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Cataract Surgery

Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness, gradually cause vision to become blurry or distorted and can drastically impact your lifestyle.

At Deen-Gross Eye Centers, our board-certified ophthalmologists can perform safe, precise cataract surgery to improve your eyesight.

What can cataract surgery at our Hobart and Merrillville, IN, offices achieve? 

Experiencing a Vision Emergency?

Cataracts usually develop slowly, allowing you to plan for eventual cataract surgery. However, cataracts sometimes appear suddenly, spurred by factors like eye injuries or medical conditions. If you're experiencing changes to your vision, our team is here to answer your call 24/7. Call (219) 769-8989 to arrange a consultation at our Merrillville or Hobart office as soon as possible.

diagram of a normal lens and one affected by cataracts

What Is a Cataract? 

A cataract occurs when the crystalline lens (the clear lens behind the cornea) starts to become opaque and compromises the light that enters your eyes, decreasing your vision. Cataracts usually develop over time due to age, but medical conditions like diabetes and other eye conditions can increase your risk for cataracts. While cataracts don't harm your eye, they can impair your vision to the point where your quality of life suffers. Our doctors can use the latest techniques in ophthalmology to remove cataracts and restore your vision.

Treatment Can Be Nothing Short of Life-Changing

See More Clearly

After cataract surgery, you will no longer suffer from blurred, distorted vision. Instead, you will be able to see much more clearly, and may even be able to reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear. 

Enjoy Greater Independence

Many cataract sufferers find themselves struggling to complete daily activities and even safely move around. With improved vision, you will be able to have a more independent lifestyle.

Feel More Confident

Many patients find that cataract surgery improves nearly every aspect of their life. Imagine enjoying your favorite activities again, whether you miss reading, knitting, or getting outdoors more often.

Only Surgery Can Achieve a Dramatic Outcome

Cataract surgery makes a difference in your eye's health and appearance. Cloudy lenses are cleared to restore the look of how your natural lens once appeared. 

before cataract surgery

Before Surgery

after cataract surgery

After Surgery

The Deen Gross Eye Care Team

Stop Vision Loss

and Prevent Other Risks

Request a Consultation

You risk your vision by putting off cataract surgery. Over time, as cataracts worsen, your vision may become so cloudy that it's difficult to see anything. This loss of vision means missing out on important moments and increasing your risk of injury due to inadequate eyesight. By avoiding cataract surgery, you also risk developing glaucoma, an irreversible eye condition. Cataract surgery gives you back your health and independence.

Call us to get started with a consultation at our Merrillville or Hobart, IN, offices:

(219) 769-8989

"A new lease on life" Patients Thank Our Hobart and Merrillville Teams

1

Jantonio S.

Hobart, IN

2023

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It gave me a new lease on life after my cataract surgery

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1

Amber Razo

Merrillville, IN

2023

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Before cataract surgery, my husband said everything was just black and he can now see things clearly again!! Thank you, Dr. Nelson, for being so wonderful! 

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Each of Our Doctors Is Board Certified

Board certification denotes an ophthalmologist of advanced knowledge and skill, even in comparison to already highly qualified peers.

Drs. Gross and Nelson are board-certified ophthalmologists. Dr. Taffora is a board-certified optometrist. They each earned their honored distinctions by completing extensive education, passing comprehensive examinations, and undergoing specialized training. 

A Huge Number of People ​Suffer from Cataracts

"Thank God for Dr. Gross.!!!" Our Surgical Solutions Provide Results For Merrillville

1

L Hall

Merrillville, IN

2022

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Successful and impressive cataract surgery by Dr. David Gross. Have been a patient of Dr. Gross for over 18 years. He and his staff were very helpful in preparing me for surgeries and after care. Thank you for Dr. Taffora for her care through the years. Office and tech staff have always been professional and helpful. Would highly recommend Dr. David Gross for all your ophthalmology needs 

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1

florence walker

Merrillville, IN

2022

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Dr. Gross saved my eye yes. Ago with the help of the Lord. I had a serious eye injury and they said my eye was dead I only saw white he treated my eye and afterwards I could see again. The injury caused a cataract to form he operated and did an eye plant I've been seeing good for a number of years. Thank God for Dr. Gross.!!!

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Front of the Deen Gross Eye Building

Financing

Your Cataract Surgery 

While insurance coverage will vary depending on your provider and plan, most insurance plans cover some part of the cost since cataract surgery is a necessity for many patients. Our dedicated financial team can help you find out how much of the cost your insurance plan will cover. 

We also partner with CareCredit®, a financing company dedicated to healthcare, to offer no to low-interest monthly payment plans. If you choose this option, you can enjoy 0% interest for up to a full year. 

If you have any questions about financing, call our offices in Merrillville or Hobart at: 

(219) 769-8989

Am I Developing Cataracts? Factors to Consider

Severe Vision Impairment

Your vision is substantially obscured by cataracts, cannot be sufficiently corrected with visual aids, and detracts from your ability to live life fully.

