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At the Kraff Eye Institute, we provide our patients with advanced cataract treatment at our state of the art facility in Chicago. Dr. Colman Kraff is an expert in the field of advanced eye surgery and has helped countless patients restore their quality vision, even those suffering with late stage cataract disease. As a result, our patients can resume their activities and quality of life.
A cataract is a clouding of the clear lens in your eye. In a healthy eye, light passes through your transparent lens to your retina, where the light is transformed into nerve signals and sent to the brain. As a cataract begins to develop, the image the retina sends to your brain becomes cloudy, impairing the vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly and don't interfere with eyesight or cause pain. However, as the clouding progresses, the cataract will eventually interfere with the quality of your vision. Patients who are unable to enjoy their quality of life, struggle to perform hobbies, or have difficulty driving, need to visit their eye care specialist at the Kraff Eye Institute to discuss their options.
There are several different types of cataracts.
Just about everyone will develop a cataract over time, although the rate at which someone will develop a cataract can vary. Some individuals will notice significant visual changes in their 40’s, while others may live well into their 80’s before they are aware of any visual disturbances. The reason for these differences is not clearly understood. Genetics may play a part, as can environmental factors such as exposure to UV light or certain diets. Nevertheless, current data regarding these factors are not conclusive. While most cataracts develop with age, some do not. For example, some people are born with cataracts, others may develop cataracts due to illness, injury, or use of certain medications. Individuals who use chronic corticosteroids can develop cataracts. By discussing your full medical history with your doctor, they will be able to determine whether your cataracts are related to any of these factors.
The most obvious symptoms of a cataract is distorted vision, caused by the clouding of the natural lens. Not only does the individual suffering from it experience visual impairment, some people may even notice a cloudy appearance to the eye. Those who suffer from cataracts often describe feeling as though they are looking through a foggy lens. Other symptoms include difficulty seeing at night, or noticing halos around light sources. The halos are typically more apparent at night or in low light settings. Double vision can also be a symptom, which can be a very strange experience for the individual. People with cataracts typically need more light to read and see normally.
Currently, there is only one cataract treatment, and that is surgery. There is essentially one type of cataract surgery, but there are several lens options patients can choose from. Lifestyle and patient preferences will help determine which lens implant is right for you.
With modern day cataract surgery, patients receive an intraocular lens implant or IOL. If a lens implant was not placed, the patient would require very thick glasses or contacts to see. Lens implants are made of plastic and should last the length of the patients life..
Monofocal or single focus implants correct the vision to a single focus point. The patient would require glasses for some aspects of their vision, either for distance or for near.
Toric, or astigmatism correcting lens implants address astigmatism. About 30% of people have enough astigmatism in their prescription, that these implants can be considered. With a toric IOL the focus of the eye is adjusted to correct for the irregular shape of the eye that causes astigmatism.
Light adjustable lenses are just that, adjustable. The prescription for each eye, of each patient, can be customized to distance, intermediate, or near focus points. Astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time. Most patients will have one eye corrected for best distance vision and the alternate for best near vision.
Early symptoms of cataracts include changing, or decreased distance and or near vision, blurry or cloudy vision, poor night vision, light sensitivity, glare and halos. New eye glasses can sometimes help. Antireflective and tint coatings and sunglasses, may help a person function better.
You can simply CALL US or make an appointment using the online forms at the links below
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Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients report minimal, if any, discomfort due to the latest techniques and technology that is used. Recovery, both physically and visually, is rapid. Many patients drive and return to their usual level of activity the day after surgery.
Prior to surgery, you will have several measurements performed at our office. These measurements will help Dr. Kraff select the right lens implant for you. Dr. Kraff will recommend the intraocular implant based on your lifestyle, measurements gathered, and eye health.
Cataract surgery is performed using Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC), which makes patients sleepy and relaxed throughout the procedure. Once adequate sedation is achieved, the area around the eye will be cleaned. A device will be used to keep the eye open. Dr. Kraff will make two small incisions in the cornea. Through one of the incisions, a circular opening will be created on the front membrane of the lens, which is called the capsule. A fluid is then injected inside the capsule to separate the attachment of the lens from the membrane. The cataract is then removed using phacoemulsification. The phacoemulsification instrument produces ultrasonic waves leading to very rapid vibrations. These vibrations break up the cataract and the particles are removed. After the cataract is removed, an artificial but permanent implant is inserted into the capsule. The implant helps focus the incoming light onto the retina, resulting in sharp vision. Once the implant is in place, the incision is closed, usually without the help of stitches and the surgery is then complete.
Cataracts are generally related to aging and can occur in one or both eyes. Although cataracts start out small, eventually they will grow and cause loss of vision. Cataract surgery is currently the only viable option to restore clear vision. Cataracts often show no signs or symptoms when they are small, but as they grow you may notice more prominent symptoms such as:
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Most major medical insurance companies will cover a portion of cataract surgery. If the patient has secondary insurance, those will often pick up the remaining balance. Otherwise the patient is responsible for the remaining balance following their surgery. The cost of a specialty lens will not be covered by insurance and will be an out of pocket expense. The cost of a specialty lens varies based on the type of lens Dr. Kraff recommends. The exact cost will be discussed at the time of your cataract consultation.
The Kraff Eye Institute is a proud partner of CareCredit, America's top patient payment program. CareCredit allows you to start your vision care procedure right away, then pay for it at your convenience with low monthly payments.
Please call our office at (312) 444-1111 for more details.
Dr. Colman Kraff is one of the most experienced and skilled cataract surgeons in the world. Dr. Kraff has dedicated his career to providing safe and effective procedures for every patient he treats. His commitment to advanced technology has allowed him to deliver his patients outstanding results, while providing the highest levels of safety.
Schedule your no-cost cataract consultation today, and begin your journey to improved vision.
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Once a cataract is removed, it will not return. Additional surgeries will not be needed.
The best way to prevent cataracts is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Dont smoke, eat healthy, take vitamins, and exercise regularly. Wearing sunglasses outdoors may help, also reducing the damaging effects of UV light on the eyes.
Cataract surgery is a straight forward procedure that usually takes 30-45 minutes.
Cataract surgery is virtually pain free because of the sedation that is used during the procedure.
