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Benefits & Risks of Cataract Surgery

Middle age woman, wearing winter coat in Hofman Estates, IL

Your Hoffman Estates Eye Doctors Explain

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed today. To explain the basics, this procedure involves removing the cloudy lens of your eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. Our eye doctors in Hoffman Estates, IL, are qualified and skilled in cataract surgery.

A cataract is an opaque eye lens that blocks light rays from entering your eye. As a result, you will have blurry and faded vision. Additional cataract symptoms include poor night vision, sensitivity to bright light, and double vision. Cataract development is a normal part of aging and can affect one or both eyes.

Once cataracts progress to the point that they affect your daily life and limit activities, it is time to consider cataract removal. Cataracts cannot disappear on their own, and surgery is the only treatment. Our eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you are a good candidate for cataract surgery in our Hoffman Estates eye care center.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

The end goal of cataract surgery is to provide you with clear and healthy vision. As the quality of your eyesight improves, we also hope you will enjoy a higher quality of life. Day to day tasks like driving and reading will be easier. Also, you will be able to see where you are going and move around more safely and independently – with less chances of falling.

If you have cataracts removed, you may notice improvements in many vision symptoms, such as:

  • Less light sensitivity
  • Seeing less glare and halos
  • Higher contrast sensitivity
  • Improved night vision
  • Colors appear brighter and more vibrant
  • Less dependence on prescription glasses

Risks of Cataract Surgery

Eye Gallery Catarcts in Hoffman Estates, ILThe risks involved with cataract surgery are minimal, and the majority of patients in our Hoffman Estates eye care clinic experience success from this procedure – with no complications. However, no surgical procedure is entirely free from risk. Most complications from cataract surgery can be treated with further surgery or medication.

The possible risks of cataract surgery are directly related to the eyes and include:

  • Needing prescription glasses for distance, middle, and near activities after the surgery
  • Eye infection
  • Bleeding
  • Trouble with night vision
  • Swelling in the central field of vision
  • Corneal inflammation
  • Retinal detachment
  • Needing a second surgery to remove the cataract completely
  • Needing to switch the lens implant for a different power
  • Glaucoma (very rare)
  • Blindness (very rare)

If your eye doctor has recommended cataract surgery, it is important to know what to expect and to understand the potential benefits and risks. Our eye doctor will meet with you to answer all of your questions.

Schedule Your Cataract Eye Exam with Our Hoffman Estates Eye Doctor

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of cataracts, reserve an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Remember – early diagnosis leads to early treatment, which leads to a higher quality of life!