for patients with astigmatism.
Vivity Extended Depth of Focus IOL
Vivity EDOF IOLs can correct both far and nearsightedness while minimizing the risk of visual side effects like light halos. While Vivity EDOF IOLs have several benefits, they may not be able to correct more pronounced cases of nearsightedness.
The Light Adjustable Lens
Is Our Newest Cutting-Edge Offering
We are proud to offer RxSight®'s Light Adjustable Lens™. This state-of-the-art solution is crafted from a unique lens material developed by a Nobel Prize-winning scientist.
It is the only IOL that can be customized after cataract surgery.
This post-surgical modification is so important due to the inherent complexity of predicting how your eye will heal after surgery. By allowing for late-stage customization, the Light Adjustable Lens allows you to optimize your vision based on your individual needs and personal reaction to receiving IOLs.
Patients Are 2x as Likely
to Experience 20/20 Vision
Adjustability only matters if the modifications lead to spectacular vision. A U.S. Food & Drug Administration study of 600 people found that compared to patients who received standard monofocal IOLs, Light Adjustable Lens recipients were twice as likely to enjoy 20/20 vision without glasses 6 months after surgery.
Stop Suffering From Cloudy Vision Request a Cataract Surgery Consultation Today
Are you struggling with daily tasks like reading or watching TV, even with glasses and plenty of light? Dr. David Gross and Dr. Jamie Taffora can remove your cataract and restore your vision with the latest IOLs. Our advanced technology and surgical techniques can make the procedure virtually painless and safe.
During a consultation, our doctors can determine the best techniques and tools to serve your needs. We have offices in Hobart and Merrillville, IN, to serve you. Reach out today by completing our consultation request form or calling us at:
(219) 769-8989
Cataract Surgery Is the Only Long-Term Solution
If your condition has escalated to the point that glasses and contacts are no longer sufficient to help you see, cataract surgery is your only other treatment option.
Fortunately, cataract surgery is considered to be an incredibly safe and effective solution. In fact, over 3,000,000 procedures are performed each year in the U.S.
"I have no regrets whatsoever." More praise from Hobart and Merrillville Patients
RL Dale
Hobart, IN
2022
First time patient. Just moved to area. Thought I had a retina detaching. They got me in quickly. Office staff, friendly, efficient. Got in on time. Dr. Nelson is excellent. Takes time to explain things to you , no rushing to get to next patient. Great group highly recommend
View on GoogleMolly Cha
Merrillville, IN
2022
Dr. Gross and his staff were straight to the point, very thorough in explaining what to except before, during and after the procedure. Super professional and answers all questions. I appreciated the frequent communication during the actual procedure, it made the procedure seem to fly by... I have no regrets whatsoever.
View on GoogleAfter Your Cataracts Surgery
Although cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, our team asks that you relax your eyes for a short period of time at the medical facility immediately following treatment. By doing so, you decrease the risk for complications. We will provide eye drops and a complete set of instructions on how to take care of your eyes following your surgical treatment.
- Your vision may be slightly blurry immediately following surgery but your eyesight will dramatically improve over the next few days.
- In most cases, patients continue to see positive, radical changes for up to two months after having cataract surgery.
- You may experience mild soreness, sensitivity, and itching after surgery. It is important that you refrain from rubbing your eyes because that can cause retinal detachment, infection, and further complications.
Our surgeons in Merrillville and Hobart will continue to supervise your progress as you recover. We require patients to schedule follow-up appointments every few weeks so our team can monitor your improvement.
Restore Your Eyesight Today
Meet with Our Accomplished Doctors
Our seasoned doctors have performed tens of thousands of cataract surgeries over the past few decades. By combining experience and education with the newest technology, our doctors can use sophisticated surgical techniques to remove cataracts while making significant improvements in your vision. We may even be able to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts.
To find out more about how we can restore your vision, request a consultation by filling out our online form or calling our Merrillville office at:
(219) 769-8989
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery
What are the types of cataract surgery?
There are two main types of cataract surgery. One is phacoemulsification, where a probe inserted through a small incision breaks up the lens using ultrasound waves. The other is extracapsular cataract extraction, which is less common and involves a larger incision through which the cloudy lens is removed in one piece. Lasers can also be used when performing cataract surgery.Will I need glasses after surgery?
You might need glasses, but many patients only need them for certain activities, and some don't need glasses at all. Whether or not you will need glasses after cataract surgery depends on many factors, such as your eyeglasses prescription and the IOL you receive. For example, patients who chose a monofocal IOL set for distance may need eyeglasses to read.How long is cataract surgery?
The surgery itself only takes about 15 minutes, but account for additional time dedicated to pre-operation and post-operation instructions and care. After the surgical process, you will need to remain at the medical facility for a brief time to rest your eyes.Can I drive myself home after surgery?
No, you will need to arrange a ride to pick you up, as you should avoid driving for at least 24 hours after your surgery.Is cataract surgery painful?
No, the surgical process is virtually painless thanks to numbing eye drops your doctor administers before your procedure. Some patients may experience discomfort or a gritty sensation after surgery. These symptoms can be relieved with prescription eye drops and over-the-counter pain medication.
What's the difference between LASIK and cataract surgery?
Our ophthalmologist offers both LASIK and cataract surgery. While both surgeries correct vision issues, the two surgical methods address different problems. With LASIK, the eye is healthy but has refractive errors that prevent clear sight. This surgery corrects vision by reshaping the cornea with laser technology. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens from the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens to restore vision.
"Great group highly recommend" 5-Star Care in Merrillville and Hobart
RL Dale
Hobart, IN
2022
First time patient. Just moved to area. Thought I had a retina detaching. They got me in quickly. Office staff, friendly, efficient. Got in on time. Dr. Nelson is excellent. Takes time to explain things to you , no rushing to get to next patient. Great group highly recommend
View on GoogleDita Guha
Merrillville, IN
2022
I rarely write reviews of medical offices, but today's positive experience was worth documenting. The staff is a reflection of leadership, so a big thank you for putting people like Sandra on the "front lines" of your institution!
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