Reliance on Lighting

You may find that you increasingly require bright lighting to complete normal tasks, such as reading.

What happens during cataract surgery?

First, the crystalline lens is broken up and removed. Next, through a small incision in your natural lens, your doctor will implant an intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the natural tissue and restore focus. 

Envisioning Your Treatment Timeline

Your treatment will be performed by one of our board-certified ophthalmologists at a medical facility located near our Merrillville practice.

Preparing for Treatment

It is important to be well informed about what to expect before, during, and after cataract surgery, which is why our team focuses on providing patients with comprehensive education.

During your pre-surgical consultation, it is important to voice your concerns, ask questions, and discuss your medical history with our Merrillville vision specialists. By communicating with our doctors, they can develop a completely customized course of treatment that yields optimal results.

 

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes less than a half hour to perform on each eye.

Day of the Procedure

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes less than a half hour to perform on each eye.

Numbing

Local anesthesia is used to completely numb the treatment area and eye drops are applied to dilate your pupil. Our practice also offers relaxing sedation to help you feel comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

Incisions

Our doctors will create tiny incisions near the edge of the cornea to reach the cataract. Lasers may also be used at this step to make the process less invasive. These incisions will close on their own so they do not require stitches.

Removing the Cataract

A probe will then be inserted through the incision and apply ultrasound waves to break up the cataract into multiple fragments. We then remove the small pieces of the clouded lens using a suction device. 

IOL Placement

Our doctor will then implant the artificial lens in your eye, which replaces the cloudy lens, to end the surgery, and your corneas will begin to heal. 

Cataract Surgery Can Also Improve Refractive Errors

While the primary purpose of this surgery is to address cataracts, removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an IOL can also correct existing refractive errors. The IOL we recommend will be based on whether you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. In this way, treatment can reduce or even completely eliminate your reliance on glasses and contacts.

We Use the Latest IOLs 

Once we remove the cataract, we can implant intraocular lenses to replace your clouded lens and improve your vision. There is a variety of artificial lenses available to meet a range of needs. Our doctors will explain your options during your consultation. 
 
Monofocal AcrySof IOL

Monofocal AcrySof IOL

Monofocal AcrySof® IOLs correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, but not both. Recipients will still need to wear glasses for certain tasks. 

AcrySof Toric IOL

AcrySof Toric IOL

The AcrySof® Toric IOL features the same high-end materials and design as the monofocal IOL, but it is designed for those with astigmatism. This intraocular lens can improve the clarity of distant objects and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses for patients with astigmatism.

Vivity Extended Depth of Focus IOL

Vivity Extended Depth of Focus IOL

Vivity EDOF IOLs can correct both far and nearsightedness while minimizing the risk of visual side effects like light halos. While Vivity EDOF IOLs have several benefits, they may not be able to correct more pronounced cases of nearsightedness.  

photo of a blue eye with an illustration of a high-tech lens

The Light Adjustable Lens

Is Our Newest Cutting-Edge Offering

We are proud to offer RxSight®'s Light Adjustable Lens™. This state-of-the-art solution is crafted from a unique lens material developed by a Nobel Prize-winning scientist.

It is the only IOL that can be customized after cataract surgery. 

This post-surgical modification is so important due to the inherent complexity of predicting how your eye will heal after surgery. By allowing for late-stage customization, the Light Adjustable Lens allows you to optimize your vision based on your individual needs and personal reaction to receiving IOLs. 

Patients Are 2x as Likely

to Experience 20/20 Vision

Adjustability only matters if the modifications lead to spectacular vision. A U.S. Food & Drug Administration study of 600 people found that compared to patients who received standard monofocal IOLs, Light Adjustable Lens recipients were twice as likely to enjoy 20/20 vision without glasses 6 months after surgery. 

Stop Suffering From Cloudy Vision Request a Cataract Surgery Consultation Today 

Are you struggling with daily tasks like reading or watching TV, even with glasses and plenty of light? Dr. David Gross and Dr. Jamie Taffora can remove your cataract and restore your vision with the latest IOLs. Our advanced technology and surgical techniques can make the procedure virtually painless and safe. 

During a consultation, our doctors can determine the best techniques and tools to serve your needs. We have offices in Hobart and Merrillville, IN, to serve you. Reach out today by completing our consultation request form or calling us at: 

(219) 769-8989

Cataract Surgery Is the Only Long-Term Solution

If your condition has escalated to the point that glasses and contacts are no longer sufficient to help you see, cataract surgery is your only other treatment option.

Fortunately, cataract surgery is considered to be an incredibly safe and effective solution. In fact, over 3,000,000 procedures are performed each year in the U.S.

Over 3,000,000 cataract procedures are performed each year in the U.S.

