Retina Surgery and Procedures
in Chicago
Intravitreal injections
Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the eye with a small needle. The medication inhibits the growth of the abnormal blood vessels that contribute to vision loss in wet macular degeneration (AMD).
Retinal laser therapy
Laser surgery can be used to control leaking blood vessels and inhibit the growth of more abnormal vessels in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
The type of procedure used to repair a detached retina [[link to Eye Conditions > retinal detachment] depends on the characteristics of the break. Laser retinal surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), placement of a scleral buckle and vitrectomy are all options. Laser therapy involves the surgeon making small burns near the edge of a tear in the retina. This creates a scar that seals the tear and prevents the collection of fluid under it. Cryotherapy involves freezing the outside of the eye in the area under the retinal tear. This also creates a scar that seals the retina. A scleral buckle is a band that can be placed that keeps the retina and eye together as the scar tissue forms.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a surgery to remove some or all the vitreous (thick transparent substance) from within the eye. In many patients, such as those with diabetic retinopathy, the vitreous may become full of blood. Left untreated, this may obscure vision or lead to scar tissue that may damage the retina.
Argus II retinal chip implant
The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis is an electronic implant designed to improve the vision of those with severe cases of retinitis pigmentosa.
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Contact Lens Service
Thanks to advances in optical technology, almost everyone can wear contact lenses, regardless of the type or extent of their vision problems. This includes patients with astigmatism and those who need bifocal or multifocal contact lenses. At Illinois Eye at Millennium Park, we offer a comprehensive array of contact lenses to suit individual needs — from daily disposables to extended-wear soft contacts to rigid gas-permeable lenses. Talk with us to find out which contact lenses are best for you.
Bifocal Contact Lenses
Bifocal contact lenses are an advanced type of lens ideal for patients suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia, a natural change to the eyes that occurs around the age of 40 and affects near vision. They provide clear, customized vision at all distances without surgery, eliminating the need for glasses.
The lenses are available in different materials and with several vision correction options. The best lens choice can vary depending on the preference and specific needs of the patient.
Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid, gas-permeable contacts lenses offer some benefits over soft lenses, including:
- Correcting a wider range of vision problems, including a high degree of astigmatism
- Providing sharper vision
- Allowing more oxygen to pass through to the eye, reducing the risk of corneal irritation
- Lasting longer—as long as two or three years
Gas-permeable lenses are more likely than soft lenses to slip off the center of your eye, making them an inconvenient choice for patients who play sports or participate in physically demanding activities. However, most patients soon grow accustomed to the feel of gas-permeable lenses and are satisfied with the improvement in vision they offer without the need for glasses.
Soft Contact Lenses
Daily-wear Soft Contacts
Lenses are made of a flexible plastic polymer and are put in each morning and taken out every night. They are stored in a fluid overnight and are disinfected with a multipurpose solution of hydrogen peroxide. Daily-wear contacts come in many colors and typically are replaced on a scheduled basis ranging from every day, biweekly, monthly or every three months. Some older-type lenses can be used for up to a year.
Extended-wear Soft Contacts
Lenses can be worn all the time, including while you sleep. Depending on whether you have 7-day (standard) or 30-day lenses, you only need to take out and clean your contacts once a week or once a month. Extended-wear lenses are made of materials containing silicone, which allows more oxygen to reach the eye. Though extended-wear lenses offer convenience, they carry more risk for infection,
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid lenses are part rigid gas permeable and part soft lens. The central portion of the lens is rigid, offering superior optics. A soft lens skirt surrounds the central rigid portion contributing to comfort and lens stability. There are different designs to address a wide variety of patient needs.
Medically Necessary Contact Lenses and complex cases
Medically necessary contact lenses are not a type of lens but rather are lenses with a purpose. A number of ocular diseases lead to circumstances where glasses do not provide good vision. Additionally, eye trauma cases and some post-operative conditions are best treated with contact lenses. The physicians at Millennium Park Eye Center are specially trained and have decades of experience managing these difficult cases with a high degree of success.
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If you're interested in learning more about retina surgery or contact leas services please contact us for a consultation at 312-996-2020 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.