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More than 50 percent of people over the age of 60 suffer from cataracts – and they can affect younger people as well. You don’t have to be a grandparent to develop cataracts, and almost everyone develops cataracts as they grow older. Cataracts will need to be surgical removed through a process called phacoemulsification. The images below depict the surgical removal of a cataract with the insertion of a man made intraocular lens called an IOL. Read more below to get a more detailed explanation of cataract surgery. If you are seeking a Chicago cataract surgery expert please feel free to contact Dr. Richard Foulkes directly for more information on cataract surgery and your options for premium lens implants.

What happens during cataract surgery?
What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery, quite frequently is an outpatient surgical procedure that takes an hour or less to completely perform. Local anesthesia is required to numb the area around your eye. Rarely does anyone require general anesthesia for cataract surgery.

Richard Foulkes, MD, uses a micro-incisional no-stitch cataract surgery, gentle, precise method. This method can lead to faster visual recovery in the eye after surgery. In order to improve your vision, Dr. Foulkes will need to remove the cataract. Once the cataract is removed, a man made lens implant will be placed in the eye. As a patient you will have a choice of the monofocal lens implant (covered by medicare insurance) or a premium multifocal lens implant (requires additional cost). These new multifocal IOL advances in lens design now give our patients the choice to see near and far without complete dependence on glasses. Dr. Foulkes will provide a complete spectrum of multifocal, accommodating, phakic, and toric lens implant options. If you are seeking a premium lens implant or Multifocal IOL in Chicago, Illinois our practice has a complete set of lens implant options unmatched by other practices in the area. Our doctors realize that each patient has unique visual requirements and the best approach is an approach that enables us to fit each patient with the best lens implant possible. As a patient do not worry about choosing your lens implant. Our Chicago eye doctors will be happy to provide exceptional lens implant consulting regarding this matter. Afterall, these are your eyes and this vision correction procedure could determine your entire visual future. It is a serious matter to consider and we want you to make the correct choice.

Cataract Surgery Process

Cataract Surgery Step 1 – The eye must be properly dilated and preparation of the surgical area using cleansers, a topical anesthetic is administered to the surface of the eye.

Cataract Surgery Step 2 – The second step is to make a small hole in the clear cornea. A small incision of about 3 millimeters in length is then created where the ultrasonic device will be inserted. The front part of the lens envelope, known as the lens capsule, is carefully opened so that the lens material can be removed.

Cataract Surgery Step 3 – The next step is to insert the small ultrasonic device into the eye and vacuum the cataract. The ultrasonic device then pulverizes the hardened and yellowed lens proteins. The pulverized material is simultaneously vacuumed from the eye.

Cataract Surgery Step 4 – Next, a folded intraocular lens specifically chosen by the surgeon to suit your individual needs is then inserted through the original incision and maneuvered into the lens capsule and then centered. The lens will remain inside your eye in this location without moving. Intraocular lenses cannot be felt or sensed in any way by the patient.

Cataract Surgery Step 5 – The new lens then unfolds where your natural lens used to exist. The eye doctors here make sure it is positioned, centered, checked and the opening is self-sealing and closes without needing stitches. Once the proper positioning has taken place the surgery is completed.

After Cataract Surgery

Recovery from surgery is generally very quick, with most patients achieving noticeably better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Patients are generally asked to use two different eye medications, administered as drops several times daily for the first few weeks after surgery. It is important that during the first 7 post-operative days patients refrain from strenuous activity such as lifting weights for exercise or lifting other heavy objects. Patients should also refrain from eye rubbing during the first few weeks following surgery.