"I have no regrets whatsoever." More praise from Hobart and Merrillville Patients

1

RL Dale

Hobart, IN

2022

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First time patient. Just moved to area. Thought I had a retina detaching. They got me in quickly. Office staff, friendly, efficient. Got in on time. Dr. Nelson is excellent. Takes time to explain things to you , no rushing to get to next patient. Great group highly recommend

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1

Molly Cha

Merrillville, IN

2022

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Dr. Gross and his staff were straight to the point, very thorough in explaining what to except before, during and after the procedure. Super professional and answers all questions. I appreciated the frequent communication during the actual procedure, it made the procedure seem to fly by... I have no regrets whatsoever.

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After Your Cataracts Surgery

Although cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, our team asks that you relax your eyes for a short period of time at the medical facility immediately following treatment. By doing so, you decrease the risk for complications. We will provide eye drops and a complete set of instructions on how to take care of your eyes following your surgical treatment. 

  • Your vision may be slightly blurry immediately following surgery but your eyesight will dramatically improve over the next few days.
  • In most cases, patients continue to see positive, radical changes for up to two months after having cataract surgery.
  • You may experience mild soreness, sensitivity, and itching after surgery. It is important that you refrain from rubbing your eyes because that can cause retinal detachment, infection, and further complications. 

Our surgeons in Merrillville and Hobart will continue to supervise your progress as you recover. We require patients to schedule follow-up appointments every few weeks so our team can monitor your improvement.

Inside one of our exam rooms

Restore Your Eyesight Today 

Meet with Our Accomplished Doctors 

Our seasoned doctors have performed tens of thousands of cataract surgeries over the past few decades. By combining experience and education with the newest technology, our doctors can use sophisticated surgical techniques to remove cataracts while making significant improvements in your vision. We may even be able to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts. 

To find out more about how we can restore your vision, request a consultation by filling out our online form or calling our Merrillville office at: 

(219) 769-8989

Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery

What are the types of cataract surgery?

There are two main types of cataract surgery. One is phacoemulsification, where a probe inserted through a small incision breaks up the lens using ultrasound waves. The other is extracapsular cataract extraction, which is less common and involves a larger incision through which the cloudy lens is removed in one piece. Lasers can also be used when performing cataract surgery.

Will I need glasses after surgery?

You might need glasses, but many patients only need them for certain activities, and some don't need glasses at all. Whether or not you will need glasses after cataract surgery depends on many factors, such as your eyeglasses prescription and the IOL you receive. For example, patients who chose a monofocal IOL set for distance may need eyeglasses to read. 

How long is cataract surgery?

The surgery itself only takes about 15 minutes, but account for additional time dedicated to pre-operation and post-operation instructions and care. After the surgical process, you will need to remain at the medical facility for a brief time to rest your eyes. 

Can I drive myself home after surgery?

No, you will need to arrange a ride to pick you up, as you should avoid driving for at least 24 hours after your surgery. 

Is cataract surgery painful?

No, the surgical process is virtually painless thanks to numbing eye drops your doctor administers before your procedure. Some patients may experience discomfort or a gritty sensation after surgery. These symptoms can be relieved with prescription eye drops and over-the-counter pain medication. 

What's the difference between LASIK and cataract surgery?

Our ophthalmologist offers both LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) and cataract surgery. While both surgeries correct vision issues, the two surgical methods address different problems. With LASIK, the eye is healthy but has refractive errors that prevent clear sight. This surgery corrects vision by reshaping the cornea with laser technology. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens from the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens to restore vision.

"Great group highly recommend" 5-Star Care in Merrillville and Hobart

1

RL Dale

Hobart, IN

2022

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First time patient. Just moved to area. Thought I had a retina detaching. They got me in quickly. Office staff, friendly, efficient. Got in on time. Dr. Nelson is excellent. Takes time to explain things to you , no rushing to get to next patient. Great group highly recommend

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1

Dita Guha

Merrillville, IN

2022

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I rarely write reviews of medical offices, but today's positive experience was worth documenting. The staff is a reflection of leadership, so a big thank you for putting people like Sandra on the "front lines" of your institution!

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Deen-Gross Eye Center team

Deen-Gross Eye Centers

At Deen-Gross Eye Centers in Merrillville and Hobart, IN, we provide advanced solutions in a range of specialties. Using the latest technologies and techniques, Dr. David Gross, Dr. Jeffrey Nelson, and Dr. Jamie Taffora can truly transform your vision. Our doctors are affiliated with several notable organizations, including:

  • The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • The American Osteopathic Association
  • The American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • The Indiana State Medical Association

We are available 24/7 to treat emergencies. To get in touch with us, you can request a consultation online or call (219) 769-8989.

Contact Us

"After wearing glasses my entire life, Dr. Gross corrected my eyesight to better than 20/20 vision." Richard B - St. John, IN

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