Fox Valley Ophthalmology provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages at our St. Charles and Elgin locations. From routine exams and contact lens fittings to advanced surgical care for cataracts and glaucoma, our physicians and staff are here to protect your vision at every stage of life.

Family Eye Care & Comprehensive Exams

To maintain good vision and to keep your eyes healthy, it is important to have routine eye exams. For those with stable vision and without any eye disease, having an eye exam every two years is recommended. At this exam your eyes will be dilated so the doctor can examine your retina, your vision will be checked, and you will be screened for eye diseases and disorders. If further testing is required, a more comprehensive exam and additional testing will be scheduled.

If you experience any changes in your vision between regularly scheduled visits, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can be the key to preventing vision loss.

Signs You May Need an Eye Exam

Seek immediate care if you experience sudden loss of vision, sudden hazy or blurred vision, flashes of light, halos around lights, or a curtain-like blotting of vision.

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens. Vision through eyes with cataracts is often described as looking through a foggy window or piece of wax paper. Cataract development is usually a gradual process of normal aging, though it can occasionally occur rapidly. Many people are unaware they have cataracts because the changes in their vision happen so gradually.

Cataracts are very common, affecting roughly 60% of people over the age of 60. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations performed today — over 1.5 million procedures are performed in the United States each year, with a 95% successful outcome rate. In most cases, vision and quality of life improve significantly following surgery.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Advanced Lens Options

Fox Valley Ophthalmology offers a range of premium intraocular lens (IOL) options to suit your lifestyle after cataract surgery — from standard monofocal lenses to advanced multifocal and toric lenses designed to reduce dependence on glasses for near and distance vision. Ask your doctor which lens option is right for you.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition caused by elevated fluid pressure within the eye. If fluid does not drain adequately, pressure builds up and can damage the optic nerve, leading to gradual and permanent vision loss. One of the greatest dangers of glaucoma is that there are often no symptoms until vision loss becomes apparent — making regular eye exams that include intraocular pressure testing critically important.

Fox Valley Ophthalmology offers the newest technology to diagnose and monitor glaucoma. The GCX nerve fiber analyzer creates a color-coded, three-dimensional thickness map of the optic nerve to detect subtle changes. Combined with standard pressure checks (tonometry) and visual field testing (perimetry), our doctors can diagnose and successfully manage the disease. Although glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, early diagnosis, careful monitoring, and treatment can often prevent significant vision loss.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Treatment to control elevated pressure may include medicated eye drops, laser treatments, or surgical procedures. Annual comprehensive dilated eye exams are recommended for all high-risk individuals.

Retinal Care

The retina is comparable to the film in a camera — it requires specialized care to maintain health and to treat disease or injury. Fox Valley Ophthalmology offers the services of a fellowship-trained medical retinologist, providing expert care for a wide range of retinal conditions.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. While it does not typically lead to complete blindness, it can severely limit a patient's ability to see fine detail or read. In cases diagnosed early, treatment may slow progression significantly. Our doctors closely follow the latest research and treatment advances to provide patients with the most current options available.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness and a complication of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Because it can be present with no noticeable symptoms, the best protection for patients with diabetes is regular ophthalmologic examination and early treatment when needed. In some cases, diabetes and other systemic diseases may first be detected during a routine eye examination of an apparently healthy individual.

Cosmetics & Aesthetics

Fox Valley Ophthalmology offers a variety of medical aesthetic treatments and products to help you look and feel your best. Our physicians bring a uniquely precise, medically-trained approach to cosmetic care around the eyes and face.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a non-surgical treatment for moderate to severe frown lines. A few tiny injections reduce the muscle contractions that cause persistent lines, with results visible within days and lasting up to four months. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of patients rated their improvement as moderate to better. Ask us about the Allē rewards program to earn savings on future treatments.

Juvéderm® Dermal Fillers

Juvéderm is a smooth-consistency, hyaluronic acid filler manufactured by Allergan — the makers of BOTOX®. It provides long-lasting correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, with results that can last up to one year with a single treatment. Administered in a smooth, controlled injection, it allows for individualized facial contouring with a natural result.

Juvéderm Voluma® XC

The first and only FDA-approved injectable gel to instantly add volume to the cheek area, correcting age-related volume loss in adults over 21. Voluma can provide subtle lift and improved contour for up to two years with optimal treatment.

Juvéderm Volbella® XC

An FDA-approved, non-surgical lip treatment proven effective for increasing lip fullness and reducing the appearance of vertical lines around the mouth. Volbella helps achieve long-lasting soft, smooth lips — ideal for replenishing lost volume, smoothing smoker's lines, and enhancing your natural shape.

LATISSE™

LATISSE™ is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for growing longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes. Applied daily to the base of the upper lash line, its active ingredient bimatoprost works by increasing the percentage of hairs in the active growth phase — producing eyelashes that are noticeably longer, thicker, and darker over time.

Obagi Medical Skincare

We carry a curated selection of Obagi medical-grade skincare products, including ELASTIderm eye cream, Obagi Hydrate Luxe, Dermatix Ultra scar treatment, Sun Shield Matte SPF 50, and the Professional-C serum portfolio. Ask our staff which products are right for your skin concerns.

Contact Lenses

Fox Valley Ophthalmology provides contact lens fittings and prescriptions for a wide range of patients, including those with astigmatism, presbyopia, and hard-to-fit eyes. Our doctors take the time to ensure your lenses are comfortable, healthy for your eyes, and optimized for your vision needs.

We carry a variety of soft and specialty lens options, including daily disposables, extended wear, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal designs. Contact lens exams are available at both our St. Charles and Elgin locations.

You may also order your contact lens refills conveniently online. Contact our office for details or to schedule a fitting.

Optical — Eyes of the Fox

Eyes of the Fox is our in-house optical department, specializing in prescription eyewear for men, women, children, and even infants. Our Certified Opticians have both the expertise and experience to fit patients whose needs are unusual and who might be turned away by other optical providers.

Eyes of the Fox offers a wide selection of the highest-quality, fashionable frames and the latest lens innovations — including anti-reflective, blue-light filtering, photochromic, and progressive lens options — to fill even the most complex prescriptions while providing the finest in vision, style, and comfort.

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Both our St. Charles and Elgin locations maintain a complete selection of sunglasses, sports glasses, and optical accessories. Eyewear repairs are also available. All optical appointments are by appointment only.

LASIK

Fox Valley Ophthalmology provides LASIK consultations to evaluate whether you are a candidate for laser vision correction. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a safe, proven procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism — reducing or eliminating dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Our physicians will perform a thorough pre-operative evaluation, review your medical history, and discuss your vision goals to determine if LASIK or an alternative refractive procedure is the right option for you. Ideal candidates are generally over age 18 with stable vision and healthy corneas.