Cataract surgery is a safe and straightforward process that will improve your vision and help you lead a normal lifestyle. Cataracts cause the eye lenses to become cloudy, preventing light from reaching the eye, and hindering normal vision. Cataracts usually occur in older adults, and they are especially common in those with diabetes. Fortunately, your ophthalmologist in Chicago can reverse this condition and improve your vision with cataract surgery.

The cataract surgery process begins with an evaluation by your eye doctor. He or she will perform several tests to see how severe your cataracts are. Then, the optician will explain the cataract treatment process to you, along with its risks.

With your consent, the eye doctor will begin the surgery by giving you a local anesthetic. He or she will break up your clouded lens using sensitive ultrasound vibrations and remove it using suction. Finally, the doctor will replace the old lens with a new, artificial one. Upon your request, this new lens can be modified to give you better vision than you’ve ever had before.

Looking for an optician in Chicago to relieve your computer eye strain? Computer eye strain is becoming a common problem, as technology has found its way into our personal and professional lives. Fortunately, there are some measures your eye doctor may recommend to prevent eye strain while using the computer.

1. Have your eyes examined.

In order to prevent or treat vision problems, the first and most important thing you should do is visit your ophthalmologist for a yearly eye exam. He or she will be able to notify you of any current problems and test your eyes at a specific working distance. That way, you’ll have a better idea of how to prevent future eye strain.

2. Get an upgrade.

Is your computer basically a retro novelty item? It might be time for an upgrade. Flat screen LCD displays, such as those you see on modern laptops, are so much easier on the eyes than old tube-style monitors because they have a higher resolution and don’t cause images to flicker. If possible, go ahead and choose a large display—doing so will make computer time a more comfortable experience for your eyes.

3. Ask for computer eye glasses.

Your local optical center can provide you with a special prescription for computer eye glasses. This is a great choice for those whose current eyewear is uncomfortable after an extended time behind the screen. For example, those who wear contact lenses may often note that they become dry and irritating after computer work. In addition, bifocals or progressive lenses are not optimal for computer usage; computer glasses may be a better choice during screen time.

4. Take mini-breaks.

It’s important to give your eyes—and your neck, back, and shoulders—several breaks throughout the workday if you spend most of your time at the computer. There’s no need to worry that doing so will cause you to lose focus. Mini-breaks should actually increase your productivity and improve how you feel while you’re working. In addition, they reduce the risk that your eyes will “lock up” after prolonged digital screen usage.

Intraocular lenses (IOLs), or intraocular implants, are lenses that an ophthalmologist near Chicago can implant in a person’s eyes. Patients with cataracts may be good candidates for IOLs. During cataract surgery , the ophthalmologist removes the cloudy lens of the affected eye and replaces it with the artificial lens to restore proper vision.

Function of IOLs

Cataracts are areas of the eye’s natural lens that become cloudy and obscure vision. They are quite common among older adults. Since a cataract is not a growth that can be removed, it is necessary to remove the entire lens of the eye. The artificial IOLs that are inserted in place of the natural lens work in the same way. Light enters the eye through the cornea. The lens focuses the light on the retina, which allows the optic nerve to carry the images to the brain. Unlike the eye’s natural lens; however, IOLs are customizable. Before the ophthalmologist performs the eye surgery, he or she determines the appropriate prescription of IOL for the individual patient.

Candidates for IOLs

Only an ophthalmologist can determine if someone is a good candidate for cataract surgery. Since cataracts can develop for many years without causing any symptoms, most people will not necessarily have to have the surgery right away. Generally, cataract surgery may be recommended for patients who are over the age of 40 and who are experiencing poor night vision, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, or other visual disturbances.

Procedure for IOL Placement

About a week before the surgery is scheduled, the ophthalmologist will perform a non-invasive test to measure the size and shape of the eye. He or she uses this information to select the right IOL for the patient. The patient may be asked to stop taking certain medications for a week prior to the procedure. Antibiotic eye drops may also be applied for a few days to reduce the chances of an infection. The surgery itself typically takes an hour or less to perform. The ophthalmologist will place eye drops to dilate the eyes and then apply a local anesthetic. Then, the ophthalmologist can remove the cloudy lens using an ultrasound probe to break it up. Finally, the eye doctor places the IOL into the lens capsule.

Pink eye is a contagious eye infection that is usually not a cause for alarm. However, since there are other eye infections that may lead to permanent vision loss, it’s always advisable for patients to consult an eye doctor in Chicago right away if any unusual symptoms develop. An optician may diagnose a patient with pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, if he or she develops watery, itchy eyes along with redness in the whites of the eyes. Patients may also have swollen eyelids, thick discharge, and excessive tearing. Additionally, patients might inform the ophthalmologist that they suffer from tenderness and swelling of the areas just in front of the ears.

It usually takes about five to seven days for these symptoms to resolve. However, some patients may develop chronic symptoms. Generally, patients who wear contact lenses, have vision in just one eye, or have a suppressed immune system are at an increased risk of developing serious cases of pink eye. If the infection was caused by bacteria, the ophthalmologist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. For bacterial or viral pink eye, one eye care strategy is to place a cold, wet washcloth over the eyes. Patient should be very careful to avoid letting anyone else come into contact with an infected washcloth.