Laser Cataract Surgery in Skokie & Chicago, IL

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What Is Laser Cataract Surgery?

Laser cataract surgery, as well as refractive cataract surgery with premium intraocular lens implants (IOLs), are among the most common vision correction procedures today. Performed through advanced self-sealing, micro-incision surgical techniques that eliminate the need for stitches in the eye and promote increased patient comfort, this procedure both eliminates cataracts and may enable patients to see clearly both distant, intermediate, and near, without the need for corrective lenses.

As an experienced cataract surgeon who has performed more than 22,000 successful eye surgical procedures, Dr. Sondheimer is pleased to offer his cataract surgery patients the latest laser cataract surgery.

Laser Vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery

One of the significant advantages of laser cataract surgery is that the laser device used in surgery creates a 3D map of relevant structures in the eye. The accuracy of what Dr. Sondheimer sees enhances the precision of the procedure. Coupled with the use of the Femtosecond Laser to perform vital steps of cataract treatment, mapping maximizes the outcome of cataract treatment.

The laser device also reduces the need for handheld surgical blades and the amount of ultrasonic energy used to break up the cataractous lens in phacoemulsification (ultrasonic lens removal). When compared to advanced micro-incision cataract surgery, laser cataract surgery leads to improved accuracy and patient comfort as well as less time in surgery and a quick, smooth recovery.

What are the Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery?

Laser cataract surgery provides for more accurate and precise creation of the construction of the opening in the front of the lens capsule. It helps to break up the lens and reduces the amount of ultrasound energy needed to remove the lens. It also reduces the amount of astigmatism in the eye.

Laser Cataract Surgery Skokie IL

Am I a Candidate for Cataract Surgery?

Ophthalmologists may offer laser cataract surgery to patients who have cataracts as well as astigmatism. Most people require cataract surgery when the cataracts interfer with their ability to see adequately to drive, read, or perform normal activities. The use of laser technique can help to remove the cataractous lens and also reshape the cornea to help correct astigmatism.

Patients who choose a premium intraocular lens such as a multifocal IOL or an astigmatism-correcting toric IOL for their cataract surgery may also desire a laser procedure. Many ophthalmologists prefer this technique for premium IOLs because the laser provides more precise opening of the front lens capsule of the eye, in some circumstances may provide better placement of the IOL within the eye, and reduces the amount of ultrasound required to remove the lens.

How is Laser Cataract Surgery Performed?

Patients are lightly sedated during laser cataract surgery and comfort is maintained with numbing eye drops. The procedure is usually completed in 15 to 20 minutes. During laser surgery, patients may see a kaleidoscope of lights. Usually only a mild pressure sensation is  felt with little or no discomfort.

After removing the diseased lens with laser and ultrasound cataract surgery, an intraocular lens implant (IOL) is inserted in the eye in order to provide clear vision. The sophisticated IOLs available today can correct astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. Many patients become independent of glasses.

After surgery, patients are observed in a recovery area for about 15 minutes before being released to be driven home.

What Results Can I Expect?

The objective of laser cataract surgery is to restore the clearest possible vision with maximum precision. Removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, intraocular lens helps to achieve restored vision. The use of laser technology  also improves vision caused by astigmatic refractive error. This can mean that patients have a greater chance of reducing or eliminating their reliance on eyeglasses after laser cataract surgery.

How Long Does It Take To Recover from Laser Cataract Surgery?

Some patients notice improved visual clarity right after cataract surgery. However, often vision is commonly blurry for a few days after the procedure. Usually recovery from laser cataract surgery is quick. Patients leave the surgery center soon after their procedure and return to most normal activities within days. They are instructed not to touch the eye that had surgery and to avoid swimming pools and hot tubs for 5 weeks after surgery.

Laser Cataract Surgery - Dr. Sondheimer

Are There Risks to Laser Cataract Surgery?

Every cataract surgery has risks.

Dr. Sondheimer helps his patients determine whether or not their degree of vision impairment from cataracts warrant taking some risk and having surgery. Well over 99% of patients have excellent vision after cataract surgery.

Patients with reduced vision potential from retinal detachment, macular degeneration, glaucoma, or a “lazy eye” won’t be able to see normally after cataract surgery. Dr. Sondheimer performs a thorough history, eye examination, and special testing before cataract removal to detect pre existing conditions and to facilitate successful outcomes.

Sometimes, macular injury, retinal detachment, glaucoma, corneal decompensation or infection may impair vision following cataract surgery. Rarely the human lens can’t be completely removed, the lens implant needs to be replaced or repositioned, or a intraocular lens can’t be implanted at the time of the original cataract surgery, requiring additional surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Sondheimer for Cataracts Treatment

Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer has extensive expertise in performing refractive cataract surgery that reduces the need to use corrective eyewear following cataract surgery. Many of his patients see well without corrective lenses after cataract surgery in the distance, intermediate, and near. Dr. Sondheimer has been performing cataract surgery since 1982 and has extensive expertise providing many of the latest and most advanced cataract vision restoring technologies since they have been developed.

He also has extensive expertise helping patients decide whether with monovision treatment (one eye for near and the other for far) is the best choice for them. Cataract surgery is a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve your vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses for distance, intermediate and near. Dr. Sondheimer helps his patients choose the best technologies and strategies to become independent of glasses after cataract surgery.

Cataract Patient Testimonials

"Dr. Sondheimer performed laser cataract surgery on my right eye about 6 weeks ago and the result was outstanding. I have never seen better. The whole world is clearer and brighter. I would recommend this surgery to anyone having a problem with cataracts. And I would definitely recommend Dr. Sondheimer!"

- Leona C.

"Dr. Sondheimer gave very thorough explanations of the cataract surgeries I was to have. He made the procedures and choices I would have very clear. The procedures and the post-op check-ups went well. I appreciate the time he spends during appointments …never feel rushed or uninformed. Thank you."

- Helen H.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about laser cataract surgery, please call 847.677.2794 to schedule a consultation with vision specialist Dr. Stuart Sondheimer at his office in Skokie, IL.

For more information on IntraLase® technology, please click here.

Laser Cataract Surgery Faqs:

When Should I Consider Cataract Surgery?

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