Cataract Surgery in Alton

Cataract Surgery in Alton

Offering Pre-Operative & Post-Operative Care

(618) 462-7611

Don’t Let Cataracts Cloud Your Vision

Over 50% of people aged 65 and older have a cataract in one or both eyes. As the cataract progresses, vision deteriorates, leading to a decreased quality of life. Fortunately, cataract surgery can easily treat this condition.

Senior couple smiling

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are cloudy patches that develop on the lens of your eye. Cataracts can cause blurred or double vision, may increase light sensitivity and interfere with driving, especially at night. Without cataract surgery, millions of people around the world would be unable to see clearly.

The most common symptoms include:
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Trouble seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to glare
  • Colored halos around lights
  • Colors appearing more faded
  • Requiring brighter light for reading

When to Get Cataract Surgery

As we evaluate your eye health and vision, we'll carefully examine your lens for signs of cataract formation. If a cataract is detected and the clouding is causing visual disruption, our optometrist will refer you to a trusted surgeon for cataract surgery. Crown Vision Center - Alton will be there for you, providing pre and post cataract surgery care.

As the condition begins to seriously impair your vision and adversely affects your daily life, impacting your ability to read, drive, watch TV or recognize faces, you should seriously consider surgery.

Woman smiling

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

  • High success rate

    Cataract surgery, one of the world’s most commonly performed surgeries, has a 95% success rate.

  • Quick and convenient

    This procedure can take just 30 to 45 minutes in an outpatient setting or hospital.

  • Prevents other eye problems

    Removing cataracts can reduce the risk of eye inflammation and pressure inside the eye–a leading cause of glaucoma.

  • Rapid recovery time

    Patients start seeing more clearly within a few days. Colors may seem brighter thanks to the new, clear lens.


How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

  • Apply antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eyedrops a few days before surgery if instructed to by your eye doctor
  • Arrange for a ride after the surgery, since you won’t be able to drive
  • Wash your face in the morning of the procedure and don’t wear eye makeup, strong perfumes or aftershave

What Happens During Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery removes your natural cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to improve and restore vision. This common and very safe procedure is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an outpatient basis.

  • The eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) will perform cataract surgery on one eye at a time. That means that you will come in for another surgery on the second eye. The procedure is brief and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
  • The eye doctor will place drops into your eyes to numb them and dilate your pupils. Though you’ll be conscious during the procedure, you may be offered a sedative to help you remain calm. The eye surgeon will then remove your natural lens and replace it with the IOL. You should feel no pain or discomfort thanks to the anesthetic.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery After-Care

Senior couple with glasses

After surgery, you may feel a bit drowsy as an after-effect of the sedative. Your eye doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection, inflammation and to reduce pressure within your eye. The surgeon may recommend that you wear an eye patch for a few days after your surgery and the protective shield when you sleep during the recovery period. Make sure to avoid rubbing your eyes or touching them unless necessary.

A day after cataract surgery, we'll provide a post-operative eye exam to make sure that all is well. Your Alton optometrist will further perform a series of follow-up exams in the weeks and months to come. If determined that you require corrective lenses following your cataract surgery, we'll make sure you get the proper prescription.


Cataract Surgery Management FAQs

What are side effects of cataract surgery?

While side effects are rare, there are some issues that people commonly encounter in the days after surgery, as the eyes heal.

  • Dry eye
  • Feeling that something is in the eye
  • Blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity

If any of these side effects do not subside within a week or two, please contact Crown Vision Center - Alton.

Can I delay cataract surgery

You can delay cataract surgery, but keep in mind that your vision will likely worsen the longer you put off the procedure.

When is cataract surgery not recommended?

Cataract patients who also have age-related macular degeneration or retinal detachment may not respond well to cataract surgery and the new lens may not correct vision.

Can cataract surgery give me 20/20 vision?

If you had great vision before developing cataracts, it’s likely that cataract surgery will restore your sight. Moreover, the IOL inserted into your eye can be designed to correct refractive errors, providing you with clear vision.

Patient Reviews
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448 Reviews
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- Oct. 10, 2024
I was on a riverboat cruise and had lost a pad on the nose piece of my glasses. I had suffered for ... 2 days when we arrived in Alton. I took a chance and walked into Crown Vision Center, hoping they might make a repair for a decent price. I was greeted quickly and with kindness. When I explained my problem, the young lady said " I'll repair/replace both nose pads, just give me a minute". She did it in less than five minutes and would not charge me a cent! I would definitely make this my vision center of choice. Thanks you so much for your help and Midwestern hospitality.
- Sep. 15, 2024
Initial Kindergarten vision exam went smooth. Now the only doctor that my 5-yr-old daughter Jade is ... not scared to visit.
- Sep. 04, 2024
Katie was super quick, efficient, and very kind! She also found a few coupons to help with my glasse... s and contacts! The rest of the staff was also very friendly and professional.
- Sep. 03, 2024
Been going for years. Drove from Springfield IL to Alton because they was the only ones that heard m... e about my care. Thank you for listening and hearing me. 💚
- Jul. 27, 2024
Excellent staff! I love the Alton office!
- Jul. 17, 2024
Great place to get your eye's checked out and your eye need's
- Jun. 08, 2024
Katie was so professional, helpful and made my experience so easy with my insurance. She was the rea... son why I had such a pleasant experience and I would highly recommend Crown.
- May. 02, 2024
Always quick and the most helpful
- Mar. 29, 2024
My son and I love our treatment and glasses the team was wonderful
- Mar. 29, 2024
quick easy and nice people
- Mar. 21, 2024
The staff are very pleasant! Exceptional customer service!!
- Feb. 15, 2024
Good place
- Jan. 20, 2024
Friendly, fast service.
- Jan. 11, 2024
Dr. Levi and her staff are very professional and friendly
- Dec. 20, 2023
I was worried my Lined Bifocals would be dorky looking, lol, but I was surprised and impressed that ... they were discreet and barely noticeable, save your money and just go with the lined ones if you need them, also EVERYONE at Crown was friendly & professional. 🤓
- Dec. 18, 2023
Nice knowledgeable staff
- Nov. 12, 2023
Great place
- Oct. 31, 2023
Great experience!! Everyone was very nice! Very efficient! Definitely will recommend to others!!
- Oct. 04, 2023
The gals, a Crown are fantastic! They are always extremely helpful and I’ve never had an issue
- Sep. 29, 2023
Awesome staff and very knowledgeable Managment

View All 448 Reviews

Your Cataract Surgery Co-Management Specialist in Alton

Our optometry practice in Alton

Photograph of Christina  Levi
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Metlife
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed

Want to see clearly again?

Contact us today for pre-operative and post-operative care

(618) 462-7611

Senior woman