Cataract is the progressive clouding of the lens, commonly affecting people above 65 years of age resulting in visual impairment decreasing the quality of life.
Cataracts tend to be progressive and are treated with an operation that replaces the cloudy lens and helps restore vision.
Cataract surgery is carried out as a day-case procedure. It is performed under a local anaesthetic and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It involves making a small cut in the eye, emulsifying and removal of cloudy lens while keeping intact the supporting bag. An artificial lens, carefully selected to suit your eye via a biometry is then inserted into the supporting bag and adequately positioned.
Private surgery offers a choice of lenses, including some premium lenses generally not available on the NHS. Not all lenses are suitable for every eye and a detailed discussion about the best lens suitable for individual needs and lifestyle will be conducted.
Monofocal lenses have a single point of focus – to work either for distance or near. Multifocal lenses can focus for both distance and near with some compromise on vision quality. Accommodating lenses can act like varifocals, focusing at all distances.
Recovery from cataract surgery can take up to 6 weeks. You are advised to wear an eye pad and shield for 24 hours after surgery and use drops for 3 weeks. You might experience symptoms like red eye, watering, blurry vision, and gritty sensation. These symptoms gradually settle and you will be seen a week and 6 weeks post the operation.