Cataract Treatment & Surgery
A cataract is a clouding in the lens of the eye, which generally occurs with increasing age. Age-related cataracts are one of the leading causes of visual impairment among adults aged 55 and older. However, younger people can also develop cataracts due to family history, medical conditions such as diabetes, certain medications and other longstanding eye problems.
Cataracts affect the ability to focus clearly and make it difficult to see in certain conditions. Symptoms include double or blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare, and a change in how colours appear.
Living with cataracts
In the early stages of a cataract, glasses or contact lenses can help correct minor visual problems. But there are no non-surgical alternatives, such as eye drops, exercise or glasses, to make the cataract disappear once it has formed. Eventually the condition may worsen to the point where vision is seriously impaired. If this happens, the most effective treatment is to surgically remove the affected lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Surgery is safe, effective and painless.
The Optegra treatment
Cataract surgery is typically performed under local anaesthetic on an out-patient basis and can take less than half an hour. The Consultant makes a tiny incision on the surface of the eye and uses ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens, which is then removed and replaced with the new permanent artificial lens.
Modern cataract surgery is now a bespoke service, customised to the individual patient. There are a wide variety of lenses available, which the Consultant will discuss with you on a one-to-one basis.
Follow-up and aftercare
Following surgery, the majority of patients are able to resume everyday life within just a few days, although it is advisable to take it easy at first. Your Consultant will discuss with you what you can and can’t do. We will ask you to return within a day or two of surgery for a follow-up consultation with your surgeon to discuss your surgery and the results.
Frequently asked questions
Will there be any pain?
The operation itself is pain free. Afterwards, you may experience itching and mild discomfort, which is normal. These should disappear in just one or two days.
How quickly will my vision be restored?
Your vision will be blurry at first and you may be asked to wear a protective patch. Your sight should return a few hours after the operation and your vision should improve quickly over the next week or two, reaching its optimum at 4-6 weeks.
What is the success rate of cataract surgery?
With today’s advanced methods and ultra-modern equipment, cataract surgery enjoys a very high success rate of patients who experience improved vision with no complications. For those few patients with no improvement, there is usually a different underlying eye condition, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Are there any complications?
Although the success rate of cataract surgery is extremely high and its side effects extremely low, there are possible complications. One of the most common is an inflammatory reaction where swelling and tenderness occur around the eye. This is easily treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The second most common side effect is fluid retention in the eye, known as macular oedema. This is more frequently seen in patients with prior health problems, such as diabetes. There are treatments, but the problem usually resolves itself.
Am I too old to have cataract surgery?
You are never too old to have cataract surgery. If it will improve your vision and make daily activities easier, it is usually a good idea to have surgery.
