Cataracts happen when the lens of your eye clouds over, often becoming frosted like a steamed-up windowpane or even yellow. Cataracts are often age-related, but they can also arise as the result of trauma or medical conditions such as diabetic eye disease. Illinois Eye Center offers several cataract procedures that use intraocular lens implants (IOLs) to help restore vision — but are you a candidate?
Monofocal Lens Implant
Our Monofocal Lens Implant is designed for nearsighted patients who have no trouble seeing objects that are close by but struggle with distance vision. Ideal candidates for this type of implant will already need glasses and be willing to continue using corrective eyewear post-surgery to help with near and intermediate vision.
Toric Lens Implant
Our Toric Lens Implant addresses astigmatism, a common eye condition linked to blurry vision and caused by an irregular curvature of the eye’s cornea or lens. Because of that unusual shape, the eye is unable to correctly transfer light to the retina and both near and distance vision suffers as a result. Candidates for our Toric Lens Implant will have moderate to severe astigmatism (mild astigmatism typically doesn’t require treatment and may not even be symptomatic) as well as a cataract and be interested in treating both simultaneously.
Advanced Technology IOL
Patients over the age of 40 who require bifocals, trifocals, or reading glasses to see up close may benefit from our Advanced Technology Intraocular Lens Implant. Also known as an Accommodative or Multifocal IOL, this incredible option provides a full range of vision and may completely eliminate the need for contacts and eyeglasses, but it’s also typically the most expensive and requires the most out-of-pocket expense.
Ultimately, only your doctor can decide whether you’re a good candidate for cataract surgery and if so which IOL will best suit your lifestyle and vision needs. To discuss your options, call (309) 243-2400 and schedule an appointment at Illinois Eye Center.