Custom Cataract Surgery

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant Options

Traditionally, basic intraocular lenses were used, requiring most patients to still need glasses or contacts after surgery. At Northwest Eye Center, we offer advanced or “Premium IOLs” to improve vision, and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts after surgery.

Advanced Lens Options:

• LenSx Femtosecond Laser: Treats mild astigmatism with laser incisions and allows more precise lens placement with smaller, faster healing incisions. Dr. Dilman uses LenSx laser-assisted technology to create a limbal relaxing incision (LRI) to treat astigmatism and decrease the need for glasses.
• Toric Lens (Astigmatism correcting): Toric intraocular lenses are an excellent option for treating moderate to high astigmatism, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses. These lenses provide the most precise correction available. Most patients receiving this IOL significantly improve uncorrected distance vision, but this does not correct near vision.
• Vivity/Panoptix Multifocal Lens (Distance and Near): Allows patients to see both near and far, providing an exciting new level of vision. These lenses are designed to cater to different lighting and focal distances. They provide clear vision for various daily activities, from night driving to reading small print.

Understanding your cataract surgery options:

• You will be scheduled for a thorough eye examination to review your overall eye health, identify and risk factors and determine if you are a candidate for the procedure.
• Dr. Dilman will review the various benefits of each IOL to help you decide what is best for your lifestyle needs and vision goals.
• Risks and benefits of the elective surgical procedure will be reviewed.

Scheduling your Cataract Surgery:

• Dr. Dilman performs cataract surgery at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, IL.
• You will work with the surgical coordinator to select an appropriate surgery date.
• If you require cataract surgery in both eyes, they will have to be scheduled 2-4 weeks apart.
• You will also be scheduled for an additional appointment ahead of surgery to get pre-surgical measurements and counseling. This will enable the surgeon to customize your cataract surgery to your individual eye needs.
• You will be advised to obtain a pre-surgical medical clearance from your primary care provider.
• Following your cataract consultation, with Dr. Dilman, the surgical coordinator will follow up with you to address any remaining questions or concerns.

Surgical Procedure

• Incision and Removal: Using a laser for precise incisions, the surgeon makes an opening to remove the cloudy lens. The lens is broken into small pieces with ultrasound energy and then carefully removed through the small incision.
• Insertion of New Lens: A new lens (IOL) is inserted through the incision and positioned in the natural lens capsule.
• Closing the Incision: Most incisions are self-sealing, meaning they close on their own without stitches.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Recovery:

• Most patients experience a quick recovery, with improved vision within a few days.
• Post-surgery, patients are advised to use prescribed eye drops, avoid strenuous activities, and refrain from rubbing their eyes for several weeks.
  
• Patients are examined at their scheduled post-operative visits at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month out from the surgery.

Femtosecond laser