CATARACT TREATMENT SPECIALISTS

Arlington Heights, IL Custom Cataract Surgery

Serving you in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove  and the surrounding areas.

847-392-9220

About cataracts

  • What are cataracts?

    A cataract is a slow clouding of the clear lens in your eye. Cataracts interfere with light passing through your eye to your retina and the result is your retina sending an image to your brain that is cloudy, which impairs your vision. In its early stages, you should not have any pain and cataracts usually develop at a slow pace. However, eventually the cataract will impair your vision and Northwest Eye Physicians will be able to discuss what your options for treatment are.

  • What causes cataracts?

    There are several different causes of cataracts, including:

    • Accident or injury
    • Aging
    • Birth defect
    • Environmental factors
    • Disease
    • Toxic chemicals
    • Medication
    • Exposure to ultraviolet light
    • Smoking
  • What are the symptoms of cataracts?

    The symptoms of cataracts can vary from patient to patient, but most cataract patients will experience:

    • Blurred or cloudy vision
    • Constant prescription changes
    • Double vision in one eye
    • Night vision difficulty
    • Poor vision in bright light
    • Seeing halos around lights
    • Yellowish tinged vision

    These are the most common symptoms that we see in our patients. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call Northwest Eye Physicians to schedule an appointment.

  • What is cataract surgery?

    Cataracts can’t be treated with medication or lasers. Surgery is still the only treatment option and one of the most common and reliable operations. Each year, more than a million people have their vision improved through cataract surgery. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear, man-made intraocular lens (IOL).


    In order to treat cataracts, your doctor uses a microscope and small instruments to make an incision and remove the old lens. Depending on the condition of the lens, it will either be removed in one piece or broken apart with sound waves (ultrasound). The pieces will then be removed. The natural membrane (capsule) that held your lens is left in place.


    Once your old lens has been removed, your doctor inserts the new lens (IOL) through the incision. The IOL is then positioned in the capsule that held your old lens. With the new lens in place, your doctor is ready to close the incision. In most cases, the incision is self-sealing (no-stitch). That means it will stay closed on its own without stitches. Sometimes, however, a stitch may be needed.


    Newer lens implants, such as the PanOptix lens, allow patients to see both near and far following surgery. These so-called presbyopic or multifocal lens implants on exciting new level of vision for our offer patients. We are happy to offer this new technology.


    Our patients usually experience a pretty quick recovery and most patients have better vision within 24 hours. We typically ask our patients to use a couple different eye medications several times a day within the first few weeks after the surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous activity within the first week after having the surgery and should avoid rubbing their eyes for several weeks.

New Surgical Options

Discover the revolutionary Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL® & LAL+) technology--learn more

LENSX FEMTOSECOND LASER

Corrects astigmatism via laser incisions and allows for more precise placement of the lens implant

TORIC LENS IMPLANT

Astigmatism-correcting intraocular lens for higher levels of astigmatism, but no near vision correction

MULTIFOCAL LENS IMPLANT

Corrects distance and near vision in each eye with potential astigmatism correction via laser incisions

Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery

  • What is a cataract?

    A cataract is the clouding of your eye's natural lens, causing blurry or cloudy vision that cannot be corrected with glasses alone. Cataracts typically develop gradually as part of the natural aging process, although they can also result from injury, certain medications, or medical conditions.

  • What are the symptoms of cataracts?

    Common symptoms of cataracts include:

    • Blurry or cloudy vision
    • Difficulty seeing at night
    • Increased sensitivity to light and glare
    • Halos around lights
    • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
    • Faded or yellowed colors
    • Double vision in one eye

    If you experience these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye examination with an ophthalmologist.

  • When should I have cataract surgery?

    Cataract surgery is typically recommended when cataracts begin interfering with your daily activities, such as reading, driving, working, or enjoying hobbies. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your vision, lifestyle, and eye health to determine the right time for surgery.

  • How is cataract surgery performed?

    During cataract surgery, your surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is performed through a very small incision and usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes per eye. Most patients return home the same day.

  • Is cataract surgery painful?

    Most patients experience little to no pain during cataract surgery. Numbing eye drops and mild sedation help keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

  • How long does cataract surgery take?

    The actual surgery generally takes 10 to 20 minutes. Including preparation and recovery time, patients should expect to spend approximately two to three hours at their appointment.

  • What is the recovery time after cataract surgery?

    Many patients notice improved vision within 24 to 48 hours, although complete healing typically takes several weeks. Your ophthalmologist will provide detailed recovery instructions and prescribe eye drops to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.

  • What activities should I avoid after cataract surgery?

    During the first week after surgery, patients are generally advised to:

    • Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise
    • Avoid rubbing the eye
    • Keep water, soap, and shampoo out of the eye
    • Wear the protective eye shield as instructed
    • Follow all prescribed medication schedules

    Your doctor will let you know when it's safe to resume normal activities.

  • Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

    It depends on the type of intraocular lens you choose. Standard monofocal lenses typically provide excellent distance vision, while premium lenses may reduce your dependence on glasses for reading, computer work, and other daily activities.

  • What are premium cataract lenses?

    Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) are advanced lens implants designed to improve vision beyond what standard lenses provide. Options may include:

    • Multifocal lenses
    • Toric lenses for astigmatism
    • Extended depth-of-focus lenses
    • Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)

    Your ophthalmologist can help determine which lens best fits your visual goals.

  • What is laser-assisted cataract surgery?

    Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses advanced femtosecond laser technology to perform certain steps of the procedure with greater precision, including creating corneal incisions and treating astigmatism. Not every patient requires laser-assisted surgery, but it may offer additional benefits for some individuals.

  • Can cataracts come back after surgery?

    No. Once a cataract is removed, it cannot return. However, some patients develop a cloudy membrane behind the implanted lens called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This can usually be treated quickly and painlessly with a YAG laser procedure.

  • Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?

    Yes. Medicare and most health insurance plans generally cover medically necessary cataract surgery. Patients who choose premium lens implants or elective technology upgrades may have additional out-of-pocket costs.

  • Who is a good candidate for cataract surgery?

    Most adults with cataracts that significantly affect their vision are candidates for surgery. A comprehensive eye examination allows your ophthalmologist to determine whether cataract surgery is appropriate and whether other eye conditions should be addressed.

  • Why choose Northwest Eye Physicians for cataract surgery in Arlington Heights?

    Northwest Eye Physicians offers comprehensive cataract care using advanced surgical technology, premium intraocular lens options, LenSx laser-assisted cataract surgery, and the Light Adjustable Lens for qualifying patients. Their experienced ophthalmologists create personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve the best possible visual outcomes.