Cataract and Implant Surgery

Find Relief With Cataract Surgery

Your vision should always be clear due to the natural lenses we have within our eyes but when cataracts set in, you may experience clouded vision. This cloudy effect on your eyesight cannot be wiped or cleaned away. Once your vision is blurry due to cataracts you should seek surgery to replace the lens so you can see clearly again.

Let the experienced and skilled optometrists at Eye Specialists of Rockford offer you the latest technology and treatments for your cataract surgery and implant needs. Due to recent developments in the procedure, cataract surgery is much safer and more widely performed since the modern process is more comfortable for patients.

Cataract surgery is an elective procedure but we do advise that you don't delay the surgery since vision loss can be severe and affect your daily life. You should seek surgery once your vision is too cloudy to continue your daily activities as needed. Waiting too long for the surgery can make it more difficult for you and can increase your healing time.

Don't delay your cataract surgery, lens implants, or treatment for a range of eye problems including astigmatism. Our doctors will talk with you about your options and find the right solution for your needs. Using the latest treatments and technology we can restore your eyesight! Contact us today. We accept most insurance. View our new patient form here.

Outpatient Cataract Procedures

Dr. Malik performs the majority of cataract surgeries on an outpatient basis at Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center and the rest are completed at the hospital. The procedure consists of the removal of the clouded lens by way of a small slit in the cornea with a technology called phacoemulsification. Through this process, the cataract is emulsified with ultrasonic waves which suction the remainder of the material out.

A new lens, called an IOL (intraocular lens) replaces the clouded lens in the vacated capsule. Your new lenses will allow better light focus in the back of the eye which will allow you to achieve better vision. Sutures are not needed in most cases since the surgical wound will heal quickly enough on its own.

Some issues patients may experience after cataract surgery are itchiness, mild discomfort, and scratchiness of the eye. These mild annoyances should disappear a few days after the procedure and to ensure optimal healing, you are urged to refrain from any eye rubbing for several weeks after your surgery. We will prescribe eye drops which can be used for 4 - 6 weeks after surgery. Surgery is completed on one eye at a time and if new glasses are needed, we can prescribe them 2 - 4 weeks after the second eye is done. 

Latest Multifocal IOL Implants

For patients who suffer from cataracts, presbyopia, or severe refractive errors, their natural lenses can be replaced with artificial lenses called IOLs (intraocular lenses). With recent developments, IOLs can now remedy a range of problems rather than just correct distance vision. These lenses were used to improve distance vision after cataract surgery but patients still need glasses or contacts for near-sight activities like reading.

With advancements in technology, IOLs can now help patients see better up close along with long distance. Multifocal IOLs such as ReSTOR®, Tecnis Multifocal™ help to preserve distance vision and correct presbyopia so cataract surgery patients can enjoy completely clear sight without relying on contacts or glasses.

Treat Astigmatism With Toric IOLs

Many people suffer from astigmatism which creates blurrier vision. It is caused by the misshaped cornea which may be more curved in one direction compared to the other. Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. There have been advancements recently made for treating astigmatism at the same time as cataract surgery and there are two options available.

One option is limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) also called corneal relaxing incisions, which are better for mild amounts of astigmatism than it is for moderate or severe cases. The other option utilizes a toric intraocular lens (toric IOL) and is great for precisely treating astigmatism to produce excellent distance vision without the need for glasses