Panton Eye Center

The term “Cataract” refers to the eye’s lens becoming clouded as a normal part of the aging process. It is sometimes compared to a window that is frosted, steamed or yellowed. In most cases, cataracts develop slowly over a number of years. However, conditions such as diabetes and trauma may cause cataract symptoms to develop early. The term “Cataract” refers to the eye’s lens becoming clouded as a normal part of the aging process. It is sometimes compared to a window that is frosted, steamed or yellowed. In most cases, cataracts develop slowly over a number of years. However, conditions such as diabetes and trauma may cause cataract symptoms to develop early. Blurred vision is the most frequently noted cataract symptom. Many patients first notice blurred vision during activities such as reading and driving, particularly night driving. It is also common for cataract patients to experience a generalized haze and difficulty with color perception. Halos and glare around lights such as headlights or streetlights are also very common. Our doctors will work with you to help you decide when cataract surgery is needed. Generally, you will want to consider surgery when your cataracts have progressed enough to seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life. Many people consider poor vision an inevitable fact of aging, but cataract surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure to regain vision, and cataract surgery recovery is a relatively simple process.

Choosing the right eye LASIK surgery center is the first, and most important decision you will make during your LASIK journey. No matter what, it is important to make sure you feel comfortable with not only your surgeon, but also the LASIK center overall. Knowing that you are in good hands and that you made the right decision will give you peace of mind throughout your entire LASIK procedure. As a leading provider of LASIK surgery in Elmwood, IL, the LASIK Institute at Panton Eye Center strives to provide our patients with quality service that will benefit their overall eye health, and give them the results they deserve. For more information on LASIK, you can download information from our website, request a consultation or sign up for one of our LASIK seminars.

Contact lenses are the preferred method of vision correction for many people. Whether you wear contact lenses for cosmetic reasons or athletic activities, successful contact lens wear depends on a team effort involving patient, technician and doctor. Our technicians are highly skilled and have years of experience fitting all types of contact lenses. The risk of complications or infections is minimal with contact lenses if they are properly cared for and if the patient has regular follow-up care. However, not all patients can wear contact lenses based on individual medical conditions or refractive error. In some instances, glasses are the best option for vision correction. Based upon your eye examination, the technician and doctor will determine if you are a candidate for contact lenses and will recommend the type of lens that would best meet your needs.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older people. Loss of sight from glaucoma is often preventable if you get treatment early enough. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries the images we see to the brain. Many people know that glaucoma has something to do with pressure inside the eye. The higher the pressure inside the eye, the greater the chance of damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is made up of a large number of nerve fibers, like an electric cable containing a huge number of wires. Glaucoma can damage nerve fibers causing blind spots to develop. Usually people don't notice these blind areas until much of the optic nerve damage has already occurred. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results. Early detection and treatment by a qualified ophthalmologist are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.